2019 Rose Bowl Game Picks and Predictions: Washington Huskies vs Ohio State Buckeyes

2019 Rose Bowl Game Picks and Predictions: Washington Huskies vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Since the Big Ten and Pac-12 were both left out of the College Football Playoff, this year’s Rose Bowl Game will be a traditional battle between the champions of each conference. The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) will represent the Big Ten, and the No. 9 Washington Huskies (10-3) will do the same for the Pac-12 when they meet in the “Granddaddy of Them All.” The Buckeyes enter the matchup as 6.5-point favorites.

As if the Rose Bowl wasn’t a big enough deal, news that the game will be Urban Meyer’s last as a head coach has added even more fuel to Ohio State’s fire. They may have been left out of the playoffs, but the Buckeyes boast a Heisman finalist in quarterback Dwayne Haskins, tons of speed at the receiver position and the eighth-best scoring offense in the country.

The Huskies have experience at the quarterback spot in four-year starter Jake Browning and a proven, productive running back in Myles Gaskins. That being said, Washington’s bread and butter this year has been on the defensive side of the ball, and the Huskies finished the year ranked fifth in points allowed, surrendering just 15.5 per game.

The Buckeyes Win If:

Despite a 12-1 record, consistency has been an issue for Ohio State, especially when it comes to running the ball on offense and preventing big plays on defense. If they are going to handle the Huskies, the Buckeyes can’t let Gaskins rip off big run after big run. Browning isn’t great under pressure, so Ohio State should be able to cause problems with its pass rush if Washington ends up in third-and-longs routinely. Offensively, the Buckeyes just need to give Haskins some time. The guy has set multiple Big Ten records for a reason this year, and he can carve up any defense out there when he has time to set his feet. If this game comes down to which quarterback can make more plays, Haskins and Ohio State should send Meyer out in style.

The Huskies Win If:

Washington isn’t going to blow anyone away with its offensive firepower, so the last thing the Huskies want is a back-and-forth shootout with the Buckeyes. Washington needs to control the pace of this game by establishing Gaskins and the ground attack from the opening kickoff. Keeping Haskins and company off the field and keeping their own defense rested is the best recipe for slowing down the Ohio State offense, and when the Washington defense is on the field, getting off the field on third down is an absolute must. The Huskies know how to win ugly, and that is exactly what they need to do in this one.

Bottom Line:

It hasn’t been the prettiest season in Ohio State history, but something tells me the Buckeyes are going to have a little extra pep in their step to make sure Meyer goes out on top. When they are focused on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes are a dangerous team. Michigan found that out the hard way when Haskins shredded the Wolverines’ top-ranked defense, so despite Washington’s gawdy defensive numbers, I expect Ohio State to put plenty of points on the board. Granted, the Huskies should be able to move the ball some on offense in their own right, but Browning’s inconsistencies are going to show up and are ultimately going to prevent Washington from keeping pace.

Prediction: Ohio State Buckeeys (-6.5) Cover the Spread

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NSAwins.com’s top college football handicappers have expert college football picks for sale on today’s games. Good luck!