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This total already has been driven down by about four points by widespread support for the Under. But it stands to reason these clubs could easily clip what appears to be a massive total. Hawaii allowed more than 35 ppg last year, while Arizona allowed nearly 33. Hawaii's up-tempo passing attack will lead to a lot of clock stoppages and should generate points, while Arizona's dynamic quarterback-running back duo could erupt for a score on any given play. It's tough to trigger an Over on this number, but look for a marathon-length contest that clips the total.
Look for Arizona to pull away in this one as Khalil Tate and J.J. Taylor will be too much for Hawaii. Kevin Sumlin's system took a while to work for Tate, but he was awesome to finish the season and should be completely comfortable heading into this season. Lay it with Arizona.
Adjusting to coach Kevin Sumlin’s system took half of 2018 for Arizona’s senior quarterback Khalil Tate. In the final four games of the season, Tate’s play rose dramatically as he threw 15 touchdowns compared to 11 in the first seven games. Playing on the road early in the season, even against a non-conference opponent, is always a tricky spot ATS. Yet, look for Arizona’s offense to outduel a Hawaii team led by Cole McDonald that overachieved in 2018.
All eyes will be on Wildcats star QB Khali Tate in his second year in the Kevin Sumlin offense. Where the eyes need to be is on the Arizona defense, which was a straight liability last season. If improvements can be made there, then Arizona could be a fly in the ointment in the Pac-12 South. You can say the same thing about the Warriors defense as well, as they gave up 30 points per game last season. They are explosive and experienced on the offensive side of the ball, led by their junior QB Cole McDonald. Defense will be optional in this game, in my opinion. Look for a high scoring, back-and-forth affair, that'll go deep into Sunday morning.
Perception: College teams travel from the mainland to Hawaii, get caught up in the laid-back tropical vibe, lose concentration and underperform on the field. Reality: That’s hogwash, and the visitors do just fine. The Rainbow Warriors, who occasionally get a built-in betting line boost at home, have covered in just six of their past 29 outings there. Last year’s squad was victimized by big plays, which should play right into the hands of Arizona QB Khalil Tate, healthy after a season unduly impacted by injury. RB J.J. Taylor gobbles up yards. The Wildcats historically are effective in early starts to the season, having covered five in a row in August.
Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate flew under the radar last season after his abrupt halt early in the season, but he did evolve into a really solid passer with 26 touchdowns. He'll become a complete quarterback in 2018 and get back to using his legs as a weapon against an overmatched Rainbow Warriors defense that finished 103rd in rush defense in 2018. Tate, combined with running back J.J. Taylor, will pace Kevin Sumlin's crew to an easy win.
The only guy who could stop Arizona QB Khalil Tate from running over every team in the Pac-12 last season was his first-year coach Kevin Sumlin. He tried to make Tate an exclusive passer in his system with less run-first plays and Arizona went on to a 5-7 season, missed a bowl, and ended the Tate Heisman hype quickly. Maybe Sumlin changed some philosophy, but it's not likely. Hawaii brings back 18 starters from an 8-6 team, including QB Cole McDonald who lit things up in the run-and-shoot offense. I took all those points with the home dog Hawaii who should improve upon 2018's success.