New Mexico Bowl 2020 – Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs Houston Cougars

Our Hawaii vs Houston pick 2020 for the New Mexico Bowl is our sixth of what is a truncated bowl season. Thus far one bowl game in the schedule has been missed. This Saturday only three of six usually scheduled games will be played. Consequently, a total of 15 postseason games have been canceled. Thus, that leaves 27 games. This one features the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors who finished fifth in the Mountain West Conference with a 4-4 record. The Houston Cougars finished fifth in the American Athletic Conference with a 3-3 mark. Additionally, they posted an overall record of 3-4. Hawaii did not play any out-of-conference games.

The Houston Cougars are favored in this bowl game. They are at -7.5 (-105). Conversely, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors best spread is +9.5 (-115). In terms of totals betting, the over can be found at 59.0 (-108), while the best under is 59.5 (-110).

New Mexico Bowl will be played on Thursday, December 24. The kickoff will be at 3:30 pm ET with the game being played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. The weather is predicted to be mostly cloudy with a temperature of 50-degrees. Probability of precipitation is 17% and winds will be 13 MPH from the NNW.

Hawaii vs Houston Pick 2020 – Statistics

Our Hawaii vs Houston pick 2020 finds that the Rainbow Warriors averaged 26.0 PPG while their defensive scoring came in at 29.3 PPG. As a result, that gives this team a PF/PA differential of -3.3. The Cougars averaged 32.3 PPG. They allowed opponents 32.6 PPG, which gives Houston a differential of -0.3. Thus, Houston has the advantage in this area, but at 3.0, it is slight.

Hawaii’s offense averaged just under 400 yards per game, while Houston’s offense averaged just below 425. Interestingly, both teams were good for 155 rushing YPG. Also, both Hawaii and Houston averaged around 250 passing YPG. On defense, the Rainbow Warriors allowed 230.9 rushing YPG and 190.6 passing YPG. On the other side of the field, Houston gave up 244.6 air YPG and 172.7 ground YPG.

New Mexico Bowl – Offense and Defense

The Rainbow Warriors offense offers a minimal attack. Although neither passing nor rushing games are preferred, we find they are strongest on the run. On defense, they do offer a sound group of pass protectors. Considering Houston, their pass attack is a bit more substantial than Hawaii’s. Plus, they have a deeper core of running backs. The Cougars defense includes a decent pass rush. However, their secondary has some holes in it.

Rainbow Warriors and Cougars – Offenses

Warrior’s QB Clayton Tune completed 60.7% of his passes, throwing 13 TD passes and seven INTs. Additionally, he’s been sacked 13 times. Also, Tune has rushed for five scores, averaging 4.3 YPA over 62 carries. RB Kyle Porter, who’s rushed for 394 yards over 96 carries, has crossed the goal line four times. WR Marquez Stevenson has 20 catches with four going for TDs. Finally, WR Keith Corbin leads the team with 27 catches and 352 yards. He’s scored one TD.

Houston QB Chevan Cordeiro is this team’s leading passer and rusher. Completing 62.1% of his passes, he’s hit pay dirt 11 times. Cordeiro has been sacked 26 times and has thrown six picks. On the ground, Cordeiro has 106 carries for 450 yards and seven scores. RB Calvin Turner has rushed for four TDs. The dual-threat leads the team in receptions with 29 receptions for 458 yards and five touchdowns.

Hawaii vs Houston Pick 2020 – Defenses

LB Darius Muasau leads the Rainbow Warriors with 61 solo tackles, 93 total bringdowns, and 3.5 sacks. DB Khoury Bethley has posted five PD and one sack, while DB Quentin Frazier has two picks, one PD, one sack, and two fumbles recovered. Hawaii has recorded 13 sacks, nine picks, 27 PD, and six forced and recovered fumbles.

The Cougar defense has 22 sacks, 25 PD, three INTs, and three forced and recovered fumbles. DL David Anenih and Derek Parish have recorded 4.5 and 3.5 sacks respectively. CB Marcus Jones has made one pick and four PD. Top tackler Grant Stuard has 35 solo and 61 total tackles, while recording one sack.

Hawaii vs Houston Pick 2020 – Final Word

Our Hawaii vs Houston pick 2020 likes the Cougars. We think they are a bit better on offense. Also, we think that they can take advantage of some the Hawaii’s weaknesses on defense. Hawaii will score some points. However, they will be hampered by the Cougar pass rush.

New Mexico Bowl 2020 – Summary

Point Spread – Houston Cougars at -7.5 (-105).
Totals – Under 59.5 (-110).