Washington at Washington St – Preview and Prediction
WASHINGTON 6 WASHINGTON ST (63)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Washington -7 Sagarin ratings – Washington -4
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Washington 34.5 Washington St 28.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Washington 34 Washington 31
The Game
Apple Cup time, yo. For the first time in approximately 700 years, the Apple Cup has yuuuuge consequences for both teams. The winner goes to the PAC 12 Title Game. And, if that winner happens to be the Huskies, bigger and better things potentially await. And who cannot cheer for the pirate himself, Mike Leach ? The Cougars have assembled one of their most complete teams in recent memory and are going to be a tough out for Washington. Let’s go !!
The Match-Up
Washington offense vs Washington St defense
The Huskies have exactly what you want. A really good balanced offense. A really efficient QB. They are ranked #1 in turnover margin in the FBS. QB Jake Browning has been fantastic (37 TD 7 INT) and has a great ground game to rely upon led by M Gaskin (1130). The most underrated aspect of the Huskies team is the speed at WR. They have some guys that can flat out fly. The Washington St defense has been weak against the pass but pretty strong against the run (#24 FBS). If they can force the Huskies into more passing situations than they are accustomed to, this game could get really interesting. The Cougars have held it together pretty much all year on defense so we expect that the defense can keep them in this game if they can get off the field on most 3rd downs.
Washington St offense vs Washington defense
Luke Falk. Tougher than a $3 steak. And a deadly QB. He will exceed 4,000 yards in this game and also boasts an excellent TD-INT ratio (36-7). The running game has been better this season but it still the passing attack that makes this offense work. They will definitely miss reliable WR R Cracraft but this game is going to depend on Falk having a GREAT game and probably throwing the ball 60 times. One thing we have noticed is that good pass rushing teams can get to him so the Cougars better have a really good game plan for pass protection.
MEGA MORSELS
Washington St is 9-2 ATS L11 at home…..The Huskies have won the last two meetings by a combined score of 76-23….Keep an eye on Husky WRs J Ross and D Pettis who have 27 TD receptions combined…..Wash St is a surprising #19 in the FBS in time of possession.
Summary
Washington is a really good team. Recent weeks have shown that they can be beat. They have only played two tough opponents since September (7 pt win Utah, loss to USC) and we need to see how they react if the Cougars jump out early.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Tough one to call. Long-time MEGALOCKS members who have been with us since the 1930s know that we lean to the better defensive team and running team in times like this. Take Washington -6 or better for small potatoes.