Aug 233 min read

Preview: Delaware State, Hawai'i Meet for the First Time

Brayden Schager, Hawai'i — © Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors will host the Delaware State Hornets to open the 2024 season. The first-ever matchup between the teams kicks off at 11:59 p.m. EST on Aug. 24 in Honolulu, Hawai'i.

The game was put in jeopardy as a scheduling error on the part of the motor coach company tasked with transporting the Hornets to the airport caused the team to miss their plane. However, all is well after three connecting flights, and it is game on.

Delaware State looks to bounce back from a 1-10 season in 2023. Hawai'i hopes to start the season on a high note by getting their explosive offense rolling early against the FCS Hornets.

Hopes, Expectations

The trip to Hawai'i will be the longest road trip in program history for the Hornets. Delaware State struggled on both sides of the ball in 2023. The offense failed to score more than 17 points in eight games, and the defense only had nine sacks. The Hornets hope for a bounce-back season but are outmatched in this game. Perhaps Delaware State can take some steps in the right direction and enjoy a little time in the sun and sand.

Hawai'i's Timmy Chang heads into his third year as head coach of his alma mater and hopes to capitalize on the momentum from the season before when the 'Bows won three out of their last four games to close out 2023. Senior quarterback Brayden Schager and a bevy of talented pass catchers return to an offense that was 27th nationally in pass yards per game.

Dennis Thurman replaces Jacob Yoro as defensive coordinator for the Rainbow Warriors. Thurman inherits a group that returns seven starters. There is optimism for improvement around a unit that gave up 32.2 points per game in 2023. The Warriors expect to display that improvement against the Hornets.

Key Players: Hawai'i

Brayden Schager, Quarterback: Schager had a bit of a coming-out party in 2023 as he led the MWC in passing yardage with 3,542 yards. The senior looks to take the next step as the trigger puller for Chang's run-and-shoot offense. Schager threw 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2023. If the Maxwell Award watchlist QB can cut down on the turnovers, the 'Bows offense could be looking at a season full of huge numbers.

Pofele Ashlock, Wide Receiver: Ashlock will lead the aforementioned talented group of pass catchers as senior Steven McBride's (63 catchers, 1,024 yards, 9 scores) availability is in question due to an undisclosed eligibility issue. Ashlock led the team in receptions with 83 and had 832 yards and 9 touchdowns. Expect Schager to target Ashlock early and often.
Jalen Smith, Linebacker: Smith finished 2023 with 67 tackles, and will be one of the players relied on to lead a run defense that finished 102nd in the nation. Smith will be a cornerstone player for Thurman's improved defense.

Key Players: Delaware State

Marquis Gillis, Running Back: Gillis ran for over 700 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2023, and if the Hornets' offense hopes to get going against the Rainbow Warriors it will start with the junior.
Darren Cook, Defensive Line: Cook had five sacks in 2023, and will be integral in the Hornets' defense in 2024. And if Delaware State hopes to slow down Schager and the 'Bows offense, it all starts at the line of scrimmage.

Delaware State QB looks to pass — © Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The Reality

Hawai'i faces a daunting schedule but expects to get rolling early in the seasoner opener against an overmatched FCS opponent. Expect the 'Bows to throw often to get Schager in rhythm early.

Delaware State is outgunned in this matchup. But positive steps can be made ahead of their division schedule. Watch for an aggressive pass rush and stingy secondary.