Hawaii Bowl 2018: 3 reasons to watch Hawaii vs. Louisiana Tech
By Zach Bigalke
3. Can Hawaii stop Jaylon Ferguson before he gets into the backfield?
Hawaii has had its issues throughout the season when it comes to protecting their quarterbacks. Cole McDonald has been sacked 31 times over the course of the year to date, and that punishment forced him to miss the Wyoming game. As the catalyst of the team, McDonald must stay upright if the Rainbow Warriors are going to have a chance to win at home.
The offensive line is tasked with what is likely their biggest test of the entire season. Jaylon Ferguson has been the ultimate disruptor for the Bulldogs in 2018. Averaging 1.25 sacks and two tackles for loss per game, the defensive end currently leads the country in sacks and sits second overall in the FBS in tackles for loss.
Ferguson is part of a unit that ranks 10th in the nation in total sacks, while the Rainbow Warriors offensive line gives up nearly three sacks per game and sits 111th in sacks allowed. Hawaii will need to find a way to stop Ferguson or else they are going to have a hard time moving the ball downfield.