Taking a Bite outta the Rainbow

It used to be an axiom in college football that if you're gonna lose a game, it's better to do it early.

That way, you've got a season to build the perspective-momentum that's always been a plague in poll voting.

The reasoning goes that a late loss looms large in everyone's mind while an early one-loss team on a roll seems like the better candidate for moving up in the rankings.

Frankly, this is why rankings suck.

 

A loss is a damn loss, and early or not, the current perspective is Washington's Huskies wet the bed by dropping a 20-19 decision to California in Seattle. Lightning delay or no, both teams had to wait it out, and the Golden Bears clearly waited better.

Touted to be the Pac-12's best hope of gaining a berth in the College Football Playoff, the Huskies are now gonna need to run the table if they're to live up to their billing. Thus, it's gotta start against high-flying Hawaii.

Bovada has the line set at Washington -21½ with the total pegged at 59 and the moneyline currently off the board.

Why bet on Hawaii ...

The Rainbow Warriors have started well against the Pac-12's fodder. They're 2-0 on the basis of beating Arizona and Oregon State at home and rolling up lotsa points in the process.

QB Cole McDonald was a breakout performer last season, and dude's back on track after being benched for a shaky start against the Wildcats. In spite of that, he's already aired it out 99 times to a deep receiving corps. How he fares against the Husky pass defense is the key to the 'Bows staying in this one.

 

Why bet on Washington ...

To say the Huskies blew it against Cal doesn't give the Golden Bears due respect. After all, this is the second straight year it's happened.

Still, QB Jacob Eason had a lousy day. He missed two easy TD passes where either woulda sealed the deal. RB Salvon Ahmed used his blazing speed to rack up a career-high 119 yards and a touch against the CalBears; he probably shoulda gotten the call more.

 

The vaunted Husky defense will be looking to redeem itself after giving up a last-minute drive that cost them the victory. With what most think is the best secondary in college ball, they're well capable of doing so.

 

Instant analysis ...

This is Hawaii's first trip to the mainland this season, and it's hard to conceive Washington losing two home games in a row under Chris Petersen.

Still, dude's never been one to run up the score to make a point. He's more inclined to give his subs more playing time. If a rout happens, it's due to superior talent and/or his starters having a near-flawless game. They'll have the talent advantage in this one, but the 'Bows are potent enough offensively to keep the ATS interesting and the total a better option if you've gotta decide. We don't.

ATS Pick: Washington -21½
Total pick: Over 59

Result: Washington 52 Hawaii 20 ... Huskies cover ... Over covers

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Sportbet Columnist: Josh Bailey

Aspiring to become the Mark Twain of sportswriting, Josh has been labelled as the up-&-coming sportswriter of the year by absolutely nobody and the new heavy hitter in sports handicapping by his mother.