Week 14 features some conference championship games that may look like sure things for the favorite but could also be potentially dangerous and devastating should the underdog prevail. Then there is the case of the Pac 12 Conference with a classic beaten favorite going up against what looks like an upstart default division champion. The Washington Huskies were picked to contend for the college football playoff but instead will have to settle for the Pac 12 title at best. The Utah Utes were the last team standing in a bad Pac 12 South Division but will make no apologies for a shot at the title game on Friday.
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Utah Utes +3
Washington Huskies -3
Over/Under 43.5
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Washington is likely to draw most of the public betting money as a playoff team from just two seasons ago that has a well-known quarterback in Jake Browning. Despite the Huskies falling short this year and being a consistent overlay, they have the name brand appeal with the majority of gamblers. Utah played well down the stretch and has a strong defense which could make them a potentially good value with live betting, especially against such a public team.
Losing While Willing
The Washington Huskies enter this title game with a mark of 9-3 straight up but just 3-9 against the spread with nine of their games going under the total. Washington was a highly trendy pick to win the Pac 12 and easily make the college football playoff. But their week one loss to a mediocre Auburn Tigers team set the tone for a lackluster year. Last week the Huskies removed much of the bad taste of this season with a 28-15 upset win at the North Division leading Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup Game to steal a spot from Wazzu in the Pac 12 title game. With the win the Huskies snapped a six-game losing streak against the line.
Utah Closes Strong
The Utah Utes are also 9-3 straight up but a much more impressive 7-5 against the spread with seven of their games also going over the total. Last week the Utes rose from the dead and rallied from a 27-7 deficit to beat the BYU Cougars 35-27 in the “Holy War.” However, the Utes failed to cover as 10.5-point chalks. Utah has paid out in six of their last eight games with three of their last four going under the total.
Browning Out
A big part of the frustrations for Washington this year revolved around senior quarterback Jake Browning. Indeed, Browning was a sophomore sensation when U-Dub went to the college football playoff in 2016 but he peaked that year with 43 touchdown passes. This year Browning finished with just 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was even benched briefly in a loss to Cal. Some apologists say that the supporting cast is not what it once was for Browning. But others blame head coach Chris Petersen and even the senior himself for the decline.
Defense Wins Championships
Both teams won their division championships based on strong defenses. Utah ranks 15th in the nation for total defense while ranking 17th nationally for points allowed. Washington ranks 13th in the country for overall defense and an even more impressive eighth for points allowed.
Revenge Angle Rematch
Washington embarrassed Utah in a 21-7 road win on September 15 as four-point chalks. Utah had three turnovers which proved to be the difference.
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Despite the revenge angle last week’s Washington win showed their ability that has been missing for much of the season. Utah’s top back, Zack Moss, who ran for 1092 yards and 12 touchdowns, is out with injury. And that is a big chunk of the Utes offense that will be missing.
College Football Live Betting Odds Pick: Washington Huskies
NCAA Football Odds: Huskies 27, Utes 17
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