By Greg Dempson
Pinnacle Odds: Washington -10.5 at Utah +10.5 Total 54
The last time the Huskies were laying points vs. a ranked team was September 6, 1997 as Washington, (–8,) played at BYU and defeated the Cougars decisively, (42–20,) with the game sailing over the total of 51 points. Can we expect more of the same? As Lee Corso says, “Not so fast my friends!”
In this prime time nationally televised start the Huskies are favored by 11 points with the total pegged as 54 as of this report.
The Huskies run the ball very well averaging 5.8 yards per carry and they’re backed by a quarterback, Jake Browning, with an efficiency rating of 199.6. Browning has tossed 29 touchdowns vs. only 2 interceptions. Washington also has the top PAC–12 rusher as Myles Gaskin is averaging 103.9 yards per game. Do the Utes have a chance to keep this one close? I firmly believe they do.
The storyline in this contest is former Huskies transfer, quarterback Troy Williams. He began his career at Washington, but transferred after the 2014 season. The rumor mill suggested that Williams wasn’t the right fit at quarterback for Huskies head coach Petersen. I believe this one is closer than the odds makers say is due to the ability/mobility of Williams to run the ball.
The only “scare” for Washington this season was back on September 24 at Arizona when the Huskies were taken to overtime, winning (38–28,) but falling well short of covering the 17 points they were favored by. In that game Wildcats’ quarterback Dawkins completed 19 of 31 passes for 167 yards, with one touchdown and an interception but his ability to run vs. a Huskies defense kept the game close as he ran 176 yards, averaging 13.5 YPC, including two rushing touchdowns.
In Review
· Last week’s selection was an easy winner as I had Old Dominion and Western Kentucky sailing over the total of 65 points, (they combined for 66 in the first half.) That win improved my record to 6–2 ATS.
Keys to the Game
· The Utes defeated the Huskies last year at Washington, (34–23,) as 3 point underdogs. One of the reasons for their success in last years’ game was their ability to limit Huskies running back Gaskin on the ground, Utah held him to 93 yards.
· Utah senior running back Joe Williams has returned following a five-week retirement due to injuries. He rushed rushing for 179 yards against the Beavers and followed that up with a school record 332 vs. UCLA.
· Washington’s defensive end/outside linebacker Joe Mathis, who leads the team with 5 sacks, missed last week’s game because of a foot injury and is doubtful for this week.
· The Huskies have played but one ranked team, Stanford, but since their impressive win vs. the Cardinal, Stanford has lost at home to Washington State, (42–16,) and at home vs. Colorado, (10–05,) while winning 17–10 at Notre Dame.
Washington at Utah Pick
My Every Edge selection for this game is to take the Utah Utes at +11 points.