The Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors will try to get back to .500 when they travel to Wyoming to take on the Cowboys in this Mountain West matchup. Hawai’i got its first win of the season last week at home with a 29-19 win over New Mexico State. Quarterback Micah Alejado finished with a season-high 346 yards passing. The lefty sophomore had big expectations heading into this season, but has started slow with only two touchdown passes in three games.
Conditions for this game are pointing towards another tough day for the Rainbow Warriors offense this weekend. Hawai’i already has arguably the hardest travel schedule in all of college football, but my main concern is the difference in elevation. Hawai’i will have to go from playing at their home field in Honolulu, which is at sea level, to Laramie, Wyoming, a city that sits at 7,200 feet above sea level. Hawai’i has not fared well in their recent travels to Laramie. They are 4-9 all-time and have lost seven of their eight games in Wyoming.
On top of the elevation concerns, Hawai’i’s top receiver, Pofele Ashlock is currently listed as questionable for this game. If Ashlock can’t get, it puts further strain on an offense that has shown inconsistencies in its first three games.
Wyoming’s offense has had its problems too this season. Quarterback Tyler Hughes has thrown for 452 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions this season. Despite the struggles, Wyoming’s offensive coordinator, Christian Taylor, showed a lot of confidence in Hughes Monday night saying “He is the guy.. No doubt about it.” I believe the dual-threat quarterback can rely heavily on his legs in this game. Wyoming is a run-first offense while Hawai’i has struggled against the run. The Rainbow Warriors allowed 250 yards rushing in their recent game against UNLV. There is a real possibility that Hawai’i defense may run out of gas early due to the elevation if Wyoming runs it at them enough. I like Wyoming and the points on their home field.
Hawai'i vs Wyoming prediction: Wyoming +3 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to +1.5.
