We have another FBS vs. FCS bout. This time, the Weber State Wildcats will travel to Seattle to take on the Washington Huskies.
Weber State is an unspectacular program that went 6-5 last season and dealt with identity troubles. However, the Wildcats hope for better luck on the injury front and improved quarterback play.
We all know Washington’s story. It lost the National Championship to Michigan, and a week later, its head coach, Kalen DeBoer, fled to Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement. Not only that, but five of its top producers left for the NFL.
The Huskies then hired Arizona’s head coach, Jedd Fisch, who will try to keep this program afloat in an uncertain and sometimes turbulent time.
Below are my Weber State vs. Washington predictions.
Weber State vs. Washington Prediction
- Weber State vs. Washington pick: Under 52.5 (-110 or Better)
My Weber State vs. Washington best bet is on the total to go under, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Weber State vs. Washington Odds
| Weber State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+29 -110 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | +4000 |
| Washington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-29 -110 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | -50000 |
Weber State vs. Washington Preview
Weber State Betting Preview: How to Bet Wildcats
Weber State is rolling out Richie Munoz under center. Munoz took over as a freshman in the middle of last season. He completed 61% of his passes in five starts and seemed to get more comfortable as the season wore on.
Running back Damon Bankston will join him in the backfield. He was on his way to a 1,000-yard season until a foot injury ended it five games in. I expect Bankston to serve a significant role in this offense since there aren’t many aerial threats.
The Wildcats will have Jacob Sharp, Jaydeen Record and Jaden Thrower return, but neither reached 400 receiving yards last season. This is a team that relies heavily on the run.
There were some legitimate ballers on this defense last season. Unfortunately, Weber State lost leading sackman Jack Kelly to BYU, and Winston Reid finished his career.
Look out for EDGE rusher Brayden Wilson, who is known to cause havoc. Last season, he led the team with 16.5 tackles for loss and had a second-best 7.5 sacks.
Washington Betting Preview: Gone (Jedd) Fisching
In this new-look roster, Will Rogers, a transfer from Mississippi State, will lead the charge. When healthy, Rogers is a strong quarterback and a solid option to replace Michael Penix Jr.
Last season was a blip in the road. He completed passes for at least 68% in his first three seasons. In 2023, due to his lack of weapons, that number dropped to 59%, and then he got hurt.
In 2024, he’ll have the luxury of Denzel Boston and Giles Jackson – who served as reserves in Seattle last year — alongside California transfer Jeremiah Hunter.
Fisch's being in charge in Seattle will undoubtedly help. He may not be a DeBoer, but he built Arizona’s program to have a top-10 passing team in Success Rate and PPA. Additionally, he brought in Jonah Coleman through the portal, who was deadly on the ground.
Coleman helped Arizona achieve the seventh-best Success Rate in the FBS and rushed for nearly seven yards per carry.
This team is going to look different defensively. The only two staples returning to the fold are linebackers Alphonzo Tuputala and Carson Bruener.
Washington’s play on the defensive side of the ball was always an issue and essentially is what caused it to fold in the National Championship. It ranked 105th in Success Rate allowed, 106th in Havoc and 90th in points per opportunity allowed.
It was even worse stopping the run, ranking 130th in Success Rate.
Luckily, with Fisch at the helm, things may be different. He helped Arizona become a legitimate defensive force. He also hired Steve Belichick from the NFL as his defensive coordinator.
My Weber State vs. Washington Prediction
There are a lot of questions surrounding both of these programs.
I truly don’t know what to expect from Washington, but I do know that we won’t see the Explosiveness we were accustomed to last season.
As I mentioned previously, Weber State is nothing spectacular. I think Munoz, Bankston and Wilson have some promise, but can they withstand a power conference school? The last time Weber State squared off against one was Utah, resulting in a 31-7 loss.
I look at the total of 52.5 on FanDuel, and I think there’s a chance this goes under. With a program with plenty of turnovers plus an unspectacular offense, I can see a feeling-out process to start.
Washington will win, but I can’t imagine it being pretty.
My Pick: Under 52.5 (-110 or Better)
How to Watch Weber State vs. Washington Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 11 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Big Ten Network |
