Hawaii Bowl, Hawaii vs Middle Tennessee: Preview and predictions

Oct 22, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Dennis Andrews (20) celebrates after scoring during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Middle Tennessee won 51-45. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Saturday’s Hawaii Bowl matchup between Hawaii and Middle Tennessee should be a nice Christmas Eve battle.

After losing to Vanderbilt in the second game of the season, Middle Tennessee looked to have a tough year ahead. However, the Blue Raiders rebounded nicely and finished with an 8-4 record and looked like one of the most impressive teams in Conference USA.

On the other hand, Hawaii opened the year for all of college football in Australia against California and came out on the losing end. The Rainbow Warriors are one of a few teams that made a bowl game with a losing record, and they were rewarded with what’s basically a home game.

Sophomore quarterback Brent Stockstill is hoping to return for the Hawaii Bowl, but he missed the final three games of the regular season. He could be the x-factor in this one for the Blue Raiders. Richie James leads all receivers with 97 catches for 1,463 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Keep an eye on I’Tavius Mathers as well, who has over 1,500 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

For Hawaii, sophomore quarterback Dru Brown is coming off the best game of his career with 311 yards and five touchdowns. He is getting hot at the right time. Marcus Kemp has been his favorite target, catching 70 passes for 1,036 yards and seven scores.

Here’s how you can watch the Hawaii Bowl online Saturday:

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Date: Saturday, Dec. 24
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Honolulu, HI
Venue: Aloha Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Taking advantage of the fact that they have a strong offense will be important, but moreso, slowing down Idaho’s offense. The last thing the Blue Raiders want to do is get into a shootout with the Vandals, even though the Blue Raiders would likely have the advantage there.

For Hawaii, shutting down Mathers on the ground will be important, but also not letting Stockstill beat the Rainbow Warriors through the air will be key. It’s easier said than done, though, as the Blue Raiders have a great offense.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Even
Over/Under: N/A

Prediction

Although Hawaii is playing at home, Middle Tennessee has looked solid this season, even beating Missouri earlier in the year. I’Tavius Mathers is going to have a big game on the ground and Brent Stockstill is going to pass all over the Rainbow Warriors. There won’t be any answer for the Middle Tennessee offense.

Final Score: Hawaii 21, Middle Tennessee 31

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