We can have our own unofficial pick for this game. I'd like to start the official season 1-0.
The California Golden Bears will face off against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia to kick off the 2016 season. Football is back, which means the best time of the year is officially here.
Cal enters the season having to replace the No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, quarterback Jared Goff. High expectations are now in place for Davis Webb, the Texas Tech transfer tasked with replacing Goff.
For the Rainbow Warriors, they will look to improve upon last season’s 3-10 record. The hope is the Nick Rolovich era will put a jolt into the program.
These two have not met since 1994, when Hawaii defeated California in Berkley, 21-7.
Below is a look at the Cal vs. Hawaii lines and statistics to know for betting the game.
Cal vs. Hawaii Line Tracker
Opening Spread: Cal -22.5
Opening Over/Under: 63
Westgate Superbook: -20
MGM Mirage: -20
William Hill: -21
Wynn LV: -21
CG Technology: -21
Sportsbook.ag: -20
Spread Betting Trend: 56% Cal
Cal vs. Hawaii Stats
Given that Cal vs. Hawaii is the opening game of the season, we've taken a look at historical stats below.
Head-To-Head Matchups
Cal 2, Hawaii 2
Average Score
Cal = 16.5 points per game
Hawaii = 16.3 points per game
- The two have not met since the 1993 and 1994 seasons, where they split a home-and-home series.
- The last three meetings were won by the road team.
- Hawaii has never played outside the US, whereas Cal has played outside the country just once.
- Cal tied with Washington State 17-17 in Tokyo, Japan in that 1987 matchup.
Non-Conference Record (Last 5 Years)
Hawaii: 10-14 (41%)
Cal: 11-6 (64.7%)
Non-Conference Record vs. Power 5 (Last 5 Years)
Hawaii: 2-11*
Cal: 2-5*
*Includes Bowls & BYU for both teams.
Neutral Site Record (Last 5 Years)
Hawaii: N/A*
Cal: 2-2
*Last was a 2007 Sugar Bowl loss vs. UGA
Season-Openers (Last 10 Years)
Hawaii: 4-6
Cal: 7-3
Cal Notes
- Cal is 3-2 ATS in last five openers.
- Cal is 4-2 ATS the last 5 years in games favored by 20+ pts.
- 2008-2009 was the last time the Bears made consecutive bowls, they won their opener in both seasons.
- Cal is to win a third straight opener for first time since 2007-2011 when the Bears won five straight.
- They're plus-60 points over the last five openers despite going just 3-2 overall.
Hawaii Notes
- Hawaii is 5-0 ATS in last five openers.
- Hawaii is 6-7 ATS the last 5 years in games they were 20+ pt ‘dogs.
- Hawaii has gone 6-14 overall last 5 years in AUG/SEPT
- Hawaii won its opener last season as 7-pt ‘dogs vs. Colorado (28-20)
Cal vs. Hawaii Rosters
Cal Returning Starters
Defense - 5
After finishing a dreadful 108th in total defense last season, the Bears look to improve despite losing five of their top six tacklers. The loss of Hardy Nickerson to Illinois as a grad transfer will certainly be felt. Cal was 89th in scoring defense last season so it can’t get much worse. Their front seven is still weak, but the secondary has five of their top eight defensive back returning so the experience is there.
Offense - 4
Thankfully Davis Webb is at Cal after transferring from Texas Tech, because the Bears lost a TON! Goff is gone, as are the top six pass catchers from last year. Luckily, the Bears bring in a few potentially productive youngsters. Demetris Robertson, Vic Wharton and Melquise Stovall should be targeted a bunch this season. The schedule is one of the toughest in the nation, so keeping their composure and making the best of their opportunities will paramount if the Bears expect to go bowling again.
Hawaii Returning Starters
Defense - 6
They will have their hands full slowing down a respectable Bears offense this season despite losing nearly everybody. 105th in scoring defense last season, the Warriors must step it up against arguably a schedule that isn’t a walk in the park. Michigan and Arizona are rough September matchups so the depth could be a concern.
Offense - 9
Ikaika Woolsey took over for the less-mobile Max Wittek last season. Formerly a USC Trojan, Wittek had his struggles due to performance and injury last season. The offense made nice strides once Woolsey took over, largely due to his dual-threat ability. Still, he will need to be much better if the Rainbow Warriors expect to be more competitive in the Mountain West. Hawaii has gone winless in the Mountain West in two of the last three seasons.
Cal vs. Hawaii Prediction
The Bears shouldn’t have too many issues scoring, but their defense will give major worries to those who are siding with the power-five favorite. Look at the Cal schedule and try to find six wins; it isn’t happening. That said, a season-opening win should put them within an upset or two from coming really close. I don’t love Hawaii this season, either, but they will keep this one close by playing keep away with running back Paul Harris.
Final Score Prediction: Cal 34, Hawaii 21
FROM:
http://campusinsiders.com/news/cal-vs-hawaii-line-spread-odds-tracker-08-22-2016
