2. Vanderbilt at Hawaii
LINE Vanderbilt -8.5
ATS PICK Vanderbilt
Let’s put it this way. Vanderbilt had better win this game.
Talk about disrespect, a Western Kentucky team that lost almost all the key parts to its offense is rolling into Honolulu next week, and it’s currently a 12 point favorite over the Rainbow Warriors.
Vanderbilt is only giving away 6.5.
As the line goes, you’re an SEC team, Vanderbilt. Act like it.
Freaky things happen when teams make this trip. There’s something about going to Hawaii that makes everyone realize there’s more to life than silly things like football, the home side plays at another level of intensity, and then … boom. However, Hawaii is starting over in every way.
New head coach Timmy Chang has changed around the attitude, the offense, and the way the program works. The passing game that’s going back to the high-powered wing-it-around-and-wing-it-some-more should be a blast, but the problem is on the other side.
The Hawaii defense that was the worst in the Mountain West last season is going to take a while to get going. Vanderbilt should have the running game that – combined with the Hawaii style of offense – should mean a massive time of possession disparity.
Vanderbilt has a veteran starting 11 back on defense, the line should be solid, and the secondary might be surprisingly decent. All that, and …
YOU’RE AN SEC TEAM, VANDERBILT. Win this by more than a touchdown.
And finally …