The Boise State Broncos and the Washington Huskies meet Saturday in college football action from Husky Stadium. Boise State comes into this one after a 10-4 overall season and a Frisco Bowl victory. As for Washington, they managed to go 11-2 overall last year and bagged a win in the Alamo Bowl over Texas to cap off their campaign. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Boise State Broncos 

The Broncos had lots of highs and lows last year, but the good news is that things ended on a positive note. Boise State took the Mountain Division championship with a perfect 8-0 Mountain West run. The Broncos would lose the conference championship game to Fresno State 28-16, but they bounced back with a win over North Texas in the Frisco Bowl 35-32. 

Boise State should be in line for another winning season this year, even though the schedule is pretty brutal. The Broncos boast a great running game once again (averaging close to 200 yards per game last year thanks to George Holani, Ashton Jeanty and QB Taylen Green). The top four receiving targets are back, which includes Latrell Caples (51 catches last season). 

Boise State Broncos Team Facts

Boise State has won four of its last five games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
Boise State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Ten of Boise State’s last 11 games against AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Washington Huskies 

Over on the Huskies’ side, they started out 4-0 last year before losing consecutive road games to UCLA and Arizona State. After that Washington hit a seven-game win streak, culminating in an Alamo Bowl win over Texas 27-20. The Huskies ended up going 11-2 overall and 7-2 in Pac-12 play for a third-place conference finish. 

Looking ahead to 2023, Washington should be set up to succeed once again. Michael Penix is back under center after 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns last year. He’s got a talented line to keep him healthy; Washington was No. 1 in the nation in tackles for loss allowed last year. WR Rome Odunze will head up the receiving corps, and Mississippi State transfer Dillon Johnson comes in to shake things up at RB. 

Washington Huskies Team Facts

The favorite has won each of Washington’s last 10 games at Husky Stadium.
Washington has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at Husky Stadium.
Washington has won the first half in each of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents at Husky Stadium.
Washington has won the first quarter in each of its last 15 games against non-conference opponents at Husky Stadium.
Each of Washington’s last seven home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Washington ranked 3rd among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (10.7).
Washington ranked 3rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game last season (20.0).
Boise State ranked T9th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (9.7).
Boise State ranked T10th among FBS teams for H2 win percentage last season (.714).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m probably going to stay with the Huskies here. You could make a case for Boise State, though; I think the Broncos will keep it close. That said, Washington has a pretty great roster on both sides of the ball this season and should do some real damage on the schedule. In addition to the capable offense, the Huskies boast a nice defensive unit as well. The linebackers will excel behind a stellar line that features NFL-level talent in Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui. If that unit can generate some takeaways and pressure early, it’ll be a long day on offense for the Broncos. Should be a fun matchup overall, but I think Washington powers out the cover if they play to their capabilities.