Washington has been so good that it’s a double-digit favorite to move to 8-0 on the season get a step closer to the conference title. Utah, though, is no slouch at 7-1 and is tied for first in the Pac-12 South. This should be a really intriguing matchup with Utah aiming to show it can keep pace with a rolling Washington squad.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 9 game is set for Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Washington -10.5
Utah +10.5
Over/Under 51
Odds Analysis
The spread looks about right, as the betting has been split pretty evenly. A little more than 53 percent of the early action is coming in on the Huskies to cover despite the high spread for a road team.
The scoring total may have been set up a tad low since 70 percent of the money has gone with the “over” thus far.
Washington is 4-3 against the spread this season, and it has been favored in every single game this season. Utah is 4-4 against the spread and failed to cover in its one game as an underdog this year.
Player to Watch
Jake Browning - The Heisman Trophy race includes the Washington quarterback. Even though Louisville signal-caller Lamar Jackson is the heavy favorite to win the award, Browning has certainly put his hat in the ring.
He has completed 118-of-172 passes for 1,709 yards with 26 touchdowns and only two interceptions on the season. Browning has not needed to attempt more than 28 passes in a game all season as his team has normally held the lead, but has been very efficient when called upon.
Browning threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win over Oregon State and had six touchdowns the week before in a blowout win over Oregon.
Matchup to Watch
Washington defense vs. Utah offense - The Huskies have been one of the stingiest units in college football defensively this season, allowing only 14.6 points per game. Washington has done particularly well against the pass, allowing only 173.1 yards per game even as their opponents have tried desperately to catch up through the air.
The Utes don’t have a super explosive offense but have averaged 29.9 points per contest. Most encouragingly, the group put up 52 points last time out in a wild 52-45 win over UCLA. The Utah defense is tough but it seems unlikely it completely slows down Browning and the Washington offense.
It will be up to the Utes’ offense to put up some points to keep the team in striking distance.
Free ATS Pick
Washington has been riding high throughout the season but gets a big test here. The Huskies have answered every challenge definitively, and as a double-digit favorite, is expected to pick up another win with relative ease.
Utah is a tough team, though, able to hang in on both sides of the ball. It will take a few splash plays for the Utes to pull off an upset, and that seems unlikely.
Browning is a star and the Washington defense is stout. This team is talented and a real contender for the national championship. That hope won’t end here. Take the Huskies by a couple of touchdowns in this one.
College Football Odds: Washington 32, Utah 17
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