As college football returns for the 2024 season, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are set to open their campaign with a highly anticipated matchup against the Delaware State Hornets. Scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, the game will take place at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, and will kick off at 12:00 AM ET (6:00 PM HT).
Broadcast and Viewing Information
For fans eager to watch the game, it will be available on Spectrum Sports Pay-Per-View (PPV). Spectrum customers can tune in directly, while others may need to explore streaming options affiliated with Spectrum. This match is one of the late-night games that the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are famous for, and it’s a great opportunity for fans to catch some college football action, even if it’s late into the night.
Team Overviews
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a season where they showed glimpses of potential but ultimately fell short of their goals. Returning quarterback Brayden Schager, who threw for 3,542 yards with a 26-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio last season, will be crucial to Hawaii’s success this year. His top targets, Pofele Ashlock and Steven McBride, also return, adding stability and experience to the offensive lineup. Ashlock and McBride combined for over 1,800 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns last year, making them a formidable duo for any defense to handle.
Hawaii’s strategy this season will likely continue to rely heavily on the passing game. Last season, they averaged 276.4 passing yards per game compared to just 76.1 rushing yards. This disparity is expected to persist, especially against a Delaware State defense that struggled significantly against both the run and pass last year.
Delaware State Hornets
On the other side, Delaware State enters the game as a significant underdog. The Hornets had a challenging 2023 season, finishing with a dismal record and allowing an average of 37.7 points per game while scoring just 18.0 points per game. Their defensive frailties were on full display in games against FBS opponents last season, where they allowed a combined 119 points in two games.
The Hornets’ offense, led by returning quarterback Marqui Adams, will need to show drastic improvement to keep the game competitive. However, given their travel disruptions—missing a flight earlier in the week and arriving in Hawaii later than planned—the team might struggle even more with jet lag and limited practice time.
Game Predictions and Betting Insights
Hawaii is favored by a substantial margin, with a spread of -39.5 points. This reflects not only the talent gap between the two teams but also the unique challenges Delaware State faces, including travel fatigue and a hostile environment in Honolulu. The over/under for the game is set at 57.5 points, with most experts predicting that Hawaii will cover the spread easily, potentially even hitting the over on their own.
For bettors, Hawaii covering the first-quarter spread of -7.5 is seen as a safer bet, given that the Rainbow Warriors are expected to start strong before possibly pulling their starters later in the game. Delaware State, meanwhile, is not expected to put up much of a fight, with some predictions even suggesting they might be shut out entirely.
Keys to the Game
Hawaii’s Offense: The Rainbow Warriors will look to exploit Delaware State’s weak defense, particularly through the air. With Brayden Schager under center and a strong receiving corps, Hawaii’s passing game is expected to rack up yards and points quickly.
Delaware State’s Struggles: The Hornets must overcome not just the talent gap but also the challenges of long-distance travel and limited preparation time. Their best hope lies in trying to control the clock and limit Hawaii’s offensive possessions, but even that might not be enough to keep the game close.
Home Field Advantage: Hawaii’s unique location often plays to their advantage, especially against teams from the mainland. The travel time, time zone difference, and environment can be overwhelming for visiting teams, and Delaware State might find themselves overwhelmed early.
Final Thoughts
This Week 0 matchup appears to be a tune-up game for the Rainbow Warriors as they prepare for tougher opponents later in the season. For Delaware State, it’s a chance to gain experience and possibly surprise some people with a competitive effort. However, all signs point to a dominant Hawaii victory, with the Rainbow Warriors looking to start their season on a high note.
Whether you’re a Hawaii fan staying up late or a Delaware State supporter hoping for an upset, this game is an exciting start to the college football season.