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Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors vs California Golden Bears Betting Preview
Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors return to the Hawai’i Bowl with an 8-4 record and a strong home-field advantage, while California Golden Bears arrive at 7-5 after an upset win over SMU. Both teams feature standout freshman quarterbacks and coaching storylines, setting up a compelling Christmas Eve clash in Honolulu.
Line Movement and Odds
California opened as a -2.5 favorite, with market support steady. Public lean favors the Golden Bears’ passing attack, but Hawai’i’s ATS record at home has drawn sharp interest.
- California Spread: -2.5 (-110)
- Hawai’i Spread: +2.5 (-110)
- California MoneyLine: -135
- Hawai’i MoneyLine: +112
- Total: 55.5 (-110)
For broader market context, check the latest college football odds page.
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Matchup Breakdown
California Outlook
QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele leads the Golden Bears with over 3,100 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, ranking among the nation’s top freshmen. RB Kendrick Raphael adds balance with 862 rushing yards, while WR Jacob De Jesus provides reliability with 98 receptions. Defensively, Cal ranks top-10 in interceptions and fumbles recovered, giving them turnover-creating ability.
Hawai’i Outlook
QB Micah Alejado headlines the Rainbow Warriors with 2,832 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, supported by a passing offense ranked 12th nationally. Hawai’i’s defense ranks top-15 in sacks and interceptions, providing disruptive power. Playing at home, where they’ve gone 6-1 this season, gives them a significant edge.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The game hinges on Sagapolutele’s ability to handle Hawai’i’s defensive pressure. If Cal protects its quarterback and maintains balance, they control tempo. Hawai’i must lean on Alejado’s efficiency and defensive disruption to stay inside the number.
Injuries / Availability
California lists multiple starters questionable, including TE Landon Morris, RB LJ Johnson Jr., and DB Mayze Bryant.
Hawai’i has several starters questionable, including DB Virdel Edwards II and WR Nick Cenacle, while LB Jamih Otis and WR Jarvis Heimuli are out.
Environment
The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex provides Hawai’i with one of the strongest home-field advantages in the Mountain West. California faces a long travel challenge, while Hawai’i’s crowd support and familiarity with conditions add weight. Weather is stable, keeping execution clean.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: California 31, Hawai’i 28
- California -2.5 → Best Bet. Strong record as favorite and passing efficiency give them the edge.
- Over 55.5 → Playable. Both offenses rank top-30 nationally, and explosive plays tilt toward points.
Expect a competitive game with California’s passing attack providing the difference, but Hawai’i’s resilience at home keeping it close. The projected score supports the favorite and a lean to the over.
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