How to watch Washington vs. Hawaii: Preview, TV schedule, odds
Can Hawaii put up a fight in its opponent’s vacation game?
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On the surface, this might get the award for the most confusing “that game is happening?” matchup of the week. A solid Pac-12 team is visiting a bottom-of-the-barrel Mountain West team that might have to drop football due to budget cuts.
But this is an annual deal for Hawaii. A much stronger (typically Pac-12) team comes to town and gives the Warriors a shellacking in what essentially becomes an early season bowl game for the visiting fan base. This year, it’s Washington’s turn for those festivities.
Despite having been to a BCS bowl game within the past decade, Hawaii has become a cupcake opponent for major conference teams since June Jones left in 2008. Is there any reason to think it will be different this year? And can the Warriors start the season out right with a big win against the Huskies? Let’s take a look.
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How to witness
TV: 10:30 pm ET, CBS Sports Network
Radio: Husky Radio Network, ESPN 1420 AM (Honolulu)
Online streaming: Audio streaming at espn1420am.com
The numbers
Rankings and records: Washington went 9-4 overall and 5-4 in the Pac-12 last year. The Huskies are ranked 25th in the 2014 preseason AP Poll. Hawaii went 1-11 overall and 0-8 in the Mountain West last year.
Vegas: Washington is a 17-point favorite with an over/under of 58.5.
Weather forecast: Mostly sunny with a high of 87, a low of 74 and a 20 percent chance of rain.
Three names to know
1. Jeff Lindquist, QB, Washington: Presumed starter Cyler Miles was suspended for the season opener, meaning Washington will start sophomore Jeff Lindquist as it opens the Chris Petersen era and closes the Keith Price era. While Miles was the favorite to win the job, Lindquist beat out redshirt freshman Troy Williams to be his replacement against Hawaii. If he plays well, he could potentially work his way in as the full-time quarterback, though he will face a stiff test from Miles after the first game. Either way, despite the inexperience, UW seems to be in good hands at quarterback.
2. Jesse Callier, RB, Washington: The Huskies will go to a running back committee to try to replace Bishop Sankey's production from last season. While there are four running backs who could all receive playing time, Jesse Callier is the most intriguing one of the group. Callier was the starter before Sankey took over in 2012, and after an ACL tear and middling success in 2013, he's back on the field, possibly as "the guy," this season. It will be interesting to see if he can be a top running back for the Huskies.
3. Ikaika Woolsey, QB, Hawaii: Woolsey has the least experience of any quarterback Hawaii has returning, but he beat out former Ohio State four-star QB Taylor Graham for the starting job. In limited action, Woolsey struggled mightily last season, but he does provide a running threat. Can he help the Warriors right the ship?
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Two things at stake
1. There isn’t as much at stake for Washington in this game as there is for Lindquist. The Huskies would probably win this game regardless of who they started at quarterback, but for Lindquist to win the job past this first game, he’s going to have to have a really impressive performance. If he can do that, then Washington might have a pretty significant quarterback battle on its hands. If he flops, then it will make the decision to go with Cyler Miles that much easier.
2. As Bill Connelly explained, Hawaii wasn’t as bad as everyone thought last year. Yes, the Warriors were pretty terrible, but their offense improved as the year went on. The problem is, the defense started to crumble. There is some hope for Hawaii to salvage its football program and at least escape the basement of the Mountain West. But to do that, the Warriors are going to have to start winning games. A statement against Washington would be a good time to start.
Further reading
Read UW Dawg Pound for more on Washington and Mountain West Connection for more on Hawaii.
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