Stanford is off a disappointing 3-9 season and have interim head coach Frank Reich at helm. The Rainbow Warriors have more firepower under Timmy Chang this season with Micah Alejado under center, Pofele Ashlocke and Nick Cenacle as their top receivers, and a big back in Landon Sims in the backfield. This line started out as Stanford as the favorites to now being 2.5-point underdogs. Alejado had a strong end of the year last season and will look to continue that into this season.

I like the fact that Hawaii has gotten better each season defensively under HC Timmy Chang. On top of that, they are entering the season with a lot of returning production, including RFr QB Micah Alejado who got some playing time last year and impressed. Look for the Warriors to get off to a great start at home vs a rebuilding Stanford squad.

Stanford bashing has become popular in the handicapping community, but we suggest it might be a classic case of groupthink. The Cardinal wasn't as bad as many envisioned last year, nor has Stanford ever been the nation's worst in the past 60+ years. Frank Reich has the interim coaching assignment on the Farm after Troy Taylor was dismissed for disciplinary reasons into the spring, but despite the late start, Reich (who wants the job full-time) sees promise behind ex-OSU Beaver QB Ben Gulbranson. Meanwhile Timmy Chang has been spinning his wheels at Hawaii and is feeling some heat, hopeful that QB Micah Alejado can lead a resurgence. Remember in Taylor's debut two years ago, Stanford won at the Ching Complex with little problem. Play Stanford

Late to the party compared to the other plays here on SportsLine but I still think Hawaii is a good play under a field goal. Timmy Chang's group got overwhelmed by Stanford in 2023 but now he's got the edge of being in Year 4 while the Cardinal remain in flux with Frank Reich serving a ceremonial interim coach. Hawaii has played well against good teams often in the couple of years but rarely cashed in with wins. This is a great opportunity on a big stage for the former Hawaii star quarterback to showcase the growth he's led since arriving as head coach.

Hawaii coach and alum Timmy Chang, an iconic former QB for the Warriors, has yet to win more than 5 games in three seasons as coach at his alma mater. This is widely expected to be his best team, and a bowl berth might be necessary for Chang to retain his job. Stanford athletics aren't usually noted for turmoil but the football program is mired in it now that former coach Troy Taylor was fired on short notice and the program inherited by famous alum Andrew Luck and his former NFL coach, Frank Reich. They don't have much to work with. Hawaii should have better team and the home-field edge, and the pick'em level price should prove to be a value on the Warriors.

Stanford is in the ACC and won only three games last season. Now they have a new head coach in Frank Reich and a new QB. But this bet is more about Hawaii on the upswing with Timmy Chang's team, who finished 5-7 last year with four of those wins coming at home. The quarterback, Micah Alejado, is a somewhat new addition, one of eight Hawaii players from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. He's listed as a freshman, despite having started one game last year against New Mexico, where he threw for 469 yards and five touchdowns. Chang has this team going in the right direction, and they're at home. Hawaii to win.