A clear difference for the Washington Huskies was when Chris Peterson arrived as head coach. Commencing with his arrival was a complete change of culture and expectations. Peterson is all bout “Our kind of guys.” Which means that he will not tolerate anything less than a full buy in from players and staff. As an example, he has cut loose top NFL prospects not fully engaged. As a result, he has rebuilt Washington into a desired team for college football betting odds. Gus Malzahn has certainly improved things during his time at Auburn. But inconsistency plagues his program and future. Tune into our cell phone betting option for this one!
Washington Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers
Date and Time: Saturday, September 1, 2018, 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
College Football Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington U | +1½ (-110) | 48 (-110) |  |
| Auburn | -1½ (-110) | 48 (-110) | |
| |||
Washington vs. Auburn TV Coverage: Check Listings
Auburn Tigers
Gus Malzahn was on quite a roller coaster last season for Auburn. On the whole he went from the hot seat to celebrated to the hot seat in a matter of three games. Take the case of Auburn’s win over Alabama last year. It likely saved Malzahn’s job. Correspondingly he got a big fat contract afterwards. Yet in the SEC Championship Game the Tigers were dumbfounded by Georgia. Supplementing that was a bad bowl loss to Central Florida. Accordingly, Malzahn is feeling the heat yet again. As was mentioned earlier fans are beyond frustrated with the roller coaster ride.
The Return of Jarret Stidham
Not withstanding the yo-yo ways of Auburn, they are again favorites with the college football betting odds. Certainly, they have talent. But questions remain about depth and culture. For one thing quarterback Jarret Stidham returns. Of major concern will be a new offensive line. Also worrying Malzahn and staff is a light secondary and questionable linebacking.
Washington Huskies
Washington has the look of a loaded Pac 12 favorite. In brief most starters return off last year’s 10-win team. In the first place star quarterback Jake Browning returns. Indeed, Browning has 39 career starts and a playoff run in 2016. Senior running back Myles Gaskin is on the verge of becoming UW’s leading rusher. In spite of a good defense to go with this place kicking is a potential concern. Overall Washington has a level of experience few teams can match.
Team vs. Team
Washington has covered in four of their last seven sportsbook away matchups. Additionally, five of their last six in that role went under the total. A further look shows that the Huskies have strong betting value as away dogs. To be exact UW has paid in five of their last eight in that role. Further, six of their last seven in that situation went under the total. Conversely Auburn has covered the spread in just three of their last five as away favorites. Five of their last six in that position went over the total.
Matchup to Watch
As has been noted Washington has the experience edge with the college football betting odds. Supplementing that is the culture of Peterson that fosters consistency. Along the same lines he has recruited superior depth. Balanced against that is the unreliability of Auburn. Most of all Peterson is a big coaching advantage in this matchup over Malzahn.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
Summing up Washington has the quarterback, coaching and culture advantage. In a similar light Auburn is favored simply due to SEC branding.
Washington vs. Auburn Pick: Washington Huskies
Washington vs. Auburn Score Prediction: Huskies 27, Auburn 17
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