Nebraska’s defenders held Oregon to three conversions on 17 third downs, and the Cornhuskers still lost. Coach Matt Rhule returns from a bye with a defense playing stubborn, frequently excellent football and an offense that has spent too much time sending the punter out. Washington arrives in Lincoln with a quarterback decision pending. Both offenses have receivers who deserve better afternoons than their passers and blockers have consistently allowed. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Washington Huskies.
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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Nebraska vs. Washington prediction, preview
Washington coach Jedd Fisch has quarterback Demond Williams Jr. listed probable after a rib injury, but he hasn’t announced whether Williams or replacement Elijah Brown will start. At Purdue, Brown threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns but repeatedly hurt his own offense with three interceptions as Washington turned the ball over five times. The Huskies traveled at least 61 yards for each of five touchdowns anyway. Brown can threaten Nebraska through the air; he also has to stop giving away his own scoring chances.
Receivers Chris Lawson and Dezmen Roebuck give either passer good reason to throw. Lawson caught six passes for 103 yards at Purdue, while Roebuck gained 97 and scored. Nebraska held Oregon to 113 passing yards, but Indiana receiver Nick Marsh beat this defense for touchdowns of 75 and 44 yards. With Nebraska free safety Jamir Conn out, Lawson and Roebuck can punish imperfect help downfield. Rhule’s defenders still have difficult coverage work against either quarterback.
Washington has less certainty up front. Center Landen Hatchett is out for the season, with backup center Kolt Dieterich listed to replace him. Running back Trey Cooley is questionable after rushing for 113 yards at Purdue. Nebraska held Indiana to 65 rushing yards and Oregon to 129. Against Iowa’s pressure, Washington allowed six sacks while fellow back Brian Bonner Jr. gained just 17 yards on ten carries. Fisch has had two weeks to prepare, but a changed center and uncertain rushing support can leave him calling difficult passes again.
Washington vs. Nebraska pick, best bet
Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea has endured his own miserable protection. Indiana sacked him five times, then Oregon four. Colandrea passed for 164 yards on 33 attempts in Eugene as Nebraska punted nine times. Receiver Kwazi Gilmer caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, with too little sustained passing around him. Colandrea can run, and receiver Jacory Barney Jr. caught nine passes for 108 yards against Indiana. Washington still has to tackle after allowing Iowa to rush for 263 yards.
I expect Colandrea’s running and those receivers to move Nebraska more consistently against Washington’s vulnerable front. Lawson and Roebuck should let the Huskies answer, with Brown’s Purdue passing showing how much threat survives the quarterback uncertainty. Nebraska’s defenders nevertheless get to attack a changed line with questionable running support, while Colandrea’s blockers have their own failures to repair. I’m taking under 49.5.
Best bet: Under 49.5 (-105).
Projected score: Nebraska 24, Washington 20.
Best Bet: Nebraska vs. Washington u49.5 total points scored (-105)
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