The Huskies are heavily favored to win this one. Las Vegas has the Huskies at 15 1/2 points but I think this is a game with some early blow out potential. Colorado is not playing well, they just lost their most explosive player, and they also suspended five defensive backs before the Stanford game.
Colorado ranks near the bottom of the FBS in points scored (No. 93), averaging just 21.5 points per game. Their points allowed is even worse (No. 100), with an average of a little more than 33 points per game.
The Buff's are decent through the air. Tyler Hansen is a capable quarterback. What holds the offense back is the lack of a consistent running game despite the presence of Rodney Stewart. (109 carries, 431 yards and one touchdown) Colorado only averages 94.5 yards per game on the ground.
The Buffs' secondary is undeniably the biggest question mark on the Colorado team and that was before they indefinitely suspended five players. Keith Price should be able to pick these guys apart early and often through the air.
Colorado will counter by trying to get pressure on the QB with a blitzing pro style defense. The Washington offensive line aided by the mobility of a healthy Keith Price should be able to handle whatever pressure the Buff's are able to muster.
Stanford just destroyed this team and I expect Washington to do the same. The Huskies used the bye week to get veteran players such as Keith Price, Semisi Tokolahi, Cort Dennison, Nate Fellner, Quinton Richardson, Alameda Ta'amu healthy. All those guys are pretty close or are at 100%. That means bad news for Colorado and future opponents.
I predict the Huskies will dominate from the first snap and empty the benches in the fourth quarter. I don't expect this team to let down or be looking ahead to Stanford. I expect them to hit the field with a vengeance and perform.
Washington wins 41-17 in a game that isn't as close as the score indicates.