Hawaii vs. UCLA – Prediction, 8/31/24, College Football Picks

The UCLA Bruins and Hawaii Warriors face off on Saturday in Week 1 of college football at the Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex. We'll look at it from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here's a UCLA vs. Hawaii prediction.

UCLA Team Preview

The UCLA Bruins enter the 2024 season hoping the new changes bring more of the same, as this season is the first under new head coach DeShaun Foster and the first in the Big Ten Conference for UCLA after finishing 8-5 overall last year, including 4-5 in the Pac-12 Conference. The Bruins finished the year with a 35-22 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl. Ethan Garbers will finally hold the keys to UCLA's offense as Dante Moore heads to Oregon. In 11 games last year, Garbers threw for 1,136 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just 3 INTs on 67.1% passing. TJ Harden and Keenan Jones will lead the ground attack for UCLA, while J. Michael Sturdivant leads the receiver group and Moliki Matavao anchors the tight ends. Logan Loya is also back among the receivers after leading UCLA with 59 receptions last year. On defense, the Bruins have some replacing to do, especially up front with Laiatu Latu and Gabriel Murphy turning pro. Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu will replace Latu and Murphy at ends around Gary Smith and Jay Toia at defensive tackle. The Bruins have to replace Darius Muasau at linebacker, but Kan Medrano and Oluwafemi Oladejo are both back after being two of the top three tacklers for UCLA last year. The secondary has at least filled its holes via the transfer portal, but there are still plenty of question marks for the Bruins in 2024.

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• UCLA has won seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
• Hawaii has lost three of its last four games in August.
• Hawaii has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
• UCLA has covered the spread in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.

Hawaii Review

The Hawaii Warriors are off to a positive start with a 35-14 win over FCS Delaware State ahead of this matchup with UCLA, but the Warriors have failed to start the year with a cover, missing the spread by 40.5 points in the opening game.

Schager shines in opening game

Brayden Schager threw for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 of 34 passing, while also running for 38 yards and 2 scores. Landon Sims led the Warriors with 58 rushing yards on 10 carries, while Pofele Ashlock had the most passing yards on his team with 5 receptions for 81 yards. Dekel Crowdus added 3 catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Tamatoa Mokiao-Atimalala added two receptions for 30 yards and a score. On defense, Jamih Otis led the Warriors with 11 total tackles, including 8 solo tackles and a sack, while Jamar Sekona, Wynden Ho'ohuli, Jackie Johnson III and Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina also had a sack each in the win. Tylan Hines also contributed a punt return TD for Hawaii in the win.

Why the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will win

• The underdog has won four of UCLA's last five games.
• UCLA, the favorite, has lost three of its last four games.
• The underdog has covered the spread in five of UCLA's last six games.
• As a favorite against non-AP ranked teams, UCLA has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.

UCLA vs. Hawaii Prediction

I'm on the side of the Warriors and the points here. I just think the Warriors looked a little too far in the opener, which is why it was a little closer than expected, but all in all I still think Hawaii has what it takes to compete here. There are a lot of question marks for me with this UCLA team, and while there is footage of the Warriors, the extra game also gave them a chance to shake off the rust. Personally, I'm not sold on Garbers as a quarterback, and getting those points in a game I think Hawaii can compete in is definitely worth a look. Give me Hawaii and the points.