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2009 Hawaii College Football Predictions

Hawaii has received much of its media attention in recent years because of its high powered offensive attack and record-setting quarterbacks, but in 2008 it was the defense which helped the Warriors reach a third straight bowl game. But how will Hawaii fare after losing nine defensive starters, including five who were All-WAC performers? Get my take in this 2009 college football betting preview. Our readers receive a special $500 match bonus at BetUS!

Offense – The defense carried the load in 2008 while the offense was being rebuilt. This season, the offense will be counted on to produce if the team hopes to reach its fourth straight bowl game. Already, Hawaii figures to be in a better spot offensively as it knows who it will have under center. The QB spot was wide open heading into last season. Juco transfer Greg Alexander got the start in the opener and then was benched in favor of three other QBs until he reclaimed the job for the final six games. Alexander ended the season with 1,895 yards and 14 touchdowns to solidify himself as the best QB of the bunch. It is vital that the line do a better job of protecting the QB this season or it really doesn’t matter who’s back there. The offensive line gave up 57 sacks in 2008. There is hope up front in 2009, however, as three regulars return under the direction of new offensive line coach Gordon Shaw, who has 14 years of Big Ten coaching experience. Two-time all-league center John Estes headlines this unit.

The Warriors need to pose a threat on the ground so that opponents can’t line up and rush Alexander at will. They have moved QB Inoke Funaki to the backfield to join Leon Wright-Jackson and juco transfer Alex Green. The Warriors averaged only 94.5 yards per game on the ground last season (111th nationally).  Bet the WAC at Bookmaker and get a 20% cash sign up bonus!

Defense – The defense will not be what it was in 2008 with the losses of nine starters, but there is talent ready to step in. The team will look to safety Spencer Smith, who has three years of playing experience, to lead the secondary. Junior Kenny Estes expects to start at the strong safety spot. The cornerback spots aren’t as solidified.

Losing all-league linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard deals the defense its biggest blow. Not only were these guys two of the best players on the team, but they were also two of the best leaders. The Warriors are confident that Brashton Satele and R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane are capable replacements. Blaze Soares and Paipai Falemalu figure to fit in the picture in the linebacking corps as well. John Fonoti, the team’s leading returning tackler with 62 stops last season, anchors the defensive line from the end position.

Prediction: 5th WAC - Despite losing a ton of offensive talent, the Warriors managed to finish tied for second place in the WAC and earned a third straight bowl berth. While the offense should be improved, the loss of nine defensive starters will be too much for Hawaii to overcome in terms of challenging for a league title. With that said, a winning season and a fourth straight bowl game are still possibilities.

The football odds makers don’t stand a chance against Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks in 2009.

Put your trust in Jimmy for the most winning college football picks in the industry!

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