Tulsa vs. Washington Odds
| Tulsa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+33.5 -115 | 65.5 -110o / -110u | +2000 |
| Washington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-33.5 -105 | 65.6 -110o / -110u | -100000 |
The No. 8 Washington Huskies host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday. Both teams looked great in Week 1, as Washington trounced Boise State, 56-19, and Tulsa pounded Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 42-7.
This game presents a chance for the winner to improve to 2-0, and it looks like both teams have the quarterback play to put some points on the board.
The betting markets are listing the Huskies as 34-point favorites, but the Golden Hurricane have some firepower.
So, how will this game shake out from a betting perspective? Let's take a look at the odds and settle on a pick for Tulsa vs. Washington.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Sometimes, a backup quarterback just needs a chance to show what he's got. Tulsa redshirt freshman quarterback Cardell Williams took advantage of his opportunity in Week 1 after starter Braylon Braxton left the game with an ankle injury.
Williams led four consecutive touchdown drives in the second quarter and tossed a trio of touchdowns in the process. When it was all said and done, Williams completed 13-of-14 passes for 233 yards and three scores. Not a bad debut.
As for Braxton, Golden Hurricane head coach Kevin Wilson didn't say whether he'll play Saturday. If he does suit up, Braxton should be fairly effective. He had 10 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns last season, despite only starting four games.
It looks like Williams picked up Wilson's spread offense quickly, and if his growth continues, he should be able to lead Tulsa to some touchdown drives in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington Huskies
Make sure your kids are in the other room when you're watching the Huskies, because Washington's offense is sexy.
The Huskies, behind a masterful performance from Michael Penix Jr., looked unstoppable against Boise State. Penix looked every bit the Heisman contender by throwing for 450 yards and five touchdowns in Week 1.
Rome Odunze starred with seven catches for 132 yards and a touchdown, Ja'Lynn Polk was a deep ball threat with three receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown and Jalen McMillan added eight grabs and two scores in the Huskies' explosive win.
Those guys are all excellent route runners, great ball trackers and all have good hands. This is also their second season in Kalen DeBoer's offense, giving them more familiarity and chemistry with Penix.
Washington doesn't need highlight plays from its receivers for the offense to function, either. DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb can scheme it up to get their receivers open, and a layup throw here and there is undoubtedly appreciated by Penix.
Just look at how wide open TE Jack Westover is on this touchdown reception.
Michael Penix Jr ➡️ Jack Westover for the 20 yard TD!
Penix Jr in the 1st half: 17-24, 264 yds & 4 TDs 🏹 pic.twitter.com/Unmw2r2Nyn
— FOLLOW: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) September 2, 2023
With a scheme that can get dudes open and a talented group of receivers and offensive linemen — plus Penix slinging the rock — it's going to be very difficult to slow down the Huskies.
Tulsa vs. Washington
Betting Pick & Prediction
Most sportsbooks have the over/under set at 65 points, which is one of the highest totals in any college game this weekend.
Regardless, I like the over because Washington's offense is so deadly.
What's stopping the Huskies from dropping another 50-burger?
Tulsa's defense is almost certainty not as good as Boise State's. The Broncos gave up 18.5 points per game last year and were sixth in defensive EPA, while the Golden Hurricane allowed 33.1 PPG and finished 84th in defensive EPA.
So, if Washington torched BSU, what can it do to Tulsa?
In reality, the Huskies' total will depend on when they call off the dogs. But don't expect the scoring to completely dry up once the backups come in, as Dylan Morris is one of the better backup quarterbacks in college football.
He was Washington's starter from 2020-21 and threw a touchdown pass in relief against Boise State. Don't be surprised if he guides UW to a few late scores.
Look for the Huskies to light up the scoreboard and for Williams to lead Tulsa to a respectable offensive outing. It may take a score or two in garbage time, but I think the over is the play here.
