CFB picks: Hopes and anticipation could not be higher for the #25 Washington Huskies as first year coach Chris Petersen arrives from Boise State, where he built the Broncos into a consistent BCS contender as the winningest coach in the history of the school. Hopes are not nearly as high for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors as they have not been to a bowl game since the 2010 season and have posted a weak 4-20 record under third year coach and native Hawaiian Norm Chow. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will host the Washington Huskies on Saturday with at Aloha Stadium with coverage on CBSSN starting at 10:30 PM ET. BetDSI opened with Washington as a 15.5 point favorite.
Howling for Huskies
Washington is coming off a 9-4 season in which they nearly upset eventual Pac 12 champion Stanford on the road. Head coach Steve Sarkisian departed for Southern Cal which made way for Petersen, who inherits a roster with seven starters back on both sides of the line with 48 returning lettermen. Sophomore QB Cyler Miles was expected to be the starter but missed spring practice due to an altercation last February and has been battling with fellow sophomore Jeff Lindquist and redshirt freshman Troy Williams.
Pot of Gold at End for Rainbow Warriors?
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors may offer better wagering value than what meets the eye as despite the fact that they went 1-11 straight up last year they were in the black with a mark of 7-5 against the spread. Hawaii returns seven starters on offense and six on defense. Sophomore QB Ikaiha Woolsey is poised to be the fourth opening day starting QB in as many seasons and three out of the top four receivers have departed. Kevin Clune left Utah State to take over the daunting challenge of coordinating the Hawaii defense, which has been among the absolute worst in the country for several years and allowed 39 points per game in 2013. Chow is a favorite son and will be given more time to succeed but he needs to show progress and the roster does not inspire confidence. Hawaii is 3-7 against the spread as a home dog.
Matchup
Washington has paid out in their last two meetings with Hawaii and gets to call to do it again as Hawaii has nowhere near the depth to hang with U-Dub!
