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2024 College Football Preview: Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors vs. Delaware State Hornets

The 2024 college football season kicks off with a non-conference matchup between the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors and the Delaware State Hornets. Scheduled for August 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM HST (12:00 AM EST), the game will take place at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawai'i. The Rainbow Warriors, representing the Mountain West Conference, will be looking to start their season on a high note against an FCS opponent in Delaware State from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). With Hawai'i entering the game as a heavy favorite, this contest will serve as a critical early test for both teams as they embark on their respective 2024 campaigns.

 

Game Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total Points (O/U)
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (0-0)	-38 (-110)	-4000	o55.5 (-115)
Delaware State Hornets (0-0)	+38 (-110)	+1500	u55.5 (-110)

Hawai'i enters the game as the overwhelming favorite with a 38-point spread. The total points over/under is set at 55.5, reflecting expectations of a lopsided contest. This game offers an opportunity for Hawai'i to fine-tune their offense and defense, while Delaware State aims to compete against an FBS opponent and potentially cover the large spread.

Team Analysis

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors are coming off a 2023 season where they finished 6-7 overall and 4-4 in Mountain West Conference play. Under Head Coach Timmy Chang, the Rainbow Warriors have developed a reputation for their high-octane passing offense and relentless tempo. Chang, a former record-setting quarterback at Hawai'i, has implemented an aggressive offensive system that aims to put up points in bunches. However, inconsistency and defensive struggles have plagued the team, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Offensively, Hawai'i will be led by junior quarterback Brayden Schager, who threw for 3,268 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2023. Schager has a strong arm and excels in the vertical passing game, making him a perfect fit for Chang’s offense. The Rainbow Warriors' receiving corps is deep and talented, featuring senior wide receiver Jonah Panoke, who recorded 1,034 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Panoke is a reliable target who can stretch the field, while fellow receiver Jalen Walthall and tight end Caleb Phillips provide additional weapons in the passing game.

Hawai'i’s running game, while secondary to their passing attack, is anchored by senior running back Dedrick Parson. Parson, who rushed for 812 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, is a tough, between-the-tackles runner who complements the team’s aerial assault. The offensive line, led by senior tackle Ilm Manning, will play a crucial role in protecting Schager and opening up running lanes for Parson. This unit allowed 28 sacks last season, and improving pass protection will be key to Hawai'i’s success in 2024.

Defensively, Hawai'i struggled mightily in 2023, allowing 33.8 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the Mountain West. The Rainbow Warriors' defense was particularly vulnerable against the run, giving up 217.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked 126th out of 130 FBS teams. The defensive line, led by senior defensive end Blessman Ta’ala, will need to step up if Hawai'i hopes to improve on last year’s performance. Ta’ala, who recorded 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss in 2023, is a disruptive force who will be counted on to generate pressure and anchor the run defense.

The secondary is led by cornerback Cam Stone and safety Logan Taylor, both of whom are experienced players who will need to play at a high level to support the defensive front. Hawai'i’s defense will be tested early and often, and their ability to create turnovers and get off the field on third down will be crucial to their success this season.

Delaware State Hornets

The Delaware State Hornets are an FCS program coming off a challenging 2023 season in which they finished 4-7 overall and 3-4 in MEAC play. Head Coach Lee Hull, entering his second year with the program, faces the task of rebuilding a team that has struggled to find consistency in recent years. The Hornets' offense, which averaged just 17.1 points per game last season, was one of the least productive in the MEAC, and significant improvements are needed if they hope to be competitive in 2024.

The Hornets' offense will be led by junior quarterback C.J. Henry, who took over as the starter midway through last season. Henry showed potential, throwing for 1,245 yards and 9 touchdowns, but he also struggled with turnovers, throwing 11 interceptions. His development will be critical for Delaware State’s offense, as the team looks to improve upon last year’s disappointing performance.

Delaware State’s running game will be anchored by senior running back Sy’Veon Wilkerson, who rushed for 903 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2023. Wilkerson is a tough, physical runner who excels in short-yardage situations, but he will need better support from the offensive line, which struggled mightily last season. The Hornets allowed 32 sacks in 2023, and their inability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes was a major factor in their offensive struggles.

The receiving corps is led by senior wide receiver Trey Gross, who had 734 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Gross is a reliable target for Henry, but Delaware State lacks depth and playmaking ability at the receiver position, which limits their ability to stretch the field. Tight end Isaiah Williams, a big target at 6’5”, could provide a boost to the passing game, particularly in the red zone, where Delaware State struggled to score points last season.

