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Washington Football: Game preview, prediction, live stream vs. California

By Zach Bigalke

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Bryce Treggs #1, right, of the California Golden Bears is unable to make the reception as defensive back Kevin King #20 of the Washington Huskies defends during the second half of a game at Husky Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. California won the game 30-24. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Bryce Treggs #1, right, of the California Golden Bears is unable to make the reception as defensive back Kevin King #20 of the Washington Huskies defends during the second half of a game at Husky Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. California won the game 30-24. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Washington football hopes to reach the halfway point of the season undefeated. Does Cal have any shot at pulling off the upset in Seattle on Saturday night?

After going 12-1 and winning the Pac-12 last season, Washington has picked up right where it left off at the end of 2016. The Huskies have won their first five games by an average score of 44-11, including road wins in conference play over Colorado and Oregon State. Now they face a California team that has shown promise under first-year head coach Justin Wilcox.

The Golden Bears have lost two straight after starting the year 3-0, but a young team has continued to develop as the season has progressed. Though Cal is 0-2 in conference play, they have two statement wins out of conference against North Carolina and Ole Miss. Cal will head on the road hoping to snag its first Pac-12 win of the year.

Last year, the Huskies blew out California 66-27 in Berkeley. It was the second straight victory for Washington after losing six straight to the Golden Bears between 2009 and 2014. Will Washington make it three in a row over their division rival, or will Cal pull off the upset in Seattle in #Pac12AfterDark action on Saturday night?

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

Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 10:45 p.m. ET
Location: Seattle, Wash.
Venue: Husky Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Washington boasts a top-10 scoring offense and a top-five scoring defense. The Huskies will need another efficient performance from quarterback Jake Browning as he looks to build a Heisman resume in a glutted field of candidates. The offensive line will need to protect Browning as they have so far, and they will also look to open holes for another 100-yard rushing game from Myles Gaskin against a Cal defense that has been generous to opponents on the ground.

Washington’s defense needs simply to continue doing what it has done to every opponent so far. The Huskies rank fourth nationally in points allowed, and they will look to keep Cal off the scoreboard this Saturday. They should have no problem winning the special teams battle, even if Dante Pettis doesn’t get another punt return score.

For California, pulling off the upset in Seattle will require every Golden Bears player to minimize mistakes and make the most of any Washington gaffes. Ross Bowers will need to have a big game without any turnovers. And the Cal defense will have to put together some stops throughout the game to prevent the Huskies from running up the score.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Sportsbook Review

Point Spread: Washington -27.5
Over/Under: 56.5

Prediction

Washington enters its Pac-12 home opener as a four-touchdown favorite against the Golden Bears. California will struggle to find much running room against the Huskies defense, and Ross Bowers will throw an interception or two. Washington will make life miserable for Justin Wilcox’s offense on its visit to the Pacific Northwest.

Jake Browning is going to pass for over 300 yards, Myles Gaskin will reach the 100-yard mark on the ground, and Pettis will finally break his tie atop the all-time FBS punt return record book. By halftime, this game is going to be well out of reach for California. The Huskies are going to have a field day against the Golden Bears in all phases of the game.

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In the end, Chris Petersen’s crew is going to make another strong statement for the College Football Playoff selection committee to consider at the end of the month. The rout will be on, and there will be no #Pac12AfterDark magic for visiting Cal as the Huskies score another late-night blowout on Saturday

Final Score: Washington 55, California 17

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