Arkansas State vs. Washington Odds
| Arkansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+17.5 -115 | 59 -105o / -115u | +600 |
| Washington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-17.5 -105 | 59 -105o / -115u | -900 |
The Washington Huskies have been lifeless through two games this season and fans are hoping they show a pulse against Arkansas State.
The Huskies offense has been non-existent through 120 minutes averaging just 8.5 points per game. They’ve averaged less than 1.9 yards per carry and 6.3 yards per pass attempt.
If there is any shimmer of hope for this offense, it’s that they should find success this week against one of the worst pass defenses in the country.
Arkansas State allowed 37.2 points per game in 2020 and has not shown any improvement allowing 38 points through two weeks this season.
The Red Wolves offense can put up big numbers like the 50 points they scored against Memphis last week.
We should see plenty of big plays in this matchup on Saturday which is something Washington desperately needs.
Arkansas State Red Wolves
Arkansas State led the Sun Belt in total offense last year, but it also had the worst defense by far. With Blake Anderson leaving and Butch Jones taking over, fixing that defense was the No. 1 priority.
Through two weeks we’ve learned that it will take much longer to improve this defense while replacing the pieces that Anderson took with him.
Red Wolves Offense
The Red Wolves offense has been fantastic averaging 45 points and nearly 600 yards of offense in their first two games.
They’ve been running a two-quarterback system between Layne Hatcher and Florida State transfer James Blackman. Both have been terrific combining for nine touchdown passes and over 900 passing yards through two games.
The running game has been efficient averaging 4.1 yards per carry, but this offense is built to expose defenses through the air. They pass the ball 59% of the time, but it has accounted for 76% of the total yards of offense.
Red Wolves Defense
There is no sugarcoating how bad the pass defense is for the Red Wolves. In 2020 the unit ranked 114th in Defensive Yards Per Play, 104th in Defensive Points Per Drive, and 107th in Defensive Touchdown Rate.
Through two games, the defense has taken another step backward with all the explosive plays they’ve allowed. In week 1 they allowed a 66-yard touchdown pass to Central Arkansas to open the season. Last week against Memphis they allowed five touchdowns of over 40-yards which contributed to 55 points for the Tigers.
Memphis’ true freshman quarterback torched this defense for five touchdowns and 417 yards passing averaging 12.6 yards per attempt. The Tigers running back Brandon Thomas had 70-yard and 75-yard touchdown runs.
Washington’s offense should wake up against a defense that allows 7.7 yards per play.
Washington Huskies
After opening the season at the No. 20 team in the preseason AP poll, it has been a nightmare start for the Washington Huskies.
Losing 13-7 at home to Montana State was embarrassing for the program. But getting physically dominated by Michigan was more demoralizing.
Head Coach Jimmy Lake, who is in his second year, needs to rebound in a big way against Arkansas State.
Huskies Offense
The Washington offense has been nothing short of horrific through two games. Averaging just 8.5 points per game and 1.9 yards per carry is a recipe that won’t win many ball games.
Much of the blame has been appropriately going to offensive coordinator John Donovan who hasn’t put this offense in a position to succeed. Between both games the offense saw 19 straight drives that failed to come away with points.
Dylan Morris was efficient in the shortened 2020 season averaging 8.2 yards per pass attempt. Through two games that number has dropped to 6.2 with three interceptions and just one touchdown pass. Don’t be surprised if you see five-star freshman quarterback Sam Huard get his opportunity to lead this Huskies sooner than later.
Washington returns its entire offensive line, a unit that ranked number one in Havoc and Sack Rates allowed. Through two games they’ve been a liability allowing four sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Donovan will want to expose this Arkansas defense and keep his foot on the pedal in an effort rejuvenate some life back into the Washington fans.
Huskies Defense
The Washington defense was physically outmatched by Michigan. The Wolverines ran all over the Huskies rushing for 343 yards while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Blake Corum rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns on just 21 carries. His backup Hassan Haskins added another 155 yards and a touchdown.
Washington currently ranks fifth in Passing Success but that's because they’ve only faced 38 passes on the season allowing 74.5 yards per game. The defense has been getting buried on the ground game that teams haven’t felt the need to pass against them.
We should see the defensive backs tested in this game against an air-raid attack of Arkansas State.
Arkansas State vs. Washington Matchup Analysis
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Arkansas State Offense vs. Washington Defense
Washington Offense vs. Arkansas State Defense
Pace of Play / Other
Arkansas State vs. Washington Betting Pick
It takes guts to play the over in a Washington Huskies game after how bad they’ve looked the first two weeks.
That speaks volumes to how bad Arkansas State’s defense is. The Red Wolves allowed true freshman Seth Henigan to throw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 12.6 yards per attempt.
Butch Jones' defense currently ranks 113th in the nation in big plays. They’ve allowed seven touchdowns of over 40-yards against Central Arkansas and Memphis.
Regardless of how bad John Donovan’s offense has looked thus far, they will be able to put up touchdowns against this defense.
