UCLA Football: An early preview of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Continuing our look at UCLA Football’s 2017 schedule, Go Joe Bruin previews Game 2 at the Rose Bowl against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

After their romp with the Texas A&M Aggies in their Week 1 showdown, the UCLA Football team takes on an opponent that is a step down in the talent level (no disrespect) as the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors come to the Rose Bowl.

With the Texas A&M game moved from Saturday to Sunday in Week 1, that means the Bruins have one less day of preparations. Though Hawaii might be a cupcake, they have a few weapons that could give the Bruins trouble.

But let us not forget that this UCLA team is loaded and looking to rebound from a 4-8 record.

What: UCLA Bruins vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

When: Saturday, Sept. 9

Hawaii had a brutal schedule to start 2016 as they went 1-3 in their first four games with losses to Cal, Michigan and Arizona. They were then able to go 5-4 the rest of the way which not only got them to their first bowl game in a decade, but saw them get a victory in the Hawaii Bowl against Middle Tennessee were they won 52-35 to finish the season 7-7.

Hawaii looks to continue their positive vibes as the head into 2017, but they start with another brutal early season schedule that takes them to Pasadena after they travel to Massachusetts and play home game against Western Carolina.

Hawaii Offense:

The Rainbow Warriors’ success will hinge upon their quarterback Dru Brown, who was third in the Mountain West in passing yards with 2,488 yards. He also had a completion rating of 62.4%, which was the 3rd best in the conference. He is a dual-threat quarterback, that can really run. On 88 attempts, Brown collected 306 yards on the ground with 4 touchdowns.

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Whether he is in the pocket or finding space on the outside, he does a fantastic job of finding his receivers. Marcus Kemp should be his main target as he returns as the team’s leading receiver. Last season, Kemp had 73 catches for 1,100 yards and averaged 15.1 yards per catch with 8 touchdowns.

On the ground, the Rainbow Warriors have another speedster to help Brown in the run game. Diocemy Saint Juste was exceptional carrying the rock as he averaged 6.1 yards per carry (Wow!) for a total of 1,006 yards.

Hawaii will run and though UCLA has a spot of trouble with their run defense, they have enough players up front that can get at the quarterback and disrupt their ground game.

If Hawaii tries to pass, well, they go against one of the most consistent and talented secondaries in the Pac-12 the last few seasons. Either way, if Hawaii wants to win, they have to somehow get past this beastly Bruin D.

Hawaii 2016 Offensive Stats

Total Offense: 391.0 (8th in Mountain West)

Passing Offense: 227.5 (4th)

Rushing Offense: 163.8 (8th)

Scoring Offense: 28.3 (8th)

Hawaii Defense:

Hawaii has some talented players at individual spots but they are still a squad that is trying to find their identity. What doesn’t help with that is the fact that their defensive coordinator and several players on that side of the ball are gone. Last season, Hawaii was fairly successful running an aggressive 4–3 defense. But into 2017, they have to start over… again.

Nov 12, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) is sacked by Hawaii Warriors linebacker Jahlani Tavai (31) during the third quarter of the college football game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /

The good thing for the Warriors is that there are a few key members that will help bridge the gap from last season to this season. Hawaii relied on their secondary to do most of the heavy lifting as their run defense was not a bright spot. They allowed 234.2 yards on the ground (113th in the nation) and only 227.4 through the air (64th).

The bad thing for Hawaii is that they lost a lot of defensive backs, but retain safety Trayvon Henderson who was second on the team in tackles with 90, but also added one interception and 3 pass deflections.

The Rainbow Warriors have experience in the middle as MLB Jahlani Tavai who led the team in total tackles with 129, 12.5 of which went for a loss. He will be matched with Malachi Mageo, the 3rd best returning tackler (78).

With UCLA transitioning their offense, this game should be one in which the Bruins could sharpen their teeth, especially with their run game. Josh Rosen should do well passing the ball, but this could also be a game which Soso Jamabo and Bolu Olorunfunmi eclipse 100 yards in game.

Next: UCLA Football: Josh Rosen named to NFL.com's top 50 players in 2017

Final Analysis

This should be an easy contest for the Bruins. If UCLA struggles, this will be an indication that Head Coach Jim Mora’s team is in for a long season. Hopefully that is not the case as UCLA should dominate in every facet of this game.