[BigdaddyQH]

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.

[The DiB]

The start time of this game could be a huge factor. The Huskies first game last year against LSU didn't start until 10:30pm eastern / 9:30 central. Looked like it effected LSU. If it is another late start, that and the travel distance definitely puts Nebraska at a disadvantage.

[Kustac]

again nice write up BigD, enjoyed reading it

[BigdaddyQH]

Reviewing the schedule for that day, I believe that there is a very good chance that the game will start at 8:00 Eastern, and be televised as either a National, or Regional telecast by ABC, who handles the Pac 10 and Big 12. Other than SEC games which CBS/ESPN handles, the only other real big game is an ACC battle between Ga.Tech and North Carolina. Nebraska will be 2-0 for this game. They have two cupcakes. Washington opens the season at BYU, before hosting Syracuse. A 2-0 start for the Huskies would guarantee this game on the Saturday Night ABC Lineup.

[scarp]

If Nebraska can have a decent offense they will win. Defense will be good and ready

[Vince Lombardi]

Nebraska will win. UW is up and coming but the Huskers have made the turn and they are already there. Offense will be improved and the defense was tough as hell already.

[The DiB]

This is going to be a huge game for Locker. Opportunity to prove the #1 overall hype against a nasty defense.

[plzkthx]

NFL 2011 #1 pick goes to Jake Locker...there i said it.

[babyanni]

not drinking the Locker kool-aid just yet

[BigdaddyQH]

Locker certainly has all the tools. He may be the best pro prospect at QB in several years. The question is can Washington's line give him time to throw the ball.

[TodaysAction]

Reviewing the schedule for that day, I believe that there is a very good chance that the game will start at 8:00 Eastern, and be televised as either a National, or Regional telecast by ABC, who handles the Pac 10 and Big 12. Other than SEC games which CBS/ESPN handles, the only other real big game is an ACC battle between Ga.Tech and North Carolina. Nebraska will be 2-0 for this game. They have two cupcakes. Washington opens the season at BYU, before hosting Syracuse. A 2-0 start for the Huskies would guarantee this game on the Saturday Night ABC Lineup.

Washington's opening game is no "gimmie" as BYU has 8 returning starters (unless they've gone a mission) which should be able to keep the Huskies at bay for at least the first half and then, it's anybody's game for the second half and have a feeling it'll come down to whomever has the ball last will win. Once lines are established, both team and out, there can be money made from this game by splitting halves with a possible game total on the side. I agree with you that the Huskies should defeat the Orange but Syracuse will be improved and may catch a few teams napping or looking ahead (it won't be the case for WA opener).

[TodaysAction]

NFL 2011 #1 pick goes to Jake Locker...there i said it.

If you end up being correct on this, next year around this time you ought to head to Vegas and put down some futures.

not drinking the Locker kool-aid just yet

You have to admit, he's a solid NCAA cube but one matador block could ruin his future for Sunday afternoon snaps.

Locker certainly has all the tools. He may be the best pro prospect at QB in several years. The question is can Washington's line give him time to throw the ball.

If I'm not mistake, they only lost one starter off the O-line but off hand I don't recall how last year's squad was at picking up the stunts and blitzes so they should be improved.

[ZBOIZ]

The under will be a nice one if it's over 45

[BigdaddyQH]

"If I'm not mistake, they only lost one starter off the O-line but off hand I don't recall how last year's squad was at picking up the stunts and blitzes so they should be improved."

That is the big question. They return just about everyone, but other than Locker, how good are those returning starters? Last year they were not good enough to break even.

[TodaysAction]

"If I'm not mistake, they only lost one starter off the O-line but off hand I don't recall how last year's squad was at picking up the stunts and blitzes so they should be improved."

That is the big question. They return just about everyone, but other than Locker, how good are those returning starters? Last year they were not good enough to break even.

Last season they were 3rd in Passing Yardage, 7th in Rushing Yardage and 5th in Time of Possession for their conference. The run game will be improved from the 4.3 yards per carry which in turn will move them up in the Time of Possession category and as such will be a stronger and better team. The game against BYU will "ready them" for the corn feed fellas and the Pac 10 - no matter the outcome while as you've stated Nebraska has a pair of "Sisters of the Poor" to warm up against. It ought to be a good game.

[HOLLY26]

wash will go for 350 plus through the air with no pass rush that the huskers will hav this year without the big boy in the middle

[Vince Lombardi]

Huskers win. Locker will be running for his life!

[redrum]

i like the huskies! how good u think the neb def will be without suh

[frankzig]

going to make a good season for wash