2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part V

We have seen six bowl games played out thus far in 2010, and only one of them has been decided by fewer than 20 points. This trend may be reversed as the next few games pit teams with similar styles against one another. For instance, tonight's Hawaii Bowl figures to be exciting as two of the nation's premiere offenses prepare to battle. If you love watching two high-octane attacks duke it out, make sure to tune in tonight.

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The Hawaii Warriors (playing in their home stadium) will take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in what will surely be a high-scoring affair. Hawaii boasts the nation's top-rated passing attack, averaging a ridiculous 387.8 yards per game. The Warriors should have little difficulty putting up points against the Golden Hurricane, owners of the second worst pass defense in the nation. Hawaii is more than capable of moving the ball on the ground as well, averaging 5.0 YPC. Running back Alex Green has over 1,100 yards on the season and has recorded an obscene 8.8 YPC. Likely forced to drop seven or eight defenders into coverage on most plays, Tulsa will have difficulty stopping Hawaii's running game. If the Warriors fail to score 30 points, it will be a major disappointment.

Fortunately for Tulsa, they have a potent offense themselves. They are averaging over 500 combined rushing and passing yards per game, good enough for 5th in the nation. Their rushing attack accounts for over 200 yards per game and averages 5.2 YPC. Hawaii has a stingy run defense, yielding just 3.5 YPC and and has recovered 13 fumbles on the year. The Warrior pass defense is impressive too, allowing 21 aerial touchdowns against 23 interceptions, the most in the FBS. For Tulsa to have success, they must protect the football. Hawaii's offense is too good to give any extra chances. However, avoiding turnovers is a tall task against the nation's leader in takeaways and interceptions.

For those fans interested in more than just the final score, there are plenty of other things to keep an eye on tonight. Tulsa junior Damaris Johnson is fourth on the NCAA’s career all-purpose yardage list with 7,470 yards. Johnson needs just 104 yards to pass DeAngelo Williams for third place. Hawaii WR Greg Salas needs three receptions and 39 receiving yards to break the Warriors’ single-season records in both categories. The 6'2," 210 pound has 106 receptions for 1,675 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

The guru selects Hawaii with 30 confidence points.