Christmas Eve Hawaii Bowl
Notre Dame at Hawaii (+2.5)
Total= 49
I believe the majority of the public is still remembering the Hawaii that played Florida at the beginning of the season and got smashed 56-10 and the undefeated Hawaii team that went into the Sugar Bowl and got destroyed by Georgia 41-10. However, that same majority is forgetting that Notre Dame got beat at home by a Syracuse team that is not ranked inside the top 100 in neither total offense nor total defense. Notre Dame also has lost 5 of their last 7, while Hawaii has won 4 of their last 6.
Hawaii has also found a quarterback that has started the last 6 games of the season throwing over 1600 yards with 12 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. He came in late against a tough Boise St. defense and completed 3 of 4 for 44 yards, and since then Hawaii is 4-2. Hawaii's losses have come against tough opponents, such as Florida, Oregon St, Boise St. They also lost to San Jose St. by only 3, while having 6 turnovers; Utah St. 30-14, but had 2 field goals blocked and also fumbled on the Utah St. 4-yd line on 1st and goal. Should have been a much closer game, however you cannot win games while turning it over. They also gave a good Cincinnati offense all they could handle the last game of the regular season. After being up 24-10, Cincy had a pick-6, a safety and then a 70 td-pass to come back and beat Hawaii 29-24. Take away the long pass and Hawaii's defense stepped up to allow just over 100 yards passing to a team that averages over 250 yards through the air.
Notre Dame on the other hand has lost 4 of their last 5 and 5 of their last 7 games, including a loss to Syracuse after being chalked up as a 20 point fave. Over the last four games Jimmy Clausen has thrown 2 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, and will throw a couple more out on the island. He has been one of the most overrated quarterbacks over the last few years and will not disappoint once again on national tv on Christmas Eve.
Good News for Hawaii Backers: Charlie Weis said on Monday that him and his offense coordinator were never closer and have not had a stronger relationship than they currently have, but Weis will be calling the plays in the bowl game, just as he has over the final 3 games of the regular season (1-2). And what do you know, OC Mike Haywood is announced has head coach of Miami (OH) on Wednesday. He will still be coaching the bowl game, but is it really necessary for him to be there? Because he will not be calling the plays. So much for that great relationship!
Charlie Weis calling plays will not do anything good for the offense and the players do not care if it is Haywood's last game at ND or not, because he did not do much good this year. Hawaii is pumped up to playing once again on national tv and against a decent Notre Dame team. They will be looking to win their 4th straight Aloha Bowl that they have played in (won in 2003, 2004, 2006) for the first year head coach Greg McMakin. Hawaii is playing their best football of the season right now and will do the same against Notre Dame tonight in Honolulu.
Hawaii +3 (-120) (2-Star)
Under 49 (3-Star)
Best of Luck,
Playinon
