EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Overview:

On Saturday, September 29^th, the (3-1) BYU Cougars will be on the road to take on the (3-1) Washington Huskies.

The Crowd:

The Crowd projects a final score of Washington 30.5 – BYU 22.8 with an over/under of 53.3.

Lou Holtz and Mark May:

Lou is predicting a final score of Washington 27 – BYU 10.

Mark is predicting a final score of Washington 40 – BYU 28.

2018-19 Statistics (130 total teams):

Passing offense: Washington 272.5 YPG > BYU 163.8 YPG

Rushing offense: Washington 160.0 YPG > BYU 156.5 YPG

Scoring offense: Washington 27.3 PPG > BYU 25.0 PPG

Scoring defense: Washington 12.8 PPG > BYU 17.0 PPG

Passing defense: Washington 154.0 YPG > BYU 185.0 YPG

Rushing defense: BYU 143.3 YPG > Washington 148.8 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: BYU +0.7 > Washington 0.0

Summary:

BYU is (3-1) to start the season with wins over Arizona, #6 Wisconsin, and McNeese.  They were defeated 21-18 at home by California in week two.  The Cougars rank 98^th in points per game (25.0) and 23^rd in scoring defense (17.0 PPG).  Quarterback Tanner Mangum has completed 57% of his passes for 612 yards with 3 touchdown and 2 interceptions.  It’s worth noting that Mangum is only averaging 5.2 yards per completion.  Squally Canada is the team’s leading rusher with 322 yards (5.2 YPC) and 5 touchdowns.  BYU doesn’t have many playmakers on the outside as their leading receiver, Aleva Hifo, has only 129 yards.  BYU has played against quality competition in three of their four games and have yet to allow an opponent to exceed 23 points.

Washington is (3-1) with wins over North Dakota, Utah, and Arizona State.  They were defeated 21-16 by #9 Auburn in week one.  The Huskies rank 82^nd in points per game (27.3) and 4^th in scoring defense (12.8 PPG).  Quarterback Jake Browning has been a disappointment thus far considering all the hype leading up to his senior season.  Browning has completed 60% of his passes for 966 yards with 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.  Myles Gaskin is one of the best running backs in the country but has yet to have a breakout game.  Gaskin has compiled 357 yards (4.3 YPC) and 2 touchdowns.  Aaron Fuller and Ty Jones are dangerous at the receiver position and both a capable of a game breaking play.  Washington’s defense has been exceptional both against the run and the pass.

Bottom Line:

Jake Browning is playing much better after struggling in the early portion of the season.  BYU will have their hands full trying to slow down the dynamic Myles Gaskin.  BYU doesn’t have the playmakers on the outside to keep Washington from stacking the box.  This will be a low scoring game with two excellent defenses facing off but I give the edge to the Huskies at home.

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