The (7) Washington Huskies embark on an eastern journey to open their 2017 campaign against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The non-conference game is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 1st at 8:00 p.m. EST. The east coast versus west coast coast match-up will be televised on the Fox Sports 1 Network. As of today, the Huskies are a gaudy -30.5 point favorite and the contest’s total sits at 52.
The Huskies battled their way to the playoffs last year with an 11-1 record. Furthermore, Washington’s lone defeat came at the hands of the USC Trojans. Well, the Trojans aren’t scheduled on the Huskies’ slate in 2017. Also, the Huskies are a much more experienced team than they were a year ago. They return 85 percent of their offense yards, from a team that put up 41.8 points per game 457 yards per match.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights took it on the chin in 2016. They finished off their season 2-10 overall and 0-9 in the BIG-10 Conference. As a result, they were out gained by 231.2 yards per game and out scored by 32.7 points. Even worse, was their play against Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State as they were outscored 224-0. Now that’s abysmal.
Washington Huskies
Washington finished eighth in the nation in scoring last year. This season, they could be even better than that. Returning to lead the offense, is quarterback Jake Browning. Browning had a superb year, tossing the rock 3,430 yards with 43 touchdown strikes and just nine interceptions. The young rifleman is accurate too, his 62.1 percent completion percentage was one of the tops in the country.
The Huskies receiving corps took a hit with the loss of leading wide out John Ross (1,150 yards and 12 TD’s). That being said, Washington does return plenty of talented athletes to distribute the ball too.
Play makers Dante Pettis and Chico McClatcher will be looking to gash Rutgers for some big yardage. Together, the duo combined for almost 1,400 yards and an impressive 20 trips to the end zone.
Also back is RB Myles Gaskin, who darted his way for 1,373 yards and 10 trips to pay-dirt. Rutgers better not sleep Lavon Coleman either. Coleman ran for another, 852 yards and seven more scores. Plus, the Huskies’ big men up front are rated second best in the the league.
On defense, the Huskies finished the 2016 season ranked 8th in the nation in scoring. The formidable unit, gave way to just 17.7 points per match. Also, Washington 12th in yards allowed at 316.9 yards per game.
For opening day the Huskies have 27 of 35 lettermen back from that unit, including six starters. Sure, they could use a little more depth in the back half but I don’t expect much of a drop-off in 2017.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Heading into this match-up, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have six starters back on offense. They also will have Louisville transfer Kyle Bolin starting at quarterback. Bolin decided to call it quits for the Cardinals when Lamar Jackson went off and one the Heisman Trophy.
To help Kyle Bolin adjust to the new offense, the Knights return running back Robert Martin. Martin was effective at times recording 625 yards and two scores. Unfortunately for Martin,the numbers don’t reflect his skill level. He was constantly met at the line of scrimmage, as Rutgers continuously lost the battles up front. Consequently, Rutgers finished 103rd in the FBS in rushing.
Rutgers does get two of their top three receivers back for their new signal-caller to throw the ball too. Together, wide outs Jawuan Harris and Janarion Grant brought in 59 balls for almost 700 yards and three touchdowns. Obviously, those numbers need to improve as opposing defenses will not fear the Scarlet Knights running attack.
On defense, Rutgers finished at a paltry 126th in the nation against the run. Contrarily, the Scarlet Knights were 18th against the pass. Overall, the squad finished 97th in total defense, and 116th allowing 37.5 points per game. That is quite the drop-off from the 14.2 points they allowed just two years ago. This year, the Knights have 10 of their top 13 tacklers back, which includes eight starters. I expect to see some improvements in 2017.
Prediction
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are improved compared to last year’s squad, but how much it’ll show against the power-house Huskies is another matter altogether. Washington is again the favorites to win the PAC-12 and they are also a contender for a spot in the playoffs. Remember, Rutgers lost this game by 35 points a year ago.
Washington has reloaded, and a trek across the country shouldn’t phase this experienced group. Jake Browning and company should do just fine against the Knights on Friday. I expect the running game will churn out plenty of yards, sucking in the Rutgers’ secondary. I don’t expect too much scoring from a below average Rutgers offense. The Huskies’ D is just to good.
Line setters have the Huskies by over four touchdowns in this one. That’s a lot against any BIG-10 team. The over 52 has Washington scoring over 40 points and surrendering just over 10. I think that Rutgers will score a little more than that at home, and the Huskies will be good for their share. Take the over 52 and drive home safely.
Trends
The Huskies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.
The Huskies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in September.
The Under is 4-0-1 in the Huskies last 5 games overall.
The Over is 6-1-1 in the Huskies last 8 road games.
The Scarlet Knights are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
The Scarlet Knights are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The Over is 4-0 in the Scarlet Knights last 4 vs. Pac-12.
The Over is 5-2 in the Scarlet Knights last 7 non-conference games.
The getmoresports.com NCAA College Football Throwdown Podcast will be returning to the air on August 24th. We will be highlighting the first five games on August 26th of the 2017 NCAA College Football season. That will be the first of three installments leading into the first week of the season. We also we will be covering our expectations for the Heisman Trophy front runners as well as predictions for conference winners and team totals.
Our second NCAA College Football Throwdown is penciled in for August 29th. In that installment, we will be discussing all the games that will be played on August 31st and the 1st of September.
Our third segment will officially be airing on August 31st. In this edition of the NCAA College Football Throwdown, we will be covering all the relevant games for Sept 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
