Memphis Tigers vs Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors 2021 Hawai'i Bowl Canceled

Note: Due to COVID, the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors have dropped out of the Hawai'i Bowl and the game is canceled. Here is our take on that game.

Our Memphis vs Hawai'i prediction is for the 2021 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl, which will be played on Friday, December 24. The Memphis Tigers (6-6) finished tied for seventh with Navy in the AAC with a 3-5 record. In their final five games of the season, the Tigers went 2-3. The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (6-7) ended the season tied for fourth with San Jose State in the MWC West. Like Memphis, they posted a 3-5 record. Also, like the Tigers, the Rainbow Warriors, were 2-3 for their last five games.

Hawai'i Bowl Spread and Totals Odds

In the Hawai’i Bowl, the Tigers are favored in this game with a line of -7.5 (-105). However, you can bet the underdog Hawai'i at +9.0 (-110). The total is 55.0 with the over at -108 and under at -112. The 2021 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl will be played at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI with kickoff at 8:00 pm ET. The Hawai'i Bowl will be broadcast on ESPN. The weather forecast is for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 80s. Winds will be from the ENE at 20 mph and gusts up to 37 mph. There is an eight percent chance of precipitation.

Tigers vs Rainbow Warriors Pick - Stats

Statistically, these two teams are very close. In some areas, our Memphis vs Hawai'i prediction observes that both matchup almost exactly. The Tiger offense is averaging 30.3 PPG and the Rainbow Warriors have been good for 28.8 PPG. In terms of offensive yards, Memphis is averaging 435.8 YPG and Hawai’i 405 YPG.

On defense, our Memphis vs Hawai'i prediction finds that the Tigers are allowing 29.3 PPG, while Hawai'i is permitting 31.4 PPG. The Rainbow Warriors are giving up 446.0 defensive YPG. The Tigers are permitting just 418.0 YPG. Memphis is allowing 40 fewer passing YPG (250.6-to-289.7). The Warriors are holding teams to 156.3 YPG, about 10 fewer yards than the Tigers.

Memphis vs Hawai'i Prediction - Key Players

If this is a battle between quarterbacks Seth Henigan of Memphis and Chevan Cordeiro of Hawai'i, then the Tigers have the advantage. Comparing statistics regarding these two signal callers, Henigan tops Cordeiro in completion stats (59.8%-55.2), touchdown passes (25-11), and yards (3,322-2,793 YDs). Henigan has also been sacked fewer times (23-28) and tossed fewer picks (8-11).

Henigan has a quadrant of pass catchers to toss to, which are led by wideout Calvin Austin III (74 REC, 1,149 YDs, 15.5 AVG, 8 TDs) and tight end Sean Dykes (48 REC, 657 YDs, 13.7 AVG, 7 TDs). Running back Brandon Thomas (116 ATT, 669 YDs, 5.8 AVG, 8 TDs) leads what is a sound ground unit.

For the Rainbow Warriors, dual-threat running back Calvin Turner Jr. is a major threat. Turner has eight rushing scores and four receiving TDs. Wideout Nick Mardner, who’s scored five times, has made 46 catches for 913 yards. Running backs Dae Dae Hunter (101 ATT, 651 YDs, 6.4 AVG, 3 TDs) and Dedrick Parson (107 ATT, 618 YDs, 5.3 AVG, 8 TDs) are effective offensive weapons.

Memphis vs Hawai'i Prediction

Along with the above information, we did find that the Rainbow Warrior top the Tigers in picks and forced fumbles. However, Memphis is better in passes defended. In our Memphis vs Hawai'i prediction, we’re taking the Tigers due to their quarterbacking and receiving unit. We’re taking Memphis at -7.5 (-105). We are also going with the over at 55.0 (-108).

Check in with Sports Betting Smarts everyday, as we are previewing and predicting every one of this season’s 41 college football bowl games. In the first week of bowl season, we went 12-4 with an 8-2 mark on Saturday.

2021 Hawai'i Bowl - Memphis vs Hawai'i Summary

Spread - Memphis -7.5 (-105)

Over/Under - Over 55.0 (-108)