Defensively, Delaware State allowed 28.3 points per game last season, ranking in the middle of the MEAC. The Hornets' defense was particularly vulnerable against the pass, giving up 247.3 passing yards per game, which ranked near the bottom of the conference. The defensive line, led by senior defensive tackle Christian Johnson, will need to step up if Delaware State hopes to slow down Hawai'i’s high-powered passing attack. Johnson, who recorded 4.5 sacks last season, is the heart and soul of the Hornets' defense, but he will need more support from the rest of the front seven.

The secondary is led by cornerback Isaiah Williams and safety Tyrese Wright, both of whom are experienced players who will be tasked with containing Hawai'i’s explosive passing attack. However, Delaware State’s pass rush, which recorded just 16 sacks last season, will need to improve significantly if the secondary is to hold up against a quarterback of Brayden Schager’s caliber. The Hornets will need to generate pressure and create turnovers if they hope to keep this game close.

Coaching Analysis

Timmy Chang (Hawai'i)

Timmy Chang, a former star quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors, is entering his third season as head coach at his alma mater. Chang’s tenure has been marked by an emphasis on aggressive, high-scoring offenses, mirroring the style that made him a legend as a player. Under Chang’s guidance, Hawai'i has returned to its roots as a pass-happy program that looks to outscore opponents in shootouts.

Chang’s offensive philosophy is rooted in the run-and-shoot offense, with a focus on spreading the field, using multiple receivers, and putting constant pressure on opposing defenses. Hawai'i’s offense is designed to be both explosive and efficient, with a heavy emphasis on the passing game but also a strong commitment to the run when needed. Chang’s ability to develop quarterbacks and maximize the talents of his skill players has been a key factor in the Rainbow Warriors’ success, and he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young coaches in college football.

Defensively, Chang has struggled to find the right formula, as Hawai'i’s defense has been inconsistent and prone to giving up big plays. Chang has emphasized the need for more physicality and discipline on defense, and he has brought in new defensive coordinator Tom Mason to help shore up this side of the ball. Mason, a veteran coach with experience at both the FBS and FCS levels, is tasked with improving a unit that has been the team’s Achilles’ heel in recent years.

Lee Hull (Delaware State)

Lee Hull, now in his second season as head coach of the Delaware State Hornets, is tasked with rebuilding a program that has struggled in the MEAC. Hull, who previously served as the head coach at Morgan State and as an assistant at several FBS programs, is known for his ability to develop talent and build competitive teams. However, the challenge at Delaware State is significant, as the Hornets have not had a winning season since 2012.

Hull’s coaching philosophy is centered around physicality and discipline, with a focus on establishing a strong running game and playing sound, fundamental defense. However, Delaware State’s struggles on both sides of the ball last season highlighted the challenges Hull faces in rebuilding the program. The Hornets’ inability to protect the quarterback, sustain drives, and stop the pass were major issues in 2023, and Hull will need to address these areas if Delaware State hopes to be competitive in the MEAC this season.

Defensively, Hull has emphasized the importance of stopping the run and creating pressure on the quarterback, but Delaware State’s defense struggled to execute in these areas last season. Hull has also placed a strong emphasis on recruiting, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region, as he looks to build a foundation for long-term success. The 2024 season is a critical one for Hull, as he looks to show that the program is moving in the right direction.

Recent Performance

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors finished the 2023 season with a 6-7 record, including a 4-4 mark in Mountain West Conference play. The Rainbow Warriors’ season was marked by inconsistency, as they struggled to find a rhythm on both sides of the ball. Hawai'i’s offense, which averaged 27.8 points per game, was explosive at times but also prone to turnovers and missed opportunities. The Rainbow Warriors’ defense, on the other hand, was a major liability, as they allowed 33.8 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the conference.

The Rainbow Warriors' season was highlighted by a 27-13 upset win over Air Force, a team that finished 10-3 and was ranked in the top 25. However, Hawai'i also suffered several lopsided defeats, including a 35-0 loss to San Jose State and a 42-9 blowout loss to Wyoming. The team’s inconsistency was evident in their inability to win back-to-back games, as they alternated wins and losses for much of the season. The Rainbow Warriors ended the season with a 27-24 victory over Nevada, which provided some momentum heading into the offseason.

