No. 5 Washington Huskies (6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS)
College Football Week 7
Date/Time: Saturday October 14th, 2017. 10:45PM (EST)
Where: Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, A.Z.
TV: ESPN
by Jay, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: WASH -17/ASU +17
Over/Under Total: 56.5
The 5th ranked Washington Huskies remained among the nations unbeaten teams last week with another impressive 38-7 victory over Cal. The Huskies defense posted another dominating performance in the win holding the Golden Bears to just 98 total yards. On Saturday, the Huskies march to another College Football Playoffs continue as they go into Tempe for a meeting with the Arizona State Sun Devils. Arizona State has currently lost 3 of their last 4 games and they are just 2-3 ATS on the season. However, the Sun Devils typically play well in Tempe and they hope for an uplifting outing this Saturday night.
The first thing that Arizona State must overcome this Saturday to have a chance is the Washington defense. As stated previously, the Huskies have been absolutely terrific defensively. They have held opponents to just 10.2 points and 228 total yards per game. Both marks rank in the top 3 in defenses in the FBS. Last week against Cal, the Huskies defense was overwhelming. The defensive line was disruptive and they shut down everything the Golden Bears attempted offensively. The 98 yards of total offense set a school record for the Huskies defense and allowed the Washington offense to strive effortlessly.
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On paper, Arizona State has not produced a ton of yards this year or have players that will overcome this Washington defense. However, the Sun Devils are very efficient and that is something that does not show up on paper. They make the best of their opportunities and find ways to score points. They will need to manufacture points and play well defensively to stay competitive this Saturday night. In my opinion, the offensive effort starts and stops with quarterback Manny Wilkins. Thus far, Wilkins has been solid hitting 66% passing for 1,452 yards with 8 scores and just 2 picks on the season. Wilkins will have to get rid of the football quickly and be accurate to withstand the early Huskies pass rush. If they can do that early, it could open up opportunities as the game progresses.
I do not expect Arizona States rushing offense to aid any upset bids. The offensive line is not very good and the Sun Devils are only averaging 129 yards per game on the ground which ranks 99th in the FBS. More importantly, the strength of Washingtons defense is among the defensive front. Therefore, Arizona is not going to surprise anyone with an explosive running game. Instead, they must come out throwing and hope to get the Huskies defense on their heels early. WR NKeal Harry and Jalen Harvey are targets that can make impacts in this game if given the opportunity. So I am not going to say there are not potential matchups that will work. I am simply worried about Wilkins having enough time to throw the football and the Arizona State offensive line holding up.
If Arizona State does find ways to manufacture points, I am still not sure if it will be enough to win the game. The Huskies offense is starting to come together. Quarterback Jake Browning has been excellent again this season completing 70.5% for 1,466 yards with 14 scores and just 3 picks. Running back Miles Gaskin has been impressive as well averaging over 6 yards per touch for 559 yards and 8 touchdowns on the year. However the reason I say that the offense is starting to come together is because they are starting to see emerging playmakers in the receiving game. WR Dante Pettis has played well and last week Hunter Bryant had a breakout game with 9 catches for 122 yards to show his potential. If these wide receivers continue to develop as big time receivers, the Huskies are going to be one of the most difficult teams in the country to defend if they are not already.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Washington is too good on both sides of the ball. Everything is coming together at the right time. I know road trips are scary but this Washington team is scarier. Take Washington -17. Bet this game for free by taking advantage of a massive 100% real cash bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at GTBets!