Colorado vs Washington – Preview and Prediction
WASHINGTON 7.5 COLORADO (57.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Washington -7 Sagarin ratings – Washington -6.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Washington 32.5 Colorado 25
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Washington 27 Colorado 21
The Game
This should be a great match-up ! Two top-10 teams go at it on Friday night for the PAC 12 Title. Washington is sitting at 11-1 and are coming off a yuuuuuuge Apple Cup win on Saturday. Colorado just keeps on winning and their last two games were victories over really good Washington St and Utah squads. The Buffs have a record of 10-2. Let’s roll !!
The Match-Up
Washington offense vs Colorado defense
Jake Browning has had a wonderful season. 40 TD passes. Only 7 INT. The Huskies are also ranked #2 in passing efficiency while also boasting a solid rushing attack. Myles Gaskin has over 1,100 yards rushing and Lavon Coleman is STILL averaging over 8 yards per carry and is almost at 100 attempts. They have an excellent receiving unit loaded with top end speed. They are going to put pressure on the Buffs’ defense all game long.
Fortunately for Colorado, their defense might be one of the most underrated units in college football. They are ranked #13 in the FBS and are tied (with the Huskies) for first in the PAC 12 in yards per play allowed. They are good against the run and are ranked #4 in pass efficiency defense. Browning and the WRs vs the Buffs secondary is going to be a very intriguing match-up. Colorado has 26 takeaways which is 3rd in the PAC 12 (Huskies are #1) and need to force some mistakes from Browning and keep the ground game in check. Challenging, but not a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.
Colorado offense vs Washington defense
Hey. Maybe it is the Buffs’ OFFENSE that is the most underrated unit in football ? They have scored 40+ points in half of their games. They can run (P Lindsay 1136, 15 TD) and have a great set of WRs. QB Sefo Liufau has been a great leader AND performer running and passing for Colorado. They can beat you in a SNOT BUBBLER (beat Stanford 10-5, Utah 27-22) or win in a shootout. The Huskies are also going to have their hands full on Friday night.
POP QUIZ. How many times has Washington given up more than 28 points this season ? Answer: Never. Bonus question to amaze your gardener – who scored the most points on the Huskies ? Answer: the JUGGERNAUT Arizona Wildcats who handed MEGALOCKS a 759243759843 star loser in last week’s action. The point ? Washington’s defense is really good. Against the run AND the pass. They also boast the ability to get PENETRATION (#2 PAC 12 sacks per game, #3 TFL) and that may be the deciding edge in the game.
MEGA-MAZING TIDBITS
Husky games are 11-3-1 L15 to the over….The Buffs are 11-2 L13 ATS……The Huskies have laid some beatings on Colorado since they joined the PAC 12 but this Colorado team should not be confused with those squads.
Summary
This number looks pretty tight. We were hoping the line would come out at less than a TD but refuse to play the Huskies at any number higher than 7. We give them a slight edge on offense and on defense. Mike MacIntyre has done a wonderful job but we also like Chris Petersen just a bit more.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Colorado team total under for small potatoes.