UNR could give Hawaii tough time

Brennan sat out two days of practice but passed tests given by doctors and trainers this week. He is likely to start tonight, when the Warriors put their unbeaten season on the line against UNR.

In a season full of surprises, Hawaii could be next on the upset list. The Gold Sheet editor Bruce Marshall said he likes the Wolf Pack as a 7-point home underdog against the Warriors.

The home team has won eight straight in the series, with UNR winning 38-28 and 24-14 in the past two meetings in Reno.

“Brennan probably will be able to go, but the Red Gun offense is not built for weather in the Sierras in mid-November when it’s cold,” Marshall said. “Even if Brennan goes, I think the Wolf Pack has got a shot.

“Hawaii’s running game has not been as good as it was last year, and the defense has been a little bit of a disappointment. This could be a banana peel for the Warriors against a team that plays very well at home.”

UNR is 18-4 straight up at Mackay Stadium since the start of the 2004 season, when Chris Ault returned as coach.

The Wolf Pack (5-4) is on a three-game winning streak behind solid play from quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Luke Lippincott.

The Warriors are 9-0 but needed overtime to survive in road games against Louisiana Tech and San Jose State.

Marshall (goldsheet.com) analyzes more of his plays for Saturday (home team in CAPS):

• Duke (+6) over NOTRE DAME: In watching these two 1-9 teams, the Blue Devils look better, and there’s no question about it. I am just amazed at the inefficiency of the Irish offense. The play-calling has been stale, and freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen doesn’t look prepared to deliver a win.

The Irish are 2-8 in their past 10 as home favorites. Duke is 4-1 against the spread as a road underdog and has the best quarterback on the field in sophomore Thaddeus Lewis.

• Kentucky (+8) over GEORGIA: The Bulldogs are really hot, beating Auburn and Florida during a four-game winning streak, and freshman Knowshon Moreno is about as good a running back as there is in the country. But Kentucky is a very accomplished underdog and is 11-4 against the spread in its past 15 games.

Wildcats quarterback Andre Woodson should be able to do some business against the Georgia defense. Kentucky has been in tough environments and hung in there against the best the Southeastern Conference has to offer.

• North Carolina State (+6) over WAKE FOREST: Wolfpack coach Tom O’Brien has turned things around by winning four straight games after losing five of six to start the season.

The Demon Deacons have not been good favorites, and are just 4-14-1 laying points at home since 2002.

• TEMPLE (+1) over Kent: The Golden Flashes are devastated by injuries and could be down to their fourth quarterback. Kent has really hit the skids and is coming off a loss to Northern Illinois, one of the worst teams in the country.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2907.