BYU opens as 8-point favorite over Hawaii

Hawaii is 6-1 and one of the surprise teams in college football. BYU is 3-3 and is coming off two straight blowout losses.

Yet, Vegas seems to like BYU as the Cougars open as 8-point favorites over Hawaii. So, why in the world is BYU that big of a favorite?

The answer likely lies in Hawaii’s QB situation. Hawaii QB Cole McDonald missed his first game of the year yesterday due to an undisclosed injury. McDonald is second nationally in passing yards with 2,100 yards. Hawaii hasn’t publicly ruled out McDonald for BYU yet, but Vegas obviously believes the undisclosed injury will keep him out Saturday.

Hawaii trotted out true freshman Chevan Cordeiro in his place in the Rainbow Warriors 17-13 home win over Wyoming. Cordeiro was 19-29 for 149 yards and 2 TDs.

BYU will still have to deal with Hawaii slot receiver John Ursua, who leads the nation with 55 catches and 12 touchdowns, and is 2nd nationally with 801 receiving yards.

BYU and Hawaii play Saturday night in Lavell Edwards Stadium at 8:15 MDT on ESPN2.