Huskies vs Wildcats NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
The Washington Huskies are set to travel down to the desert this weekend to take on the Arizona Wildcats. Both teams have been ranked at one point this season, but both find themselves now needing a victory at 3-3 on the year.
Washington Huskies (3-3) vs Arizona Wildcats (3-3)
Saturday October 20, 2012
Arizona Stadium, TUCSON, AZ
10:00 PM ET
Moneyline: Arizona -280, Washington +240 Bovada
Spread: Arizona -7.5
O/U: 60.5
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Both have losing records within their own conference, and they each desperately need a victory to get back on track in what was supposed to be a promising year on both ends.
Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies began Pac-12 competition the right way defeating the then-ranked No. 8 Stanford Cardinal, but since then, things have simply gone downhill. Running back Bishop Sankey appears to be the catalyst for success at this point in the year.
The first-time starter has led the team to victories when he’s played well, but when he hasn’t, the team from the Pacific Northwest hasn’t stood a chance.
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The big name that we’re all waiting to see explode is Keith Price. The junior quarterback was supposed to be in the midst of his break-out season, but he’s thrown just seven touchdowns and six interceptions up to this point. It’s not all his fault, as his offensive line hasn’t given him much to work with, but we’re getting to the point where you have to wonder if he’ll find the touch at all in 2012.
The stark difference for the Huskies between good and bad can be found in home vs. away. Away from Seattle, the team is averaging just 12 points per game while allowing 46.5. Understand that these numbers came against two of the nation’s top offensive teams in the Oregon Ducks and the LSU Tigers, but Stats like these don’t bode well for the Huskies this weekend, as they’ll be the road team in a contest against a high-scoring Arizona offense.
Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats have begun to rely on the passing game more as the season wears on—possibly out of desperation—but it hasn’t resulted in any drastic improvements as of yet. Quarterback Matt Scott hasn’t made the plays necessary to hang around in games, and going up against the 12th-ranked passing defense in the nation won’t likely help his cause.
Despite the struggles in the wins column, the offense has put up serious points this season. The team has the fifth best passing game in the nation to go along with their fourth-ranked 551.3 total yards per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Huskies pose a solid defensive threat this weekend, but if Arizona can utilize their ability to move the ball, they should simply outscore Washington.
These two teams started off the season the right way, but they’re both at the point where each week becomes must-win territory to keep a respectable point of view on their disappointing years. Neither team is currently in the top 25, but a turnaround in the second half of the year could change that.
Getting a win this weekend is a step in the right direction, and while neither team has a clear-cut edge, the home team has won against the spread the last four times these two have met.
Trends
Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
Over is 4-1 in Huskies last 5 games in October.
Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 games on grass.
Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
Over is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
O/U Pick: Over 60.5
Score Prediction: Arizona 35 – Washington 27
