Arizona at Hawaii 8/24/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The Arizona Wildcats visit Aloha Stadium on August 24 to play the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the opening game of the 2019 college football regular season for both. In 2018, Arizona finished a disappointing 5-7 overall while going 4-5 in the Pac-12. Arizona first year coach Kevin Sumlin will have Khalil Tate back under center and J.J. Taylor at returning at running back.

Hawaii was 8-6 overall and 5-3 in the Mountain West Conference in 2018. The Rainbow Warriors produced a much better season than their 3-9 season in 2017. Hawaii was defeated in its Hawaii Bowl by Louisiana Tech 31-14, but is expected to have another explosive offense with Cole McDonald returning at quarterback and John Ursua returning as his favorite target at wide receiver. Khalil Tate led Arizona last season at quarterback with 2,530 yards passing, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. J.J. Taylor is the leading rusher returning from last season when he rushed for 1,435 yards and six touchdowns. Shun Brown is the top receiver that returns from last season. Brown caught 65 passes for 655 yards and six touchdowns in 2018.

Cole McDonald returns as Hawaii’s starting quarterback. McDonald threw for 3,875, 36 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. Fred Holly III leads all Hawaii running backs returning from last season. Holly rushed for 468 yards and four touchdowns in 2018. John Ursua is the leading receiver back with Hawaii. Ursua in 2018 had 89 receptions for 1,343 yards and 16 TDs.