The Trojans will be playing their first of a school-record seven road outings during the 2010-11 season and have lost just once in 30 games against WAC teams. The team has posted a 20-10-3 record on Thursdays, but most of those have taken place on Thanksgiving (11-6-3). New head coach Lane Kiffin inherited a team with 12 returning starters from the recently departed Pete Carroll, who is now up in the Pacific Northwest, coaching the Seattle Seahawks.

Hawaii looks to improve upon its 15-34 all-time mark against current members of the Pac-10 Conference and also pick up its first ever win over tonight’s opponent. The Rainbows are certainly capable due to recent results, tallying eight wins over BCS conference teams since 2003, tied for fifth-most nationally. The team has won its last two home games versus the conference, picking up a 24-10 win over Washington State in 2008 and beating Washington 35-28 in 2007.

The Rainbows bring in an experience group into this contest, tied with Louisville and TCU for the most seniors in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 27. The passing attack ranked in the top three nationally last season, but the offensive line will be in a rebuilding mode with four new starters.

Recommended Bet

From a betting perspective, the Trojans just have way too many unknown variables to back in this spot. We suggest backing the Rainbows (+21.5, -123) at its current odds and maybe grab an even better number closer to game time.