NCAAF Week 1 Betting Preview: (6) Washington vs (9) Auburn
- Washington are the Pac-12’s best bet to qualify for the playoffs
- Auburn has a scary schedule opening against Washington and finishing the season against Georgia and Alabama
- Kickoff is Saturday September 1 at 3:30 pm EST from Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NCAA football returns on Saturday, September 1st as the sixth-ranked Washington Huskies visit the ninth-ranked Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. We have all the information you need to make an informed wager on this eagerly anticipated game.
2017 Team Stats
| Stat | Auburn (9) | Washington (6) |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 10-4 | 10-3 |
| Rank | 10th in final AP poll | 16th in final AP poll |
| Conference | SEC | PAC-12 |
| Points/G | 33.9 | 36.2 |
| Opp Points/G | 18.5 | 16.1 |
| Passing Avg | 233.4 y/game | 222.2 y/game |
| Rushing Avg | 218.3 y/game | 183.2 y/game |
| Total Defense | 319.6 y/game | 298.8 y/game |
| Bowl Game Result | Lost Peach Bowl 34-27 vs UCF | Lost Fiesta Bowl 35-28 vs Penn State |
Both teams finished their seasons on a losing note as they dropped their respective bowl games. They’ll be eager to get back on track on September 1st by notching a win.
Opening Odds
| MONEYLINE | SPREAD | O/U |
|---|---|---|
| Washington +125 | Washington +3 (-120) | Under 49 (-115) |
| Auburn -140 | Auburn -3 (Even) | Over 49 (-105) |
Huskies Key Additions and Losses
Last season Washington was one of the most balanced teams in the NCAA. Washington’s defense ranked No.3 nationally while its offense ranked No.20 nationally. This highly successful squad is returning 16 players for the upcoming season.
Of the 16 returning players, seven are on offense and nine are on defense. Quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin are returning for their fourth year, and will be supported by four players with starting experience on the offensive line. Gaskin has put up at least 1300 yards in his first three seasons, and when given double digit carries has gained a minimum of 90 yards.
Myles Gaskin returns, this fall pic.twitter.com/gxU0raU2gL
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) June 17, 2018
The only major loss on offense is Dante Pettis, who was drafted 44th overall by the 49ers. The Huskies will have to replace his 761 yards and 7 TD, and his NCAA record for most punts returned for TD’s with a group of inexperienced wideouts.
Defensively, everyone returns from a secondary that ranked No.10 overall nationally in passing yards.
Defensively, everyone returns from a secondary that ranked No.10 overall nationally in passing yards. This group should continue to flourish together.
Washington’s front seven lost their two top players in defensive tackle Vita Vea, and linebacker Keishawn Bierra. However the remaining front seven are returning and look to make a formidable unit. Look for outside linebackers Benning Potoa’e and Austin Joyner to make an impact for the Huskies this season.
Tigers Key Additions and Losses
Auburn will be looking to avoid slow starts that have plagued the school in recent seasons. Starting Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and his receiving core are returning along with offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. The offensive unit should come out looking like a well oiled machine, but they will be without their two top wideouts Eli Stove, and Will Hastings.
The Tigers did lose Kerryon Johnson but he will be replaced by Kam Martin who averaged 6.1 yards per carry last season.
In due time – Patience is the key to success – #CatchingBlssings
?️@itsIBIFIRI pic.twitter.com/nPKPTy4NDK
— Kam Martin ⁶ (@TeamKamMartin) February 19, 2017
Defensively, the Tigers lost four key players in defensive end Jeff Holland (ten sacks), corner Carlton Davis, and safeties Tray Mathews and Stephen Roberts. Luckily the front seven is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, and should help the inexperienced secondary.
Derrick Brown and Dontavius Russell are arguably the best defensive tackle combo in the nation. Deshaun Davis will be in the middle of the defense and lead the Tigers in tackles last season.
2 weeks away … ? "Been Broke Before" @YFNLUCCI pic.twitter.com/CD5Imjax28
— ⭐️Deshaun Davis⭐ (@_Davis_Boy12) August 20, 2017
Betting Advice
This game will feel like an Auburn home game as supporters have an easy three hour drive to Atlanta, but Auburn will still stumble out of the gate.
Question marks on the offensive line, and the loss of their two top WR’s to knee injuries are too much to overcome.
Washington returns 16 players who have experience playing in big games, and are prepared to take larger roles with the team. Washington will show the nation that they are the Pac-12’s top team and will easily handle Auburn.
Score Prediction
Washington 35- Auburn 17.
From hockey to football, to basketball, baseball, soccer, and rugby, Cory is on top of it all. He grew up playing sports, has worked around them ever since (including as a talent scout), and is one of SBD's most experienced bettors.
