FBS-CFB Game Preview: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (7-3) vs. UNLV Rebels (8-2)

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Venue & Event Details

Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise (Las Vegas), Nevada

Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT

Broadcast: FS1

Weather Forecast

Temperature: Mid-60s °F at kickoff, dropping into upper 50s by late evening

Conditions: Clear desert skies, minimal wind (5–8 mph)

Impact: Ideal conditions for passing and explosive plays

Injury Report

Hawai‘i: QB Micah Alejado (healthy, 2,380 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs); WR Jackson Harris (healthy, 731 yards, 10 TDs).

UNLV: QB Anthony Colandrea (healthy, 2,251 yards, 17 TDs, 5 INTs); RB Jai’Den Thomas (probable, 780 yards, 8 TDs).

Key Player Matchups

QB Micah Alejado (Hawai‘i): 297.5 passing yards per game vs UNLV secondary allowing 220 yards per game.

WR Jackson Harris (Hawai‘i): 731 yards, 10 TDs vs CB unit led by UNLV’s Troy Omeire (303 yards, 3 TDs, also versatile).

QB Anthony Colandrea (UNLV): Dual-threat (2,251 passing yards, 483 rushing yards, 23 total TDs) vs Hawai‘i defense ranked mid-pack in MWC.

RB Jai’Den Thomas (UNLV): 780 rushing yards vs Hawai‘i front seven allowing 160+ rushing yards per game.

Recent Team Forms

Hawai‘i: Beat Colorado State 31–19 (Oct. 18); lost 45–38 to San Jose State (Nov. 1). Passing game remains explosive.

UNLV: Lost 40–35 to New Mexico (Nov. 1); bounced back with 42–10 win over Colorado State (Nov. 8). Offense balanced and efficient.

Series History

All-time: UNLV leads 20–12.

Recent trend: UNLV has won 3 of last 4 meetings.

Last meeting (2024): UNLV won 27–20 in Honolulu.

Betting Trends:

Hawai‘i is 5–2 ATS in last 7 games.

UNLV is 6–2 ATS in last 8 games.

Overs have hit in 4 of last 5 Hawai‘i games.

Historical Betting Results

UNLV has covered in 3 of last 4 vs Hawai‘i.

Totals have gone over in 3 of last 5 head-to-head meetings.

Projected Score: UNLV 34 – Hawai‘i 27

Game Odds

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors            64.5

UNLV Rebels                                      – 2.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, November 20, 2025

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NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.