UNI football at Hawaii: TV, live stream, 3 keys to the game, score prediction (Sept. 21, 2024)

CEDAR FALLS — For the second time in program history Northern Iowa has traveled nearly 4,000 miles west to play a football game at Hawaii.

Picked ninth in the 12-team Mountain West Conference preseason poll, the Rainbow Warriors (1-2) are coming off back-to-back losses — at home to UCLA and on the road last Saturday at Sam Houston.

Hawaii finished its 2023 season 5-8, its second under the guidance of head coach Timmy Chang.

The Rainbow Warriors’ offense is Chang’s “run-and-shoot” scheme that ranked first in the MWC in passing yards per game last season. Senior quarterback Brayden Schager and wide receiver Pofele Ashlock — both 2023 All-MWC honorees — pace a formidable offense with 227.3 yards passing and 92.3 receiving per game this season.

Defensive back Peter Manuma — a 2023 All-MWC honoree — leads Hawaii in tackles with 18. Manuma leading the Rainbow Warriors in tackles again likely is a bad sign that their run defense continues to struggle after ranking ninth in the MWC last season.

Here are three keys to victory for the Panthers.

1. Statement game for UNI

While UNI (2-1) Coach Mark Farley and his players made an understandable decision to focus on the positives from last week’s 34-3 loss at Nebraska, turning those positives into a win against the Rainbow Warriors would go a long way toward vindicating that approach.

A win at FBS Hawaii also could make the difference for the Panthers when the 24-team FCS playoff field is determined.

2. Aidan Dunne and the “Air Raid” roll call

First-year starting quarterback Aidan Dunne was among the many positives that were cultivated out of last week’s loss.

The redshirt junior made throws that demonstrated arm strength and split-second decision making that had not been seen in his first two starts.

Dunne’s next box to check is getting the “Air Raid” offense off the proverbial runway and behind opposing defenses.

3. Caden Palmer’s clutch kicks

Caden Palmer’s 2-for-4 start to his career as a kicker isn’t overly concerning, but Saturday night’s game could offer more opportunities for him to score.

And unlike the Valparaiso and Nebraska games, field goals Saturday night may prove to be the difference between a win and a loss.

UNI at Hawaii (Sept. 21, 2024)

Kickoff time: 11 p.m. (CT)

TV: None

Live stream: Team1Sports app

Radio: 93.5 The Mix (app available), Panther Sports Radio Network (TuneIn)

Line: UNI +7.5

Prediction: UNI 27 Hawaii 24