Hawaii at Michigan – Preview and Prediction
MICHIGAN 40 HAWAII (54.5)
Implied Projected Score: Michigan 47.25 Hawaii 7.25
MEGALOCKS LINE – Michigan 34
The Game
From a travel standpoint, It cannot get much worse than playing a game in Australia, then traveling to Michigan a week later to play a geared-up and very talented Michigan squad in the Big House. By Jingoes ! The Wolverines will be licking their chops to hit someone and get the season rolling while Hawaii is coming off a game in which they gave up over 600 yards offense to Cal.
The Match-Up
Michigan offense vs Hawaii defense
Michigan will be able to do whatever they please. The starting QB announcement has still not been made by HC Harbaugh (shocker) but you would think the Wolverines would go with a QB that has a lot more experience, and that would be Houston transfer John O’Korn. Time will tell. In any event, the running game and passing attack should be equally effective against a travel-weary Hawaii defense. The Michigan offensive line is probably going to plow the Hawaii defense for four quarters.
Hawaii offense vs Michigan defense
Yes, it was Cal. But we thought the Hawaii offense looked very good in the opener. We would like a bit more accuracy from QB Ikaika Woolsey but he did make some nice throws. The running game was very encouraging in the Sydney Cup, and while it may not show up this week at the Big House, keep in mind that the Rainbow Warriors are going to be a dangerous offense to face most weeks.
The problem for Hawaii is a Michigan defense that has more than a few stars, and do not forget, this team had three straight shutouts (!) in 2015 in the midst of a five-game span where they only allowed 14 total points. Hawaii is good enough to score some points, it just feels like a bad spot.
Tasty Tidbits
Last time that Michigan faced Hawaii is was a young-future-supermodel-and-NFL-star Tom Brady at the controls….Harbaugh was 4-2 ATS in six games as a home favorite last year….you have to think there will be no mercy in this one – he is just that kind of guy….There are a couple of suspensions looming for Hawaii (?) which would hurt their depth.
Summary
The spread is out of control from a pure power rating perspective. However, who knows how many points “insane travel requirements” is worth in the number. 7 ? 17 ? Feels like a game Hawaii will want to get over and done with and for good reason. The schedule is ridiculous.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: No leanage.