All selections, analysis and thoughts will be posted on the Bowl Express Thread
SPOOKY EXPRESS BOWLING FOR DOLLARS SELECTION AND ANALYSIS THREAD
FIGHT HUNGER BOWL
WASHINGTON vs. BYU
Friday, Dec. 27, 9:30 pm
ESPN2
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The BYU Cougars are looking to continue an incredible stretch of bowl game wins, as they've won seven of their last eight, and they'll get a tough match-up on the 27th of December against the Washington Huskies. The Cougars finished this year out with a 8-4 record, while the Huskies had the same record. Washington has some drama to deal with though, as head coach Steve Sarkisian left the program to go coach USC, meaning that we aren't sure exactly what to expect from this team in their bowl game.
These teams are pretty similar from a defensive standpoint, but the Huskies have had to score over a touchdown more per game on average, and they've played against a conference that features many teams who can really put points on the board. BYU has done a very good job offensively of spreading things out and working both the pass game and the run game, which has been a key to their success this year.
Both teams suffered three of their four losses away from home, so obviously they both love their home field advantage, which neither will have. Washington comes into this game as an early sports betting favorite at -3, and it's likely that this number is going to stay pretty consistent throughout the sports betting sites.
Strong Defense
Both of these teams play some good defense, and we've seen that this year. BYU for starters allows just 21.3 points per game, while Washington is a tad higher at 23.4 points per game. Both of them had tough games this year, but you can't deny the fact that Washington had to play against Stanford, Oregon, Arizona State, UCLA, and Oregon State, which makes their points per game allowed even more impressive.
Consensus
While I'm aware of the questions surrounding Washington right now without their head coach, I don't think the team will lose focus. They have some strong players across the board, and quarterback Keith Price should do a great job leading this team yet again. The senior quarterback is playing in his final game, and he'll be poised and ready to go out with a victory. I simply think that Washington has too much offense for BYU, and that they are going to get the best of them. I like the money line here with Washington, and I want to make sure that I get it before that number goes up if it does. Plus the object of the game is to win so why get beat by a point or two. Washington wins this game by a touchdown, plain and simple. Forget the coaching situation, forget everything. Too much is made of interim coaches and everything. The players play and they win this game. I would absolutely play this game on the moneyline and not risk laying any points. Just win baby. Will update as we get closer to game.
WASHINGTON PK (moneyline)