Week 6: Hawaii at Fresno State

This is usually a marquee game in the WAC, but Hawaii’s poor start has stolen some of the luster.

Still, it should be a physical, defensive game that could be close if Hawaii can win the turnover battle. The Warriors are a miserable minus-15 in turnover margin this season — worst in the nation.

Fresno State has been softer than expected on defense, particularly against the run. The Bulldogs, who have had injury problems on the defensive line, allow 197.8 rushing yards per game. However, they held Wisconsin to 13 points — so the unit is no pushover.

Offensively, tailback Ryan Mathews is a beast. He leads the WAC and is 10th in the nation with 117.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Tom Brandstater, taking advantage of the potent run game, has tossed eight touchdown passes against weakened defenses.

Hawaii has been a wreck on offense, ranking last in the WAC in yards (311.5 per game) and points (17.5 per game) — a shocking turn for a program known for its almost-unstoppable passing attack. Much of the problem stems from uncertainty at quarterback. The Warriors have used four different players — including three starters. Junior Inoke Funaki will start against Fresno State, but he’s probably not the best player. Senior Tyler Graunke is fighting a hand injury.

The Warriors will rely on their defense to give them a chance to win. They held San Jose State to 237 yards and 11 first downs last week and still lost. They have forced just two turnovers, so that needs to change.

Notes:

Fresno State leads the series 20-19-1, but Hawaii has won the past two games.

Since the start of 1999, the Bulldogs and Warriors are both 77-44.

Hawaii had its 15-game WAC winning streak snapped last week. It was the first time since 2005 that the Warriors lost to a WAC team other than Boise State.

Fresno State’s Marlon Moore leads the WAC in punt returns (16.4) and A.J. Jefferson leads the WAC in kickoff returns (29.8).

Key Player (Warriors) — Inoke Funaki, QB

Funaki brings an extra dimension to the Hawaii offense because he can run. However, he has been pulled from each of his first two starts. He committed four turnovers last week against San Jose State.

Key Player (Bulldogs) — Ryan Mathews, RB

Mathews leads the WAC with 117.5 rushing yards per game and has scored four touchdowns. He averages 5.7 yards per carry — and that’s against a schedule that has included Rutgers, Wisconsin and UCLA.

Fresno State by 10