Las Vegas Bowl Odds, Boise State vs. Washington
- Odds: Washington -3.5
- Over/Under: 48.5
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
- Location: Las Vegas
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The 2019 Vegas Bowl should be re-named the Chris Petersen Bowl.
Washington's head coach will step down after Saturday's game, which, in a wonderful bowl season twist, will come against his former team — Boise State.
Petersen turned Boise State into one of the most successful Group of 5 programs in the country, so emotions should be high on both sidelines and in the crowd.
Boise State vs. Washington Line Movement
Among the games in the first wave of college bowl season, this looks to be the one causing the most trouble for bettors.
Bets are split nearly down the middle, with Boise State clinging to a 51% edge, though the actual money has been far less even. Washington has collected 65% of the loot, and has seen the line inch its way, mostly just in the form of increased juice.
The bet-vs.-money discrepancy has been even more evident on the total, as the under is pulling in 89% of money on just 36% of bets as of Friday afternoon. The number has come down as a result, though not by too much: 50 to 48.5. — Danny Donahue
Collin Wilson: Boise State Can Spoil Petersen's Farewell
To the outside world, this game is a slam dunk of intrigue with Chris Petersen coaching his last game at Washington against his former team, Boise State, and former offensive coordinator, Bryan Harsin. Nine members of the Huskies' staff are former Boise State coaches, including incumbent head coach Jimmy Lake.
This is the fourth time these programs have played in the last 13 years, with the last meeting ending in a Boise State win over Petersen and the Huskies.
The Huskies have a couple of key players sitting out. Tight end Hunter Bryant and left tackle Trey Adams will sit out ahead of the NFL Draft. The good news for Washington bettors is that quarterback Jacob Eason will play, as he mulls over whether to declare or not.
If you just look at the numbers, there's plenty to like about Boise State in this matchup. The Broncos have a terrific defensive line and create a ton of havoc, so they should have an edge in the trenches with Adams sitting out for the Huskies.
Washington also has a solid defense, but it has struggled to create havoc and stop the run. This is a close matchup, but I like Boise State to grind this out on the ground and keep it close. I'd play Boise at +3.5 or better.
Collin Wilson is 506-429-27 (54.1%) overall betting on college football. You can follow him in our free app.
Stuckey: Don't Let Washington's Record Fool You
Even without Adams and Bryant, I still make Washington a 5-point favorite and think the Huskies are better on both sides of the ball. Don’t let the record mislead you — four of Washington’s five losses came by six points or fewer.
From a motivational perspective, I think you have to give a slight edge to Washington. The Huskies should be fired up to send Petersen out on top, especially after three straight bowl losses. I expect a valiant effort from the Huskies from the jump.
Washington struggles getting stops on third down, but the Huskies don't give up big plays and I don't trust Boise State to move the ball down the field in a methodical manner.
Also, don’t sleep on Washington's special teams. Per S&P, the Huskies have the second-best special teams unit in the country. Boise State ranks 43.
And at the end of the day, the number is king and I have to play Washington here at -3 in a spot I like. I just think the Huskies are cheap after such a disappointing (and somewhat unlucky) season.
Stuckey is 528-487-30 (52%) overall betting on college football as of Dec. 19. You can follow him in our free app.
Kyle Miller: This Line Is Too Low
I made a play on Washington -3 when lines were released because I make the Huskies a 6.5-point favorite against Boise State. I expected the spread to drift towards my number but instead it’s sat right around a field goal.
With Eason under center I think the Huskies have an advantage through the air. Boise State’s defense is solid, but the Broncos are vulnerable to long passing plays. Eason should be able to hit enough of those to keep the Huskies ahead in this one.
Boise State is currently planning to play all three of their quarterbacks in this game and I’m not sure that’s a strategy that’s aimed at winning this particular football game. It sounds like Harsin is looking to get a head start on spring practice in 2020 by finding the quarterback that will lead his team next year.
Washington is clearly the more talented football team, and I believe that despite a disappointing season they will give a great effort for their coach in his last game. This game has a lot of outside factors that make bowl games hard to cap, but I’m willing to lay the field goal with Washington.
Kyle Miller is 237-209-12 (53.1%) overall betting on college football as of Dec. 19. You can follow him in our free app.
