Who would have thought a year ago that these two would be involved in a big game. Such is the case for these two vastly improved teams as they meet in Seattle on 9/18. Both teams want to show that they are ready to take the next step, and in both cases, the next step is a Conference Title.
That next step may be a bit easier for Nebraska, as they came withing a point of defenating Texas for the Big 12 Crown. Nebraska returns a powerhouse this season. 8 startern return on a offense that was held to 17 or less points last season. Taylor Martinez, a Redshirt Freshman looked great this spring, and could bring more options to the offense. Nebraska wants to run the QB more this season. They need to score more points. The defense loses All Everything Suh, but with 8 starters coming back, they should once again be a very stingy unit. The Black Shirts are back.
Washington has no such problems at the QB position. The team got a huge boost when QB Locker decided to return for his senior year. 9 other starters join him. The consistancy should improve this year. Last season Washington was held to 21 or less points 5 times. The Huskies also return 8 starters to a defense that like the offense, was very inconsistant, giving up 31 or more points 6 times last season, but holding teams to 13 or less points 3 times. The secondary liiks solid, but the front 7 will be shuffled around to find the best players at certain positions. Only 4 of Washington's 8 returning starters are expected to start in the same position as last year.
Gamblers may not see this as a close wagering game, but gamblers have been fooled before. Last season, Nebraska was 9-5 ATS, but most will remember their last two games, a 1 point loss to 14 point favorite Texas, and a 33-0 rout of Arizona as a 2 1/2 point favorite. What is interesting is that Nebraska was 0-5 ATS as a 10-20 point favorite, and is 0-8 in the past 3 seasons. Conversely they were 3-0 as a dog, 4-0 as a 5 point favorite or less, and 2-0 as a 21 point favorite or more last season. Washington made a huge leap ATS last season, going 7-5 after a 1-11 season in 2008. Interestingly enough, Washington was 2-0 ATS as a non-con dog last season. Here is a rather well kept secret about Washington. Last season they were 9-3 ATS in the first half of their games. The Huskies lost 3 games in the 2nd half last season. If you took the Huskies in the first half, and faded them in the 2nd half, you had a successful season. Perhaps that is the play in this game.
That next step may be a bit easier for Nebraska, as they came withing a point of defenating Texas for the Big 12 Crown. Nebraska returns a powerhouse this season. 8 startern return on a offense that was held to 17 or less points last season. Taylor Martinez, a Redshirt Freshman looked great this spring, and could bring more options to the offense. Nebraska wants to run the QB more this season. They need to score more points. The defense loses All Everything Suh, but with 8 starters coming back, they should once again be a very stingy unit. The Black Shirts are back.
Washington has no such problems at the QB position. The team got a huge boost when QB Locker decided to return for his senior year. 9 other starters join him. The consistancy should improve this year. Last season Washington was held to 21 or less points 5 times. The Huskies also return 8 starters to a defense that like the offense, was very inconsistant, giving up 31 or more points 6 times last season, but holding teams to 13 or less points 3 times. The secondary liiks solid, but the front 7 will be shuffled around to find the best players at certain positions. Only 4 of Washington's 8 returning starters are expected to start in the same position as last year.
Gamblers may not see this as a close wagering game, but gamblers have been fooled before. Last season, Nebraska was 9-5 ATS, but most will remember their last two games, a 1 point loss to 14 point favorite Texas, and a 33-0 rout of Arizona as a 2 1/2 point favorite. What is interesting is that Nebraska was 0-5 ATS as a 10-20 point favorite, and is 0-8 in the past 3 seasons. Conversely they were 3-0 as a dog, 4-0 as a 5 point favorite or less, and 2-0 as a 21 point favorite or more last season. Washington made a huge leap ATS last season, going 7-5 after a 1-11 season in 2008. Interestingly enough, Washington was 2-0 ATS as a non-con dog last season. Here is a rather well kept secret about Washington. Last season they were 9-3 ATS in the first half of their games. The Huskies lost 3 games in the 2nd half last season. If you took the Huskies in the first half, and faded them in the 2nd half, you had a successful season. Perhaps that is the play in this game.
