Demond Williams Jr. torched Eastern Washington for 373 yards and four touchdowns, with Dezmen Roebuck grabbing nine catches for 121. Roebuck can play, and Minnesota’s secondary has plenty to prepare for. Jedd Fisch still has considerable repair work between the tackles, though, and I’m unwilling to let one September demolition talk me out of it. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Washington Huskies and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Washington vs. Minnesota prediction, preview
Against Utah State, Williams attempted 41 passes for 249 yards while Washington scraped together one touchdown and three field goals. Forty-one throws is a hell of a lot of labor for one touchdown. Eastern Washington supplied a welcome reprieve; Minnesota’s front should make Fisch work much harder to keep his quarterback out of obvious passing downs.
Washington has downgraded center Landen Hatchett to doubtful, while Jayden Limar and Quaid Carr remain out. Converted tackle Kolt Dieterich continues filling in at center. Minnesota’s rushing defense ranks 18th among 68 Power Four teams after opponent adjustment. Brian Bonner Jr. should encounter considerably more resistance than he did while ripping 81 yards from six carries against Eastern Washington.
Darius Taylor’s expected return should put some bite back into Minnesota’s running game. His blockers still have to move somebody. The Gophers rank 132nd nationally in run push and managed 13 net rushing yards against Mississippi State. Washington has conceded three yards per carry; I’m hardly expecting Taylor to waltz through this front.
Minnesota vs. Washington pick, best bet
Drake Lindsey can attack Washington’s uncertain cornerback availability, and Javon Tracy has already returned two punts for touchdowns. That makes an under uncomfortable. Minnesota can shorten the field dramatically, and its passing should improve with Taylor demanding attention. I’ve allowed the Gophers 17 points rather than repeating their Mississippi State scoring total.
I’m taking under 46.5 at -115, with Washington winning 24-17. Minnesota averages 29.5 seconds per play, Washington 27.6; I expect roughly 10 meaningful possessions apiece. Williams can still hit Roebuck for substantial gains and finish three touchdown drives. I’m betting Minnesota makes him slog through the rest, while its own rushing offense keeps colliding with defenders. Those blockers have to earn my trust against somebody better than Akron.
Best bet: Under 46.5 (-115)
Projected score: Washington 24, Minnesota 17.
Best Bet: Washington vs. Minnesota u46.5 total points scored (-115)
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