TONIGHT’S BOWL GAME

Hawaii Bowl

UAB at Hawaii

Where: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu.

Time: 4 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Records: Hawaii 7-5, UAB 7-4.

Key stats: On average, Hawaii gives up 49.3 more yards than it gains. On average, UAB gives up 18.6 more yards than it gains.

About Hawaii: The Warriors are 7-1 at home – important because this game is in their home stadium. Hawaii is third nationally in passing offense (333.1 ypg), and senior QB Timmy Chang is the NCAA’s career passing leader (16,667 yards). WRs Chad Owens, Jason Rivers and Britton Komine have combined for 212 catches, 2,745 yards and 25 TDs. There is no running game to speak of (96.9 ypg), and the defense is rancid (115th in the nation at 479.3 ypg), especially against the run (last at 259.3 ypg).

About UAB: QB Darrell Hackney (241.2 ypg, 24 TDs, seven picks) makes the Blazers go. He has a strong arm and good mobility. When he struggles, the whole offense struggles. WR Roddy White (121.7 ypg, 13 TDs) is a big-time NFL prospect, and he and Hackney should team up for a few big plays against Hawaii’s brutal defense. UAB isn’t going to stop Hawaii’s offense, so the Blazers need RBs Dan Burks and Corey White to be productive and attempt to control the clock. UAB has good linebackers – most notably, Zac Woodfin – but those guys will be doing a heck of a lot of work in pass coverage tonight.

The buzz: With all the passes sure to be thrown, Santa will be on the move when this one ends. If you like offensive football, make sure to watch this.

The line: Hawaii by 3 1/2 .

—The Orlando Sentinel