Find out why Idaho will beat Hawaii

MOSCOW -- The University of Idaho is one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1998. The way I see it...they'll get that win this weekend against Hawaii. ]

The Vandals haven't had much success against the Warriors in the past. Idaho and Hawaii have faced off nine times (dating back to 1930), with Idaho walking away winners only once (a 14-6 victory in 1960). I say who cares! The Vandals will beat Hawaii on Saturday and I'll tell you why.

First off, Idaho finally has a home field advantage. I'm not trying to say they haven't had rowdy crowds in the recent past, but there is a big difference between 16,000 (what's expected on Saturday) and 10,324 (the attendance in the dome against San Diego State earlier this year). A rockin' Kibbie Dome will make a huge difference.

Everyone seems to be scared of Hawaii's run-and-shoot offense (and for good reason). The Warriors have the third best passing attack in the country, averaging 372.2 yards per game. Idaho's pass defense, ranked 99th in the country, doesn't help the cause. I'll say this...Hawaii will do damage through the air, but they won't be as potent as usual. Hawaii's starting quarterback Greg Alexander is out for the rest of the season, so the Warriors are playing backup Bryant Moniz. He started for the first time last week against Fresno State (a 42-17 loss) and completed 24-of-52 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown. He also tossed two interceptions. Fresno State's pass defense isn't ranked much higher than Idaho's.

The Warriors do have plenty of targets, including Greg Salas (32 catches for 680 yards and four touchdowns) and Rodney Bradley (29 receptions for 517 yards and five touchdowns). Kealoha Pilares is also dangerous, reeling in 36 catches this season. The Vandals will have to do their best to lock these guys down (not an easy task).

Here's another big reason why Idaho will beat Hawaii this weekend...the Vandals running game. Hawaii hemorrhages rushing yards. They've allowed more than 1,000 ground yards in five games this year (a 201.8 ypg average to be exact). If the Vandals do one thing really well; it's run the football. Idaho is ranked 55th in the country in rushing yards, averaging 156.1 yards per contest. The entire game-winning drive against San Jose State was run, after run, after run. A random fact...DeMaundray Woolridge and Princeton McCarty average six yards per carry this season.

Hawaii's passing defense has plenty of holes as well. The Warriors allow more than 200 yards through the air per game. I expect Nathan Enderle to get back on track in a big way this weekend.

I don't just think the Vandals will win this weekend...I think they'll win big (maybe 35-20???). This team has momentum on its side and they've learned how to win. As far as I'm concerned, Idaho will officially be bowl eligible by Saturday night.