Hawaii has made one trip to the mainland this season. That didn’t go well as the Rainbow Warriors lost, 40-6, to Arizona.
Now the Rainbow Warriors come to Colorado to visit Air Force. I don’t see a good outcome here either for Hawaii.
Air Force is getting improved quarterback play and has a strong rushing attack. The Falcons are averaging 38.7 points per game and rank sixth in the nation in rushing. Hawaii gave up nearly 400 yards on the ground to Arizona and Stanford.
Hawaii is not explosive enough to keep within a touchdown. The Rainbow Warriors average just 22 points a game. They rank 124th in rushing and are 120th in offensive pass efficiency. Hawaii QB Micah Alejado is playing through injury. He has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns.
Air Force, on the other hand, could have a star in the making at quarterback with sophomore Liam Szarka. He led the Falcons to 37 points and 517 total yards against a solid Boise State defense last week by picking up 359 yards from scrimmage and accounting for three touchdowns.
Hawaii is playing for the sixth straight week while making this long trip. Air Force is a physical team with its triple option offense. I can see the Rainbow Warriors wearing down.
Air Force can’t take a loss here having already lost Mountain West games to Utah State and Boise State. The Falcons’ defense has not been up to par, but Hawaii has buried itself with a minus-8 turnover ratio.
