Last on the schedule in the Pac-12 After Dark game on Saturday evening, Washington (4-1) and star RB Salvon Ahmed take on Stanford, who will be a 15.5-point home dog against the visiting Huskies. UW is aiming to move into the Top 10, while Stanford (2-3) is trying to not get completely embarrassed at home.
Washington hasn’t won at Stanford since 2007. They are looking to end a drought that’s spanned almost 12 years. Washington’s only loss came at the hands of California, 20-19, when the Cal Bears ran down UW’s throat, and UW lost a nail bitter.
Last week, Washington (with the #17 ranking) picked off #21 USC, 28-14. In their previous two games, the Huskies outscored Hawaii and BYU by a combined 97-39
Washington needs a big blowout win against a conference foe if they expect to maintain their spot in the mid-teens on the AP Top-25 Poll.
#15 Washington Huskies (4-1) at Stanford Cardinal (2-3)
Kickoff: 7:30pm PT
Location: Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, CA
Point Spread: UW -16.5
Over/Under: 51.5
Money Line: UW -850 / Stan +580
Stanford opened the season with a win over Northwestern in Evanston, but then hit a three-game skid. After a 1-3 start, the Cardinal stopped the bleeding with a win by a field goal against Oregon State, 34-31, last Saturday.
Stanford will still be without starting QB KJ Costello, who is out with a thumb injury
Washington the Pac-12 Hope?
Washington’s transfer QB, Jacob Eason, sat out last season after spending two seasons in Georgia. Eason is finally coming into his own at UW with 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
UW’s rushing attack averages 191 yards per game, and is anchored by junior RB Salvon Ahmed. Against USC, Ahmed rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown. He’s rushed for 100-plus yards in two games this season. Ahmed has three touchdowns this season, and averages 6.5 yards per carry.
Washington will get a chance to take advantage of Stanford’s porous secondary. Stanford has one of the worst pass defenses in the Pac-12, allowing 287 yards per game in the air.
Smart Kids Need More Points
Stanford struggles to put points on the board, averaging only 20.2 points per game. They will need to double their average if they expect to keep up with Washington’s 38.2 points per game. When UW scores 28 or more points this season, they are 4-0.
The Stanford running game only churns out 112 yards per game. If they can get the run game going, then they’ll keep the score close. Otherwise, there’s a reason Washington is a favorite to beat Stanford by more than two touchdowns.
UW’s defense allowed only 17.4 points per game. The UW air defense is their strong suit, allowing only 203 yards per game. Backup QB, Davis Mills, is going to have to work some magic if Stanford wants to avoid a blowout. Mills looked good last week against Oregon State with 245 yards and three touchdowns.
The only thing Stanford has going for them is their current winning streak. Washington hasn’t beaten Stanford in Palo Alto in 12 seasons.