Delaware State Hornets

The Delaware State Hornets endured a challenging 2023 season, finishing with a 4-7 record and a 3-4 mark in MEAC play. The Hornets’ season was marked by struggles on both sides of the ball, as their offense averaged just 17.1 points per game, while their defense allowed 28.3 points per game. Delaware State’s season was highlighted by a 27-14 victory over Morgan State, but the Hornets also suffered several disappointing defeats, including a 35-10 loss to South Carolina State and a 42-9 blowout loss to Howard.

The Hornets’ offense struggled to find consistency, as quarterback C.J. Henry was inconsistent, throwing 11 interceptions against just 9 touchdowns. The offensive line’s inability to protect Henry and open up running lanes for Sy’Veon Wilkerson was a major factor in Delaware State’s struggles, as the team allowed 32 sacks and averaged just 3.2 yards per carry. Defensively, Delaware State was unable to stop the pass, giving up 247.3 passing yards per game, and their inability to generate a consistent pass rush allowed opposing quarterbacks to pick apart their secondary.

Head-to-Head Comparison

This game marks the first-ever meeting between Hawai'i and Delaware State, adding an element of intrigue to the matchup. Hawai'i, as a member of the Mountain West Conference, enters the game as a heavy favorite against an FCS opponent in Delaware State. The key to this game will likely be the battle between Hawai'i’s high-powered passing attack and Delaware State’s struggling secondary.

Hawai'i’s ability to establish the passing game early and protect Brayden Schager will be critical, as the Rainbow Warriors look to exploit Delaware State’s weaknesses on defense. On the other hand, Delaware State will need to find a way to generate pressure on Schager and force him into mistakes if they hope to keep this game close. The Hornets’ offense will also need to find a way to move the ball consistently against a Hawai'i defense that struggled mightily last season, particularly against the run.

Advanced Metrics and Statistics

To gain a deeper understanding of how these teams match up, it’s essential to look at some advanced metrics and statistics from the 2023 season.

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

• Offensive Efficiency: Hawai'i ranked 75th nationally in Offensive Efficiency, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). The Rainbow Warriors were particularly effective on early downs, averaging 5.8 yards per play on first and second downs, which allowed them to stay ahead of the chains and put their offense in favorable third-down situations.
• Defensive Efficiency: Hawai'i ranked 120th in Defensive Efficiency, according to FPI. Their inability to stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback was a key factor in their struggles, as they ranked near the bottom of the nation in both rushing yards allowed per game and sack rate. Hawai'i’s defense also struggled to get off the field on third downs, allowing opponents to convert 46% of their third-down attempts.
• Red Zone Performance: Hawai'i was inconsistent in the red zone on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they scored touchdowns on 61% of their red zone trips, while defensively, they allowed opponents to score touchdowns on 65% of their red zone opportunities, ranking near the bottom of the Mountain West in this category.

Delaware State Hornets

• Offensive Efficiency: Delaware State ranked 104th nationally in Offensive Efficiency among FCS teams, according to SP+. The Hornets struggled to find consistency on offense, particularly on third downs, where they converted just 33% of their attempts, ranking near the bottom of the MEAC. Their inability to sustain drives and protect the quarterback was a major factor in their struggles last season.
• Defensive Efficiency: The Hornets ranked 89th in Defensive Efficiency among FCS teams, according to SP+. Their pass defense was particularly problematic, as they allowed 247.3 passing yards per game, which ranked 98th out of 123 FCS teams. The Hornets also struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback, recording just 16 sacks all season, which allowed opposing quarterbacks to pick apart their secondary.
• Turnover Margin: Delaware State finished the 2023 season with a -8 turnover margin, ranking 92nd nationally in the FCS. The Hornets struggled to protect the football on offense, committing 21 turnovers, while their defense was unable to generate enough takeaways to offset those mistakes. Improving their turnover margin will be crucial if they hope to turn things around in 2024.

Historical Context

While this is the first-ever meeting between Hawai'i and Delaware State, both programs have a history of competing at their respective levels of college football. Hawai'i, a program with a rich history in the Mountain West Conference and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) before that, has made 14 bowl appearances, with their most notable season coming in 2007 when they finished 12-1 and earned a spot in the Sugar Bowl. The Rainbow Warriors have produced several NFL players, including former star wide receiver Davone Bess and current Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp.

