Pac-12 Football Picks: Predictions against the spread for Week 1
Jul 30, 2015; Burbank, CA, USA; Washington Huskies coach Chris Petersen at Pac-12 Media Day at Warner Bros. Studios. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Huskies At Boise State Broncos
Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho
The Line: Washington +11
The Huskies are reeling, picked to finish in the bottom third of the conference after a disappointing 2014. This is Chris Petersen’s second year with Washington, but it will probably also be his toughest. After leaving Boise State with a combined record of 92-12, he watched his new program flounder to an 8-6 record in year one of his reign. The Broncos, however, have shown little to make you think they miss their former coach. In 2014, the team went 12-2, including a Fiesta Bowl win over 11th ranked Arizona.
Keys To The Game:
Bronco Stadium might be the toughest place to play in all of college football. The signature blue turf, raucous crowd, and the talent that the Broncos consistently bring to the field have given nightmares to Mountain West coaches for over a decade. If the Huskies have any hope of pulling off the upset, they will need to remain calm, execute their game plan, and avoid making mistakes.
The new Huskies quarterback, the name of which has yet to be revealed by Petersen, will be facing a tough task in his first collegiate game. True freshman Jake Browning is rumored to be the front runner, which should be even more disheartening for Washington fans. A true freshman facing the blue turf and ferocious defense of Boise State? Look for the Broncos to take advantage of plenty of Huskies mistakes during the first half.
The Prediction:
The Washington offense sputters out of the gate, committing and ill-timed turnover. The Broncos take advantage and it will be 7-0 with the game barely begun. This will serve to ratchet up the pressure even more on the shaky Huskies’ offense. While they will settle down in the second half, it will be too late, with Boise State surviving a late comeback bid, winning 35-31.
Next: Arizona State At Texas A&M