Washington Football: Game preview, prediction and live stream vs. Colorado

Washington football heads to Boulder for a rematch of last year’s Pac-12 Championship against Colorado. Which team will remain unbeaten?

When Washington last met Colorado, they squared off on the neutral turf of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Huskies took down the Pac-12 South champion Buffaloes in a 41-10 blowout to win the school’s first conference crown since 2000. Chris Petersen’s team reached the College Football Playoff, where they fell to Alabama in the semifinals, while Colorado fell 38-8 to Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl.

Both teams have aspirations of returning to Santa Clara this season. Colorado has reached the Pac-12 schedule after a 3-0 non-conference showing that includes wins over two Group of Five schools and FCS Northern Colorado. Washington has played a similar schedule, winning its first three against Rutgers, FCS Montana, and Fresno State.

Steven Montez has looked solid as Sefo Liufau’s replacement as starting quarterback for the Buffaloes. His counterpart for Washington, Jake Browning, has the Huskies in position as Pac-12 favorites yet again. The defenses have also played well, with the Huskies giving up just over 12 points per game and Colorado holding opponents under 10 points per outing.

Both teams have dealt with some shifts in personnel, but continue to roll on to victories. At Folsom Field on Saturday, though, one team will leave the field with its first loss since falling in a bowl game last year. Which will emerge triumphant and stay undefeated to begin Pac-12 play?

Related Story: Washington Football: 3 takeaways from win over Fresno State

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s game between Washington and Colorado:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Location: Boulder, Colo.
Venue: Folsom Field
TV: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Keys to Victory

Washington’s front seven will need to keep pressure on Steven Montez to force the young quarterback into bad throws. Montez has already taken eight sacks and thrown three picks this year, though Washington’s linemen have struggled to get into the backfield so far this year. The Huskies defense will need to overpower the Colorado line, or else Montez will be able to carve up a rebuilt Washington secondary.

Dante Pettis will need to be his usual multi-threat self for the Huskies on Saturday. He will score at least once, either on a reception or a return. But that’s to be expected, and it won’t be enough to knock off the Buffaloes on their home field. Jake Browning will need to have another efficient game and spread around the ball like he did against Fresno State. Myles Gaskin will need to batter the Buffaloes defensive front on the ground to provide offensive balance.

For the Buffaloes, they will need to jump out to a lead in the first half and then hold on. Last year, the Huskies were ahead in the Pac-12 championship game just 14-7 at halftime. Washington then exploded for 27 second-half points to run away with the victory. If Colorado manages to keep it close late, Montez could come up with some magic on his home field to knock off the defending champs and gain revenge for last year’s mismatch.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Sportsbook Review

Point Spread: Washington -10.5
Over/Under: 51.5

Prediction

Luckily for Colorado, this game should stay much closer than the oddsmakers assume. Though Washington is favored by a touchdown and a half, neither team has really been tested much at this point of the season. What we do know, though, is that Colorado’s defense looks far more consistent at this point of the season.

Montez and Browning are going to have decent nights, and #Pac12AfterDark could see extra time. Look for Montez to tie this game up late to send things to overtime with his third touchdown pass of the game. Washington, though, will survive in the extra frame as Dante Pettis catches a touchdown pass from Jake Browning after Colorado kicks a field goal on their possession of the period.

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There will be no blowout in Boulder on Saturday night, but the end result will be the same as the Huskies take down the Buffaloes once again. Be sure to get enough rest after Friday night games, because you’ll definitely want to stay up late on Saturday to watch what looks to be an instant classic.

Final Score: Washington 41, Colorado 38 (OT)