Las Vegas Bowl Prediction
Will Washington raise its game when it takes on No. 19 Boise State tonight at 7:30PM ET in the Mitsubishi Las Vegas Bowl?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
215 Washington vs. 216 Boise State
Saturday, December 21, 2019
7:30PM ET – Sam Boyd Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Washington is the favorite in this game, as the Huskies are getting odds of -3 points against Boise State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 48 points. The public betting currently has 51 percent going on Boise State as the underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Huskies playing for Petersen
Washington is coming off a 31-13 win over Washington State to end its regular season, but head coach Chris Petersen announced he will step down following the bowl game against his former team. The Huskies are 7-5 on the season, 7-5 against the spread and 6-6 with the over/under total.
The Huskies are also pretty good on both sides of the ball. The Washington defense is giving up just 20.4 points and 355.5 yards per game. Offensively, Washington is putting up 31.5 points and 395.4 yards per contest. Jacob Eason leads the offense with 2,922 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. Salvon Ahmed is the team’s top rusher with 1,000 yards and nine scores, while Hunter Bryant has caught 52 passes for 825 yards and three scores. Bryant will not play in the bowl, though, as he is opting to sit out to avoid any potential injury.
Boise State to face former coach
Boise State comes into this bowl game on a six-game win streak, including a 31-10 victory over Hawaii in the Mountain West Conference championship. The Broncos are 12-1 on the season, 7-5-1 against the spread and 7-6 with the under.
The Broncos are solid on both sides of the ball. The offense is averaging 36.8 points and 441.5 yards per game, while the defense is giving up just 20.6 points and 346.7 yards per contest. Hank Bachmeier has been the top passer this year with 1,760 yards and nine scores, but he has been out for weeks with a shoulder injury and is questionable to play in this bowl game. Jaylon Henderson will get the start if he can’t go. Henderson has 1,032 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. George Holani is the leading rusher on the team with 979 yards and seven scores, while John Hightower is the leading receiver with 48 catches for 923 yards and eight touchdowns. Curtis Weaver is leading the Boise defense with 50 tackles and 13.5 sacks.
College Football Betting Trends
Washington
The Huskies are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven against MWC opponents and in six of their last eight games as a favorite.
Boise State
The Broncos have covered the spread in seven straight games as an underdog and in seven of their last 10 bowl games.
Prediction:
Washington has covered in four straight meetings with Boise State, including one as a favorite. I don’t expect a lot of points in this game, as Boise State’s defense is legit and Washington is not an overpowering offense. The Broncos have also been streaky on offense and facing a Washington defense that will be motivated to play for their coach in his last game with the team. Petersen certainly knows what to expect from Washington, but may not have the horses to execute. I think Boise State is the better team and the Broncos will find a way to win in the closing possessions. I will take the points for insurance.
Las Vegas Bowl Prediction: Boise State +3
Related: Las Vegas Bowl Total Prediction