HAIL WEEK ZERO!!  2 for 2 in compelling games is a wonderful ratio.

While the Miami-Florida game was not a masterpiece, the intensity of the game was breath taking.  As predicted, two young offensive lines were often overwhelmed by two very capable defenses.  If this passionate, dormant in-state rivalry can be revived, will the athletic directors at Texas, Texas A&M, Pitt and West Virginia PLEASE notice and act?

For night owls, the nightcap in paradise was must see TV.  Two former WAC teams, Arizona and Hawaii, produced offensive fireworks that was delightfully reminiscent of the WAC’s heyday.  So many story lines!  Thankfully, the wonderful Khalil Tate is healthy again.  The phenom passed for 361, ran for 108 and almost pulled a rabbit out of the hat in his desperation gallop on the game’s last play that came up one measly yard short thanks to heroic effort from one of Hawaii’s defensive tackles

Despite his health, storm clouds existed in Honolulu for the Wildcats that produced no rainbows.  Hawaii piled up 595 yards of offense, highlighted by Cedric Byrd’s 224 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.  Yep, the Arizona defensive backs may be a problem all year.

Bizarrely, Hawaii’s 45-38 upset could have been a rout if not for 6 turnovers in the first three quarters by the Rainbow Warriors.  How many times does a team bench its starting QB late in the 3rd quarter who has passed for close to 400 yards?  Hawaii did not have to punt until its very last possession.

The UA-Hawaii game resulted in nostalgia for one of the best coaches in the history of both schools:  Dick Tomey.  Kevin Sumlin, you are no Dick Tomey!  Sorry to pile on a seemingly nice guy but nobody in College Station now regrets that Jimbo Fisher is the head man (except maybe for the person actually cutting Fisher’s huge checks!).

For the Rainbow Warriors, we hope Coach Nick Rolovich stays on the Islands and does not repeat June Jones’ fateful mistake of leaving for perceived greener pastures.  Hawaii’s former star QB belongs in Honolulu.

As we eagerly look forward to Week 1, the Odyssey offers a few predictions.  Teams that will exceed expectations:  Virginia, Syracuse, Minnesota and Northwestern (when will Pat Fitzgerald cease to be an underrated coach?).

Teams falling short of expectations:  Mississippi State (loss of too many defensive studs will help remind all that Dan Mullen will continue to be missed), Michigan (tough schedule and loss of too many defensive studs), Stanford (tough schedule) and Purdue (If Minnesota and Northwestern are going to surprise in the Big 10 West, well, college football is a zero-sum game).