As we head into Week 11 of the 2026 Regular Season, the North Dakota State Bison will take on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI. The game is set for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 PM and will be televised on CW. Both teams are competing in the Mountain West Conference, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest. The North Dakota State Bison enter the game with a strong 7-2 record, showcasing a perfect 5-0 home record, though they have faced challenges on the road with a 2-2 record. In their last five games, the Bison have managed a 3-2 record, with notable victories against UTEP, Nevada, and Wyoming. Their recent form, especially their commanding 31-7 win over UTEP, highlights their capability to perform under pressure. On the other side, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors hold a 3-6 record with some inconsistency, particularly at home with a 1-3 record. Despite a challenging season, they come off a recent win against UTEP, adding a boost to their morale. Their previous triumph in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl against California Golden Bears at the same venue should provide them with confidence heading into this match.

Hawaii vs North Dakota State At a Glance (Week 11)

  • Game Date and Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 PM (Night Game)
  • Venue: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI
  • Broadcast: Available on CW
  • North Dakota State Record: 7-2 overall, 2-2 on the road
  • Hawaii Record: 3-6 overall, 1-3 at home
  • Game Odds: North Dakota State favored with a -244 moneyline and a -6.5 spread

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Ready to Shine Against North Dakota State

Offensive Performance

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors' offense ranks 19th in passing yards this season, highlighting their aerial capabilities with 2,505 yards. Led by quarterback Micah Alejado, who has thrown for 2,485 yards and 10 touchdowns, the passing game remains a critical element of their strategy.

Despite their strong passing game, the rushing attack has struggled, ranking 131st with only 860 yards on the ground. Running back DeVon Rice leads the team with 444 rushing yards and six touchdowns, showing potential despite the overall team challenges in this area.

Defensive Insights

Defensively, Hawaii stands out with 12 sacks, ranking 25th, and has been effective in creating turnovers with six interceptions and six fumble recoveries. These statistics underscore the defense's ability to disrupt the opposing offense and create scoring opportunities.

However, the defense has conceded 210 points this season, placing them 91st in the rankings. Improving their ability to contain opponents will be vital as they face North Dakota State.

Recent Game Performances

Hawaii's recent win against UTEP, 17-14, demonstrated their resilience and ability to secure close victories. The team showed efficiency in passing with 303 yards, but needs to address their rushing defense, having allowed 181 yards on the ground.

Previous games, including a commanding 56-21 victory over Northern Illinois, highlight their potential when firing on all cylinders. Consistency remains the key challenge as they aim to string together more wins.

Key Players to Watch

Micah Alejado continues to be the centerpiece of the offense, supported by receivers like Kainoa Carvalho and Titan Lacaden, who have contributed significantly to the passing game. Carvalho leads with 421 receiving yards, while Lacaden adds crucial depth with 280 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, the focus will be on playmakers who have excelled in turnovers, hoping to capitalize against the Bison's offensive threats. The combination of sacks and interceptions will be pivotal in limiting North Dakota State's scoring opportunities.

Hawaii Top Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: 18-5 in the last 23 games (2020–2026)
  • ATS - Home Games: 15-5 in the last 20 games (2023–2026)
  • ATS - After Loss: 9-2 in the last 11 games (2024–2026)
  • SU - Home Games: 13-7 in the last 20 games (2023–2026)
  • ATS - All Games: 16-10 in the last 26 games (2024–2026)

North Dakota State Bison Look to Tame the Rainbow Warriors

Quarterback Analysis

Nathan Hayes stands out as the leading quarterback for the North Dakota State Bison. In the 2026 season, Hayes has completed 228 passing attempts for a total of 1,710 yards. His efficiency is further highlighted by his 13 touchdowns, although he has also thrown eight interceptions.

Preston Brown serves as a backup, with limited playtime over six games. Despite his lesser role, Brown has managed to make a few passing attempts, but he has not thrown any touchdowns this season.

Rushing Attack

The Bison's ground game is spearheaded by Myles Mitchell, who has accumulated 398 rushing yards and three touchdowns over eight games. DJ Scott complements Mitchell's efforts with 364 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Together, they form a formidable duo, ensuring a balanced offensive approach.

Despite his lower yardage, Nyeoti Punni remains a valuable asset, although he is currently listed as questionable due to an undisclosed injury. His potential absence could impact the depth of the Bison's rushing game.

Receiving Corps

Jackson Williams has been a consistent performer for the Bison, leading the team with 42 receptions and 614 receiving yards. While he has only one touchdown to his name, his yardage indicates his role as a reliable target for Nathan Hayes.

Mekhi Collins and Chris Kiel have contributed significantly, with Collins achieving 227 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Kiel has recorded two touchdowns, making them both essential components of the Bison's passing game.

Defensive Strength

North Dakota State's defense has been effective, allowing only 107 points against them this season, ranking 47th nationally. The team has excelled in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, recording 17 sacks, placing them 20th in this category.

Interceptions have also been a strong point, with the Bison defense snagging 14, ranking 15th nationally. This combination of pressure and turnovers makes the defense a key factor in their success.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU - Home Games: Last 5 Games (2026) → 5-0 (100.0%)
  • SU - As Favorite: Last 8 Games (2026) → 7-1 (87.5%)
  • SU - After Loss: Last 3 Games (2026) → 3-0 (100.0%)
  • SU - All Games: Last 9 Games (2026) → 7-2 (77.8%)
  • ATS - After Loss: Last 4 Games (2024–2026) → 3-1 (75.0%)

Hawaii vs North Dakota State Week 11 Prediction: Hawaii +6.5

The North Dakota State Bison head into this game with a strong 7-2 record but have shown vulnerability on the road with a 2-2 record. Their offensive stats show a reliance on a balanced attack, ranking 51st in points scored. However, their passing game ranks low at 103rd, which could be a concern against Hawaii's defense.

Hawaii, with a 3-6 record, has struggled this season, but they have shown resilience at home with some close games. Their ATS (against the spread) performance at home stands out, as they have covered 75% of the time in their last 20 home games. This trend suggests they are capable of keeping games close, even against superior opponents.

With Hawaii's strong ATS performance as home underdogs and North Dakota State's struggles on the road, taking Hawaii +6.5 seems like a wise choice. The Rainbow Warriors' recent win over UTEP should give them confidence, while the Bison's inconsistent road performance makes them a less reliable favorite.

The combination of these factors indicates a tightly contested game. A prediction of a final score of North Dakota State 24 - Hawaii 20 supports the pick of Hawaii covering the spread.

  • Hawaii vs North Dakota State Prediction: Hawaii +6.5
  • Hawaii vs North Dakota State Score: North Dakota State 24 - Hawaii 20

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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