Washington vs Northwestern Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

The Big Ten opener for Washington suddenly becomes a big deal.

It lost a heartbreaker to Washington State on a goal line stand, and after this it goes on the road three times in the next four games - and the next two home dates are Michigan and USC. Lose this, and there’s a big, big problem going forward.

Northwestern found a little bit of offense in a 31-7 win over Eastern Illinois, and it should be 3-0 but for a late overtime loss to Duke.

With a tough-looking game against Indiana up next, winning this would be a big deal.

Washington vs Northwestern Preview

Washington vs Northwestern How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
Venue: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
How to Watch: FS1
Washington (2-1), Northwestern (2-1)
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Why Northwestern Will Win

The defense continues to be terrific.

It hasn’t faced a slew of great offenses, but it allowed a lot of dinking and dunking from the passing games that didn’t go anywhere.

The run defense has yet to allow 100 yards, and should hold up just fine against a Washington ground game that struggled in the loss to Washington State.

The Huskies rolled for well over five yards per carry in the first two games, was stopped for just four yards per carry against the Cougars, and …

Why Washington Will Win

The Northwestern passing game worked against Eastern Illinois, but that was Eastern Illinois. It struggled against Miami University and Duke, and it’s about to have a hard time getting to 60%.

Yes, the move to Jack Lausch at quarterback helped, but against … Eastern Illinois.

And yes, the Northwestern defense has allowed a ton of midrange throws, but Washington is connecting deep. Will Rogers has been great so far, the attack has averaging over 300 yards per outing, and most of all, it’s clicking.

No interceptions so far, close to ten yards per throw …

Washington vs Northwestern: Who Will Win

Northwestern’s defense will hold up for the first half, but the offense won’t take advantage of the opportunities.

Fresh off the tough loss to Washington State, the Huskies will come out with a major attitude on defense, they’ll stuff the Wildcat ground game, and they’ll be 1-0 in the Big Ten.

Washington vs Northwestern Prediction, Betting Lines

Washington 27, Northwestern 16
Line: Washington -10.5, o/u: 42.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Washington vs Northwestern Must See Rating: 3