Rainbows will be better, but still only win 4 games

Maybe I’m too optimistic for the University of Hawaii football season that begins a week from Saturday against Washington at Aloha Stadium. If the Rainbow Warriors don’t close out games better than they did while winning just one last year, there’s no way they’ll go 4-9 this fall, like I think they can.

It’s going to take running back Joey Iosefa staying healthy, a cohesive offensive line, heady quarterback play from a maturing Ikaika Woolsey, turnovers by the defense instead of the offense, and a continuation of last year’s good special teams play.

Too big an order? Maybe.

But UH should be able to match the win total of the previous two seasons combined. Four victories might not be enough to get the casual fans back. But it would be a start.

» Washington, Aug. 30: L, 0-1. Even with quarterback Cyler Miles suspended, the Huskies should have more than enough to handle Hawaii.

» Oregon State, Sept. 6: L, 0-2. This one’s going to sting as the Beavers remain loaded with players and coaches with Hawaii ties.

» Northern Iowa, Sept. 13: W, 1-2. The Panthers are a dangerous FCS outfit, but UH won’t be looking past anyone.

» At Colorado, Sept. 20: L, 1-3. UH will have the right attitude but the wrong altitude. Buffs won just four games last year but are on the rise with 16 returning starters.

» At Rice, Oct. 4: L, 1-4. I like Hawaii off a bye and against a fellow mid-major, but the Owls have enough back from a 10-win season to handle visitors from afar.

» Wyoming, Oct. 11: W, 2-4 (1-0 MWC). Hawaii was just a defensive stop from taking down the Cowboys in Laramie last year. UH should win its first conference game handily.

» At San Diego State, Oct. 18: L, 2-5 (1-1). SDSU catches the Rainbow Warriors at home — and after New Mexico and before a bye.

» Nevada, Oct. 25: L, 2-6 (1-2). Quarterback Cody Fajardo is back, and so is defensive end Brock Hekking, who went wild against the Warriors last year.

» Utah State, Nov. 1: L, 2-7 (1-3). Assuming good health, Chuckie Keeton is the second top-notch QB the Warriors will have to deal with in as many weeks.

» At Colorado State, Nov. 8: W, 3-7 (2-3). The Rams defense will yield its usual 30 points, and if Iosefa is still healthy Hawaii has a big RB edge with Kapri Bibbs gone. The Warriors grind out a road upset.

» At San Jose State, Nov. 15: L, 3-8 (2-4). David Fales and his best receivers are gone, but back-to-back road games will be too much for UH.

» UNLV, Nov. 22: W, 4-8 (3-4). Iosefa runs wild on Senior Night against the flat Rebels, who are bowl-ineligible and host rival Nevada in their finale the following week.

» At Fresno State, Nov. 29: L, 4-9 (3-5). They won’t be the same without QB Derek Carr, but the Bulldogs have enough firepower to win at home featuring the running back tandem of Josh Quezada and Marteze Waller behind a strong offensive line. The season ends with Hawaii showing improvement. But is it enough?

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. Read his blog at staradvertiser.com/quickreads.