In the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference Boise State is the established power. But there may be a bona fide challenger for divisional supremacy in 2018. If anyone can topple Boise State it figures to be Colorado State. Under fourth year coach Mike Bobo there is the sense that they’re ready to break out. But to attain success with the college football betting odds the defense must dramatically improve. Hawaii is going back to the future for 2018. The Rainbow Warriors will return to their Run and Shoot offensive roots. However massive changes may delay success.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. Colorado State Rams
Date and Time: Saturday, August 25, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: CSU Stadium, Fort Collins, Colorado
College Football Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
Hawaii vs. Colorado State TV Coverage: CBSSN
Since 2011 Hawaii has gone to just one bowl game. And that was something of a fraud in 2016. They played in the Hawaii Bowl as a virtual fill in team. Nick Rolovich is in his third year as head coach. Success with the college football betting odds has been rare. Rolovich brought out the broom after a 3-9 season last year. Six new coaches have come in. That includes new defensive and special team coordinators. Rolovich will call his own offensive plays this year. Hawaii has studied their history. Their greatest success was through the air.
Rainbow Warriors
Heading into the season the Rainbow Warriors have numerous position battles set to begin. Vast roster turnover and new schemes could trigger a slow start. Rolovich will be challenged to getting his inexperienced roster up to speed. While doing so with a new staff. Hawaii will head into this opener operating on the fly.
Colorado State
Colorado State has been stuck at a 7-6 plateau for three consecutive seasons. While good for minor bowl bids it has not moved the big picture needle. Mike Bobo enters his fourth season with his stamp on the program. Beautiful CSU Stadium certainly helps. And is indicative of the school’s commitment to good football. But a breakout season still awaits. Defense has been the sportsbook liability for the Rams. They were unable to finish three close losses last year.
Talent Gone
Of concern to the Rams is the departure of a considerable amount of talent. Quarterback Nick Stevens left CSU as an All Conference quarterback. Graduate transfer KJ Carta Samuels will need to be a quick study. Another key loss is running back Dalyn Dawkins. He rushed over 1300 yards in 2017. While averaging almost seven yards per carry. Running back by committee may be the answer.
John Jancek
Colorado State could have won as many as ten games last year. But the defense was rendered helpless too often at critical junctures. In fact, it was the worst defense in the Mountain West. New defensive coordinator John Jancek was hired to change that. He will implement a 4-3 scheme.
Matchup to Watch
Colorado State has beaten the college football betting odds six straight games vs. Hawaii. Hawaii is facing too many changes to be ready for this one. Colorado State’s relative stability is the difference here.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
Colorado State should light it up against the new look Rainbow Warriors.
College Football Betting Online Pick: Colorado State Rams
College Football Betting Online Score Prediction: Colorado State 42, Hawaii 21