FYI. All summer, the media was touting Hawaii's defense as vastly improved. Well, the Eastern Illinois game disspelled that as EIU's offense generated over 450 yds in offense. As a faithful Hawaii backer, this alarmed me to no end. But, after dissecting the game, I still believe Hawaii has a better defense that should prove to be surprising. First of all, EIU is a top level 1-AA team that had a lot of returnees and finished 3rd or 4th best @ the 1-AA level last yr Granted, it is a lower division but their top teams can give any Div 1-A team a battle and EIU is predicted to finish in the top echelon this year.. Their offense is like a pro set and is one that gave Hawaii many looks. When Hawaii's D finally settled down, they got separation. Jones freely substituted mid 3rd qtr. Believe me, EIU's QB and running back can play for any Div 1-A team. Jones does not believe in contact scrimmages hence their practice was very limited to run throughs. I believe their defense is now better "battled tested" and better prepared for trench warfare. Unless slowed by the weather and rough-like grass, Hawaii's overall speed will overcome BYU. Just my humble (biased) opinion. Will take Hawaii and the pts and pray that the weather holds up for the "track meet" which spells Over.
GM
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