UCLA Bruins vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 8/31/2024 – As the college football season kicks off, the UCLA Bruins will head to the Ching Athletics Complex to face off against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on Saturday, August 31, 2024. With both teams starting the season with a clean slate, the Bruins and Warriors will look to establish their identities in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Fans seeking today’s free college football tips will be keen to analyze each team’s potential as they embark on a new season.
UCLA Bruins vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 8/31/2024 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Ching Athletics Complex |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
UCLA Bruins (0-0) vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (0-0)
The UCLA Bruins finished with a strong record recently and will look to add more wins when they kick off the 2024 season against non-conference opponents. The Bruins will open the year on purpose, having won 4 of their last six games at the tail end of last year. In their most recent 11 meetings against Mountain West teams, they have an 8-3 head-to-head record, which is a good indicator for them when the stakes are raised. For the first time in over a decade, the Bruins can play more intensely because of a non-conference game.
The same can, however, not be said about the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, who erased the memories of the previous year when their performance oscillated. Still, Hawaii’s women’s basketball team ended on a good note as they won 4 out of the last five games. There were defeats last season against Power Five conference teams, but the Warriors come into this one looking to make up for past performances and determine their fates, especially with big teams such as UCLA.
UCLA Bruins Rushing and Receiving
Analysis into the offense of UCLA reveals several exciting features, especially the talent of their quarterback Dante Moore. Moore is in his second season after passing for 1610 yards in his first season with an incredible passer rating of 125.6. His record included 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions, which shows that he has yet to learn how to control the reins fully. With Moore expected to be a strong contender in leadership roles, it will be necessary for UCLA to have a playmaker in Moore, especially in big plays when they are playing against Hawaii’s defensive line that will look to pick passes like Notre Dame vs Texas A&M today.
Also, Moore is expected to be complemented by running back Carson Steele, who had 847 rushing yards last season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry with six touchdowns. Steele’s consistent ability to make yardage will lessen the pressure on Moore and keep Hawaii’s defense honest. Additionally, wide receiver Logan Loya is also expected to be important in last season, recording 655 receiving yards with five touchdowns. On the other hand, Loya’s speed, combined with Steele’s rushing power, makes the UCLA offensive potentially a source of worries for their relatively untested Hawaiian opponents.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Rushing and Receiving
On the other hand, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors hope that quarterback Brayden Schager will bear the brunt of their offense. Schager, in these earlier outings standing, completed 17 passes for 203 yards which shows he has something, even if limited experience so far. He completed 50 percent of his passes and will be concerned about game management as he works to carve out his niche as a regular. Schager will be required to assist the offense more effectively, especially against a seasoned UCLA team, and that will require him to become a more stable contributor.
Rushing responsibilities will dominantly rest on Landon Sims, who had only 58 rushing yards from 10 attempts last season. Sims has the potential, but he needs to step it up to assist Schager effectively. Wide receiver Pofele Ashlock was a deep receiving threat and accumulated 81 yards, with the longest catch being 29 yards during his previous season. In the same manner that Idaho has to play against Oregon, the combination of Sims and Ashlock will help Hawaii make the most scoring opportunities possible. Once again, employing a competent play-action passing scheme can open up the UCLA defense. Another similar matchup will take place between Alabama vs Auburn.
Dante Moore QB vs. Brayden Schager QB
Throughout college football history, quarterbacks have always stood out among the most critical factors determining the outcome of the competitions. Dante Moore is the promising and experienced quarterback that the team hopes to use at this campaign. Moore did show potential at times last season; however, doubts persist about whether he will restructure his game fully to higher standards. Although he possesses accuracy in getting the ball deep to the receiver, he needs to cut down on turnovers and make poor decisions under duress. This performance will be critical in ensuring that UCLA does not lose pace and control of the game against Hawaii utilizing his efforts.
On the other hand, changing Brayden Schager to a new role is essential for Hawaii. Schager has minimal competition experience, and now he has to outplay Moore, a solid player. This improvement is necessary, especially with his turnover ratio, although it will be hard-earned as he will face the towering UCLA defense, which demands finesse and aggression. Schager must take chances and be calm in pressure situations for Hawaii to be relevant.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: UCLA Bruins -14 (-110), Total Odds: 53 under -110
The current betting odds favor the UCLA Bruins with a spread set at -14, indicating a moderate expectation for them to assert control over the game. The total for the matchup is established at 53 points, reflecting potential scoring opportunities from both teams.
Bettors should evaluate these odds cautiously, especially considering UCLA’s performance on the road history and Hawaii’s ability to surprise, particularly when matched against higher-tier opponents.
UCLA Bruins Betting Trends
For UCLA, the recent betting trends highlight a mixed yet competitive history. With a 2-4 record against the spread in their last six games, they must address any deficiencies from the previous year while maintaining competitiveness throughout the season. However, their solid overall record (10-5 SU in their last 15 games) illustrates their capability to perform effectively. Particularly noteworthy is UCLA’s success in their previous 12 games played in August, indicating a solid start for past seasons.
Additionally, the tendency for games to go UNDER emphasizes their defensive capabilities, suggesting possible opportunities for bettors to consider when evaluating the game’s total.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Trends
Hawaii’s betting trends showcase a struggle with consistency, as they post a 3-8 record against the spread in their past 11 games. However, their 4-1 SU record in their last five games hints at recent improvements and momentum heading into the new season. Notably, Hawaii has experienced trouble covering the spread against Pac-12 opponents, going 0-6 in these matchups, which feeds into the narrative of their expected struggle against UCLA.
The total going UNDER in five of their last six games indicates a defensive focus that may encounter challenges against a potent offense like UCLA. As Hawaii aims to break the trend, evaluating how it performs under utility against top-tier competition will provide valuable insight as the season progresses.
UCLA Bruins vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 8/31/2024 Betting Picks
Heading into this matchup, sentiments lean heavily toward an expected UCLA victory, with a recommendation to bet on them covering the spread. Given the history of successful performances against non-conference foes and a favorable spread, backing UCLA seems prudent.
For those exploring additional betting options, prop bets concerning Moore’s passing touchdowns or Sims’s rushing yards may be worth considering based on their projected roles in the offense. Moreover, the established totals at 53 could represent an intriguing bet to consider, especially if adjustments are required from both teams’ offensive approaches—trends observed may reflect weaker early defensive line performance, similar to what we could see when evaluating the Fresno State matchup with Michigan today. Handicapping top services often provides insights into how collective dynamics could shift outcomes accordingly.