CFB odds: The most successful head coach in the history of Boise State football has arrived to take over a Washington Huskies program that has been methodically built from a 0-12 team in 2008 to a team that finished 9-4 last year by former coach Steve Sarkisian, who departed for his dream job with the USC Trojans. Chris Petersen arrives from Boise State after going 92-12 in eight seasons and turning the Broncos into the ultimate “Fly in the Ointment” team that was a perennial BCS national championship contender. The arrival of Petersen combined with seven starters returning on both sides of the line has made the Huskies a team that many handicappers are taking a close look at. Washington opened at BetDSI as a +14000 to win the BCS national championship. The Huskies opened with an over under win total of nine +110 over and -130 under.
Nationally Renowned Coach
Petersen is a two time Bear Bryant Award winner as the national coach of the year. Petersen turned down several opportunities to take over big time programs including at USC and waited for the perfect opportunity before departing Boise. As a self-described Northwestern type of guy, Petersen could not resist a shot at the big time in his favorite part of the country.
Peterson inherits a team with 48 lettermen returning and just 20 departing although among the departures were star RB Bishop Sankey and starting QB Keith Price. But the offensive line that powered Washington to rank 13th overall in the nation for total yards is back and among the best in the country. Petersen is a proven guide for QB’s which will ease the transition to projected sophomore starter Cyler Miles.
Handicapper’s Notebook
The Huskies have had three consecutive winning seasons against the spread and has gotten the money in eight out of their last 12 home games. The Huskies have covered just 16 out of their last 44 games as an away dog. Washington has covered four out of their last five games as a home dog.
Our Prognosis
If “Timing is Everything” the arrival of Petersen looks to be perfect timing. The Huskies get Stanford at home and could very well be undefeated for their Pac 12 North Division showdown at Oregon on October 18. We expect a double digit win season for “U-Dub”.
