College football: Underdog an understatement for Hawaii against Ohio State

If the University of Hawaii can find solace in one thing entering its matchup with No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday it’s that nobody expects the Rainbow Warriors to do anything.

Hawaii (1-0) heads to Columbus to face the defending national champions a a 41-point underdog.

The only other time the Rainbow Warriors faced a defending national champion was in 2005 against USC. Hawaii lost that game against Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and Co. 63-17 and are 0-4 all-time in matchups against the No. 1 ranked team.

The Rainbow Warriors do come in with some optimism. A 28-20 victory over Colorado last week was the team’s first win in a season opener in the Norm Chow era (2012-present) of Hawaii football.

USC transfer Max Wittek looked solid in his UH debut, throwing for three touchdowns and 202 yards on 50 percent passing. He was the first Hawaii player in three decades to throw for three scores in a debut.

Junior wide receiver Marcus Kemp made three big plays against Colorado, including a highlight reel 78-yard TD catch and run — UH’s longest scoring play since 2011. Kemp is the top returning target for UH, having made 56 receptions for 797 yards and three touchdowns in 2014.

Against Colorado, Kealakehe alumnus Asotui Eli was among nine players making their first start for UH. Eli played well in his debut at center for the Rainbow Warriors and the offensive line as a whole allowed just one sack.

Hawaii also has the fact that the Buckeyes are playing on a short week, having won their opener 42-24 against Virginia Tech on Monday.

But will that matter? Probably not.

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