The Washington Huskies (5-5) will face off against the UCLA Bruins (4-5) on Friday night in a highly anticipated Big Ten matchup. The Huskies have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games, including a lopsided defeat against No. 4 Penn State with a score of 35-6 last week. In contrast, the Bruins have hit a positive stride, winning three consecutive games, with their latest victory coming against Iowa, where they emerged victorious 20-17.
Historically, the Bruins have enjoyed success against the Huskies, winning 15 out of their last 20 meetings. Nevertheless, Washington will have the home advantage, boasting a remarkable record of 19 straight wins at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. In addition, they have a solid 11-7-1 record against the spread during this impressive home winning streak.
The kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, with the Huskies favored by four points. The betting line for this game indicates an expected total of 46.5 points scored.
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Washington comes into this game with key players to watch. Senior quarterback Will Rogers has demonstrated impressive statistics, completing 71% of his passes for 2,343 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has achieved at least 220 passing yards in seven games this season. Additionally, junior running back Jonah Coleman has established himself as a formidable back in the Big Ten, ranking fourth in rushing yards with 913 and scoring seven touchdowns.
UCLA’s success will rely on a robust defense, particularly their run defense, which ranks third in the conference, allowing only 98.1 yards per game. Junior linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been a standout player, leading the team with an impressive 92 tackles and contributing significantly to their defensive efforts. Offensively, senior wide receiver Logan Loya can be expected to make impactful plays, having recorded 94 receiving yards and a touchdown against Iowa.
Interestingly, the SportsLine model predicts the game total to lean towards the Over, estimating 52 combined points. Furthermore, it suggests a strong possibility that one side of the spread is likely to hit in over 60% of its simulations.
This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for both teams as they vie for momentum heading into the later weeks of the season. For fans and followers of college football, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the resilience of both programs amid various challenges throughout the season.