Prizing:

1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

On Saturday, December 31st, at 3:00 P.M. the Washington Huskies will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Peach Bowl.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Alabama 36.3 – Washington 24.0 with an over/under of 60.3.  The Vegas Line has a final score of Alabama 34.3 – Washington 19.8 with an over/under of 54.0.

2016-17 Statistics (127 total teams):

Passing offense: Washington 267.2 YPG > Alabama 226.3 YPG

Rushing offense: Alabama 245.0 YPG > Washington 210.0 YPG

Scoring offense: Washington 44.5 PPG > Alabama 40.5 PPG

Scoring defense: Alabama 11.8 PPG > Washington 17.2 PPG

Passing defense: Alabama 184.5 YPG > Washington 192.6 YPG

Rushing defense: Alabama 63.4 YPG > Washington 123.5 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: Washington +1.5 > Alabama +0.3

Strength of schedule:

Alabama is (13-0) with wins over USC, Western Kentucky, Ole Miss, Kent State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU, Mississippi State, Chattanooga, Auburn, and Florida.  Washington is (12-1) with wins over Rutgers, Idaho, Portland State, Arizona, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Utah, California, Arizona State, Washington State, and Colorado.  Their lone defeat came at home against USC.

Summary:

Alabama has a historically great defense which many people think is the best Nick Saban has ever had.  Only twice all season did they allow an opponent to score 20 or more points.  They lead the nation in fewest points allowed 11.8 and fewest rushing yards allowed per game 63.4.  Washington will have to rely heavily on the passing game with quarterback Jake Browning because it’s doubtful they will have any success on the ground.  Alabama has been susceptible to turnovers at times throughout the year and Washington is one of the best teams at forcing them.  I think Alabama’s overpowering offensive line will help them to run the ball effectively against a solid Washington defense.  Washington was in the top ten in points per game but keep in mind they were playing in a very weak PAC-12 conference this year.  As long as they take care of the football, Alabama’s dominant defense will carry them to a double digit victory.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion about the return of Tiger Woods with golf pro Jason Birnbaum.

Note:

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