VBR Against The Spread-Week 5
By Matt de Bear
September 15, 2012; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw instructs during the fourth quarter against the Southern California Trojans at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Trojans 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
Stanford (-7) at Washington
In their first game since upsetting USC (again), the Cardinal travel to Seattle to face a Husky team desperate for a signature win. Thursday night Pac-12 games have given us some great matchups in the past, is this another one?
Matt – Stanford
The Huskies are one of those programs that seemingly everyone keeps expecting to return to national prominence. Thursday night prime time would seem like the perfect chance for that to happen, but it won’t. The Huskies have struggled to do much of anything offensively all season, and were rolled 41-3 by the best team they’ve faced (LSU). Stanford isn’t LSU, but the Cardinal are a tough, physical team, that will wear down Washington. Washington hangs around, but Stanford pulls away in the 4th to cover.
Tim – Washington
This line seems too small. It feels like the Huskers should be getting two touchdowns from the team that beat USC. However, the night game atmosphere at Husky Stadium will be intense and Stanford isn’t likely to score a truckload of points. Stanford may win, but it will be close.
Craig – Stanford
This may be overvaluing Stanford some after they beat USC, but I have to think this team is all-around solid. They seem disciplined and are strong in each area. If their defense can contain UW’s spread attack, look for Stanford to use the short passing game and power run game to churn up clock and get out with the win.
Corey – Stanford
I’m not sure which Stanford team is going to show up Thursday night. The team that narrowly beat San Jose State or the teams that dismantled USC. I do know this, both teams have had 1.5 weeks to get ready for each other. No doubt Stanford will have a let down from their USC game, and I’m sure Washington will be jacked up for Stanford. Something has to give! Look for Stanford to possess too much for Washington to hang with them.