Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0, 0-1-1 ATS) vs.Washington Huskies(1-1, 1-1 ATS), Week 3 NCAA Football, Husky Stadium, (Field Turf) Seattle Washington, Saturday, September 18th, 2010, 3:30 PM Eastern
By Jeff Hochman of JHSportsline.com
Betting Line:Neb -3/UW +3
Over/Under: TBA
Line Movement:The line opened at Nebraska -4 and has been steadily going down.
One of your better games this Saturday pits the eighth-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers from the Big-12against a potential Pac-10 powerhouse in the Huskies of the University of Washington. These two teams have not played since 1998. Nebraska won and coveredthat game 55-7 as 14-point chalk.
The No. 8th-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskersdefeated Idaho at home last week 38-17, but failed to cover the 27.5 point spread. Redshirt freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez ran for two touchdowns as Nebraska recordedits 500th all-time home win. Martinez rushed 14 times for 157 yards while completing 12-of-17passes for 106 yards and was intercepted once. After two games, the Cornhuskers rank third in the nation in rushing with 324.5 yards per game.
Washington defeated Syracuse at home 41-20, easily covering the 13.5-point spread. Jake Locker threw four touchdowns and added 289passing yards. He converted 22-of-33 passing for the Huskiesas they rebounded from their season-opening roadloss to BYU last week. Jermaine Kearsehauled in nine passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Polk handled most ofthe action on the ground for Washington. He ranfor 114 yards and added a touchdown as well. I am really impressed withJake Locker as he looks even better this year.
Somethinghas togive on defense in this game. Washington’s defense has been excellent since near the end of last year. Dating backto last season, the Huskieshas held its past four opponents to 23 points or fewer. Under coach Bo Pelini, Nebraska has quickly re-established itself as a force on defense. They lead the league in scoring defense last year, giving up 10.4 points per game.The Cornhuskers went 10-4 last year, including a 33-0 whipping of Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. They seem to be on a mission this year butcould be tested in this game.
Jeff’s Pickto Cover the Point Spread: Nebraska Cornhuskers -3.
The Cornhuskers have more balance on offense and their defense is big and fast. Roy Helu should have a big game on the ground as the Huskies will be focused on stopping the duel threat attack of Taylor Martinez. The Huskies have suffered seven consecutive seasons without a winning record. Good teams find ways to win and bad teams find ways to lose. While the Huskies might go to a bowl game, thisis a tough match-up for them. Take the ‘Huskers.