2012 College Football Picks: Washington @ LSU Odds and Predictions – Free Football Picks Saturday 9/8/12

2012 College Football Picks: Washington @ LSU Vegas Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 9/8/2012: For the Washington Huskies, the 2012 season is about continuing to rebuild a program that was once a force in the Pac-12 and on the national stage. For the third-ranked LSU Tigers, this season is all about making a return trip to the BCS Championship Game and avenging their loss from a year ago. Both programs can take a step towards reaching their goals this weekend when the two sides meet in Baton Rouge. A win for the Huskies would be a huge statement that they are on their way back, while a convincing win for the Tigers would be further proof that the SEC is still the dominant conference in college football. Armed with one of the best home-field advantages in the country, LSU is a 23 ½-point favorite.

Although Washington won its season opener, it came at a cost. The Huskies lost their starting right tackle Be Riva for at least a few weeks and their starting running back Jessie Callier for the season. Facing LSU at full strength isn’t exactly an easy task, and facing them at less than 100 percent puts Washington at an even greater disadvantage. Throw in the fact that LSU coach Les Miles is 28-0 against non-conference opponents with the Tigers, and the Huskies are facing a near-impossible task.

The injuries that the Huskies are particularly problematic when facing a team like LSU. With the likes of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo anchoring what is arguably the best defensive front in the country, the Tigers can rush the passer as well as any team out there. Washington was already breaking in several new starters on an inexperienced offensive line, and losing its starting right tackle isn’t going to help the case. Not to mention that the loss of Callier is going to put more pressure on the passing game and make the Huskies a little more predictable on offense. Add it up, and LSU’s already loaded defense is going to have an even greater advantage.

If there is a silver lining for Washington, it is the fact that quarterback Keith Price is the team’s best offensive weapon anyway. The second-year starter has flashed some star potential in the past, and he has a big arm to stretch the field and enough athleticism to make plays outside the pocket. Granted, making plays behind a shaky offensive line against a vicious LSU defense is easier said than done, but Washington will at least be leaning on its best player early and often in this tough matchup.

While scoring points will be difficult enough for the Huskies, stopping the Tigers from scoring could be an even tougher task. Washington allowed opponents to score almost 36 points per game last year and surrendered more than five yards per carry to opposing running backs. LSU brings one of the nation’s biggest and toughest offensive lines to this battle, along with a four-headed monster at running back. The Tigers are going to pound away at a suspect Washington defensive front, and it is likely only a matter of time before the Huskies’ defensive wears down and starts allowing big plays. At the very least, LSU should be able to dictate the tempo of the game with its power running attack.

In the end, this matchup is basically a mismatch in favor of the Tigers. Washington has certainly improved the last few seasons, and while they have the talent to upset some teams, LSU isn’t one of them. The Huskies struggle to stop the run and defense and have a rebuilt offensive line, and the Tigers just happen to be one of the best teams in the country at running the ball and rushing the passer. It is never a good thing when your two biggest weaknesses are your opponent’s biggest strengths. Price can be a game changer but not against LSU. Miles keeps his non-conference record flawless, while the Tigers control the game from start to finish and pull away for a comfortable win.

Prediction: LSU Tigers (-23 ½) Cover the Spread 

Washington @ LSU Vegas Odds and Total
Line: LSU -23.5
Total: Over/Under 53.5
Television: 7PM EST on ESPN

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