Delaware State, on the other hand, has a storied history in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), where they have won five conference championships, with their most recent title coming in 2007. The Hornets have made two appearances in the FCS playoffs, most recently in 2007, and have produced several NFL players, including former New York Giants linebacker Rod Milstead and current Kansas City Chiefs safety Tershawn Wharton.

Both programs are looking to build on their histories and achieve success in the 2024 season. Hawai'i aims to return to a bowl game and compete for a Mountain West title, while Delaware State is looking to rebuild and return to relevance in the MEAC. This game serves as an opportunity for both teams to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the season.

Player Spotlight

Brayden Schager (QB, Hawai'i)

Brayden Schager is the leader of Hawai'i’s high-powered offense and one of the top quarterbacks in the Mountain West Conference. Schager’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses. Last season, Schager threw for 3,268 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also rushing for 312 yards and 5 scores. His mobility, combined with his accuracy and decision-making, makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the conference.

In this game, Schager will face a Delaware State defense that struggled mightily against the pass last season. If Schager can get into a rhythm early and spread the ball around to his playmakers, it could be a long day for the Hornets. Schager’s leadership and ability to execute Timmy Chang’s up-tempo offense will be key to Hawai'i’s success in this matchup.

C.J. Henry (QB, Delaware State)

C.J. Henry enters the 2024 season as Delaware State’s starting quarterback, looking to build on the experience he gained last year. Henry has a strong arm and the ability to make plays downfield, but his consistency and decision-making will need to improve if Delaware State hopes to be competitive this season. Last season, Henry threw for 1,245 yards and 9 touchdowns, but he also threw 11 interceptions, which hampered Delaware State’s ability to sustain drives.

Henry will face a tough test against a Hawai'i defense that struggled to stop the run and the pass last season. If Henry can avoid mistakes and connect on big plays downfield, he could give the Hornets a chance to keep this game close. However, Henry’s ability to handle Hawai'i’s pressure and protect the football will be crucial to Delaware State’s chances of pulling off the upset.

Blessman Ta’ala (DE, Hawai'i)

Blessman Ta’ala is the heart and soul of Hawai'i’s defense. A senior defensive end with great strength and quickness, Ta’ala led the Rainbow Warriors with 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss last season. Ta’ala’s ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the running game makes him one of the most dangerous defenders in the Mountain West.

In this game, Ta’ala will be tasked with containing Delaware State’s running game and putting pressure on C.J. Henry. Ta’ala’s leadership and playmaking ability will be key to Hawai'i’s defensive game plan, as the Rainbow Warriors look to shut down Delaware State’s offense and give their own offense favorable field position.

Sy’Veon Wilkerson (RB, Delaware State)

Sy’Veon Wilkerson is Delaware State’s workhorse running back, and he will be counted on to carry a heavy load this season. Last year, Wilkerson rushed for 903 yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles. Wilkerson is a physical runner who excels in short-yardage situations, and his ability to move the chains will be crucial for Delaware State’s offense.

Wilkerson will face a tough test against a Hawai'i defense that allowed 217.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking near the bottom of the FBS. If Wilkerson can find success on the ground and keep the Hornets’ offense on schedule, it will take pressure off of C.J. Henry and open up opportunities in the passing game. Wilkerson’s performance will be a key factor in determining Delaware State’s success in this matchup.

ATS Records

Against the spread (ATS) records provide valuable insight into how teams perform relative to expectations set by oddsmakers. Here’s a look at how Hawai'i and Delaware State fared ATS in the 2023 season:

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

Hawai'i was inconsistent against the spread last season, finishing with a 6-7 ATS record. The Rainbow Warriors were particularly strong as favorites, covering the spread in 4 of 6 games in which they were favored by more than two touchdowns. However, Hawai'i struggled to cover the spread in games where they were underdogs, finishing with a 2-5 ATS record in such contests.

Delaware State Hornets

Delaware State also struggled against the spread last season, finishing with a 4-7 ATS record. The Hornets were inconsistent as underdogs, covering the spread in just 2 of 7 games in which they were not favored. Delaware State’s struggles on both sides of the ball made them a difficult team to trust for bettors, and their inability to keep games close led to several disappointing ATS results.

Betting Stats and Trends

• Hawai'i: The Rainbow Warriors have hit the over in 60% of their games last season. They are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 home games.
• Delaware State: The Hornets have hit the under in 55% of their games last season. They are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.
• Head-to-Head: This is the first meeting between Hawai'i and Delaware State, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.

Prediction