Hawaii’s season-opening win over Stanford was big for the program, but it came at a cost. Quarterback Micah Alejado gutted out a gritty performance despite suffering an ankle injury, but he was far from healthy last week in a 40-6 loss to Arizona.
Alejado showed his toughness again in the first half, but he went down in the third quarter and spent the rest of the game on the training table. His health will again be the question when Hawaii hosts Sam Houston on Saturday (midnight ET, Mountain West App/Spectrum Sports).
If Alejado can’t go, the Rainbow Warriors (1-1) will turn to backup Luke Weaver, who threw two interceptions against Arizona.
Even without Alejado, Hawaii has the best group of wide receivers in the Mountain West, led by Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cenacle. The Warriors also have plenty of experience on defense.
Sam Houston (0-2, 0-1 Conference USA) is averaging 357 yards a game through two contests and is led by dual-threat quarterback Hunter Watson, who has put up 310 passing yards and 108 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The Bearkats’ defense has been the problem. It’s giving up 455 yards and 39.5 points per game.
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Sam Houston Football At Hawaii Betting Line
Hawaii is a 6.5-point college football betting odds favorite, according to BetMGM, and the Over/Under is 47.5 points. The moneyline is at +220 for Sam Houston and is at -275 for Hawaii.
Sam Houston At Hawaii Prediction
I predict Hawaii wins 20-10, but I’m taking the under. Even if Alejado doesn’t play, Hawaii has the pieces on offense to crank out some yardage against Sam Houston. No matter who takes the snaps for Hawaii, they have a talented, experienced group of wide receivers to lean on. But if Weaver does play, the Rainbow Warriors need to get more out of running back Landon Sims.
Eastern Washington At Boise State
How to watch: 9 p.m. ET, FS1
Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 38-14. The Broncos were knocked out of the AP Top 25 and lost their top spot in HERO Sports’ G5 Top 25 after their 34-7 season-opening loss to USF. It was Boise State’s worst loss since a 56-19 drubbing by Washington in the 2023 season opener. The Broncos are going to be motivated to prove they’re better than they looked last week, and Eastern Washington is going to feel the brunt of their frustration. Keep an eye on Boise State running back Sire Gaines. Expect the Broncos to rely on him.
San Jose State At Texas
How to watch: Noon ET, ABC
Betting line: Texas is a 36.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 52.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Texas wins 52-10. Texas quarterback Arch Manning is going to have something to prove after a subpar performance in the opener against Ohio State. San Jose State might struggle to move the ball against the Longhorns’ defense. The question is will the Spartans stick with quarterback Walker Eget or turn to dual-threat freshman Tama Amisone again? Either way, the quarterbacks should look for wide receiver Danny Scudero. The Sacramento State transfer posted nine catches for 189 yards and a touchdown in his FBS debut last week.
Utah State At Texas A&M
How to watch: 12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Betting line: Texas A&M is a 31.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 54.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Texas A&M wins 30-17 but doesn’t cover a massive spread. The Aggies are coming off a season-opening loss to UTSA. Quarterback Marcel Reece had a big day after completing 22 of 34 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns and adding a team-high 39 rushing yards. Texas A&M struggled to move the ball on the ground, though, finishing with just 108 yards. Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes also impressed last week, finishing 19-of-28 passing for 233 yards and a touchdown in a 28-16 win over UTEP.
Idaho State At New Mexico
How to watch: 3 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network
Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 24-14. After giving UNLV all it could handle two weeks ago, Idaho State could not stop Southern Utah in a 46-24 loss last week. The Bengals’ high-powered passing attack put up 338 yards, but they couldn’t run the ball (23 yards) and they couldn’t contain Southern Utah’s running game, which racked up 323 yards. Expect New Mexico to follow the Thunderbirds’ example and lean into its running game this week. Montana State transfer Scottre Humphrey was an FCS All-American last season after racking up 1,386 yards.
Northern Iowa At Wyoming
How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network
Prediction: I predict Wyoming wins 24-7. The Cowboys’ offense looked healthier than ever in a season-opening win over Akron. Running back Sam Scott showed his injuries are in the past with 132 yards on 29 carries, quarterback Kaden Anderson went 19-of-36 for 260 yards and a touchdown, and wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. stretched the field to the tune of seven catches for 146 yards and a touchdown.
Sacramento State At Nevada
How to watch: 5 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network
Prediction: I predict Nevada wins 28-14. Fans of the Wolf Pack didn’t have much to get excited about in a lopsided season-opening loss to Penn State, but wide receiver Marcus Bellon emerged as the team’s go-to receiver with six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Chubba Purdy struggled to throw the ball, and Nevada couldn’t get much going on the ground against one of the best defenses in the country. This game should be a better barometer of Nevada’s ability.
UCLA At UNLV
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: UCLA is a 2.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points.
Prediction: I predict UCLA wins 24-20. UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea is settling in as the Rebels’ starter, and he’s been efficient through two games, completing 77.3% of his passes and ranking No. 2 on the team with 116 rushing yards. The running game and defense looked better last week than they did in the opener, but the Rebels are facing a different beast this week. UCLA’s defense is better than it looked last week against Utah, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava is a dual threat who could give UNLV’s defenders fits.
