Rutgers at Washington – Preview and Prediction
WASHINGTON 26.5 RUTGERS (54.5)
Implied Projected Score: Washington 40.5 Rutgers 14
MEGALOCKS LINE – Washington 24
The Game
The Washington Huskies are expected to do good things in the 3rd year of the Chris Peterson era. The opener should be a tune-up as they face a rebuilding Rutgers squad that struggled mightily last season. New HC Chris Ash will try and turn things around.
The Match-Up
Washington offense vs Rutgers defense
The Huskies should be able to score in the 30s quite easily in this game. The offense is poised for a break-out campaign with QB Jake Browning entering his 2nd year and RB Myles Gaskin is a fantastic RB (1,300, 14 TD rushing LY). The top two WR from 2015 depart but they do have talent and speed in the group. Rutgers allowed 5.1 yards per carry and 64% completions in 2015. They also lose their top 3 leading tacklers from last year’s unit. The Scarlet Knights will be better this season on defense but it may not show this week.
Rutgers offense vs Washington defense
Chris Laviano gets the nod as the Rutgers starting QB, and while he had his good moments last season, he still threw 12 interceptions. The Scarlet Knights have a strong running game with a couple of decent RB and a solid offensive line. The problem is going to be the Husky defense that is not going to give up much on the ground. They have only yielded 3.3 yards per carry two seasons in a row. There is experience in the WR unit but they are going to miss leading receiver Leonte Carroo (3rd round NFL DC). We think Rutgers can grind out some first downs. There is some talent here. Their implied team total of 14 sounds about right. The Washington D is stout.
Tasty Tidbits
Both teams bring dangerous return games into this match-up….beware under-backers, yo….Both teams have been strong recently ATS in non-conference games….something has to give….Rutgers HC Chris Ash was the co-DC at Ohio St the past two seasons….Scheduling trivia to amuse your friends….Washington plays Rutgers this week and are almost 4 TD favorites AND this might be their toughest game until September 24th….Idaho and Portland St are on deck.
Summary
The spread seems about right. So does the total. MEGALOCKS readers know we are big fans of this Huskies team but will not be backing them this week.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: Nothing.