The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and Vanderbilt Commodores meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at FirstBank Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview

Hawaii enters the second season under coach Timmy Chang and hope to build on 3 victories. Ian Shoemaker and Jacob Yoro are back for another season as offensive and defensive coordinators. Hawaii returns quarterback Brayden Schager who threw for 2,300 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Tylan Hines is back at running back after 600 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Jalen Walthall and Jonah Panoke are a receiving duo that combined for 600 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Hawaii returns its leading tackler in Logan Taylor, sack leader in John Tuitupou and interception leader in Virdel Edwards II. Hawaii has to be better defensively if this season is going to amount to nothing, and the addition of Wyoming cornerback Cam Stone is massive. Hawaii has won double-digit games just once since 2011. There’s also sure to be some extra motivation on Hawaii’s side after the recent fires in Maui, as there are 51 players on this roster from the state. Playing well and giving the island something to be happy about would be a nice relief. 

Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Preview 

Vanderbilt has won a combined 7 games in 2 years under coach Clark Lea, and he returns for a third season. Coordinators Joey Lynch and Nick Howell are also back for another season. Vanderbilt hasn’t made a bowl appearance since 2018. AJ Swann returns at quarterback after nearly 1,300 yards, 10 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Patrick Smith should get more carries without Ray Davis, while Will Sheppard and Jayden McGowan are a receiving duo that combined for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively, CJ Taylor returns after 59 tackles, Christian James led Vanderbilt with 3 sacks and De’Rickey Wright had 3 interceptions. Vandy has a ways to go defensively, but there’s talent on the offensive side, and that could be good enough to scratch out a bowl berth. Swann’s production at QB is the deciding factor for the Commodores. However, oddsmakers don’t expect much from Vanderbilt, as it currently has the worst odds to win the SEC.

Randy’s Pick

Vanderbilt should be obvious favorites at home because there’s a clear talent gap. However, I’m not sure about double-digit points. Hawaii isn’t that bad of a program, and there’s enough returning production to give it a chance to be competitive. Also, Vanderbilt has failed to cover 7 of its last 10 games as a double-digit favorite. Remember, Vanderbilt has the worst odds to win the SEC this season. Also, Vanderbilt has outright lost 2 of its last 5 games as a double-digit favorite. The Commodores were 123rd in total defense last season and 125th in scoring defense. I’m not buying this line at all. Give me Hawaii and the points.