The NCAAF week 4 Washington at BYU free pick is a tough test for both teams actually. The Cougars are a +7 underdog, but in a bounce back week after an emotional 30-27 home win over USC. Washington goes on the road for the first time in 2019 in this tilt, a week after a dominating win over Hawaii but also with the 19-20 home loss to Cal on September 7th (as nearly 2 TD favorites) still fresh in their minds.
Running Game Available For Washington If They Can Find It
The 19-20 loss to Cal in week two was a devastating one for the Huskies. Despite the defeat, Washington bounced back nicely last week in a 52-20 win over Hawaii, even though it was expected as the Huskies were more than 3 TD favorites.
In the win over Hawaii, Washington ran the ball 30 times for 192 yards. That’s a key stat heading into the NCAAF week 4 Washington at BYU free pick as the Cougars rank 119th in the country allowing 225 yards per game on the ground. Salvon Ahmed toted the rock 21 times for 119 yards vs. Cal while Richard Newton had 3 TD a week ago giving the Huskies a diverse attack on the road. Plus, QB Jacob Eason has a 349, 4TD performance and a 262, 3TD performance this year both with 0 INT.
The total for Saturday’s tilt is 51, which may seem high the way the Huskies defense has limited opponents from scoring this season. UW hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game yet this year and has held opponents to under 200 yards passing per game. BYU thrives on the pass behind their upstart QB so that’s the matchup that will decide this one.
Can Budding Star Wilson Get Another Signature Win?
BYU is pretty battle tested already this season, visiting Utah in the opener (12-30 L), stealing one in Tennessee after that (29-26) and then beating what turns out then #24 ranked USC team 30-27 at home a week ago. The Cougars have another ranked team in the NCAAF week 4 Washington at BYU free pick in the 23rd ranked Huskies. BYU received 12 votes for the top 25 this past week.
The reason BYU should be a popular pick as +7 point home underdogs on Saturday is QB Zach Wilson. The sophomore threw for 280 yards a week ago vs. the Trojans and had the historic Idaho Potato Bowl performance last season in which he went 18-18 for 317 yards and 4 TD. The Cougars are far from a one trick pony however. RB Ty’Son Williams is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and rushed for 92 yards vs. Tennessee and 99 vs. USC.
The biggest question mark for the Cougars ahead of Saturday’s contest with Washington is their defense, specifically vs. the run. Utah ran the ball 48 times for 262 yards vs. the Cougars in the opener Tennessee went 49-252 and USC 45-171. It’s no secret what opponents want to do vs. BYU.
NCAAF Week 4 Washington at BYU Free Pick
Roughly 70% of the public is liking the Huskies on the road in this one meaning BYU still isn’t getting national respect. It’s going to be no easy task for UW going on the road for the 1st time of the year, especially against a Cougars offense playing with a lot of confidence right now. The BYU run defense is a liability and Eason can kill you if you load the box to stop the run. That being said, the Cougars have proven their mettle against quality opponents and should continue to do so.
Pick: BYU +7
