Joseph D'Amico
Tom Stryker
A professional handicapper at Team Stryker Sports since 1984, Tom Stryker offers you 25 years of experience.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist is the recognized leader in the sports information and sports gaming industry.
Tony George
Tony George, President and CEO of Midwest Sports Consultants and Sports Audio Shows, is one of the most consistent and most respected handicappers in the sports gaming world.
Tony Karpinski
TonyK (3G-Sports) has won several handicapping contests especially in football, as he finished in the top 10 in the renowned NFL Las Vegas Hilton $500,000.
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl Preview by Matt Fargo
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl – Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, NV 3:30 PM ET
Washington Huskies vs. Boise St. Broncos (-5/46)
How Washington got here
It was an interesting season for Washington which had some good wins but also had some terrible losses. The Huskies were one of only two teams to defeat Stanford while victories over San Diego St. and Oregon St. were also impressive. Three losses against LSU, Oregon and Arizona were by a combined 104 points and a season ending loss against Washington St. in the Apple Cup was inexcusable. Clearly, Washington plays well when it wants to show up but it is hit or miss of when that is. Still, a 7-5 record is something to build upon as heading to a bowl game was in question after a 3-4 start. The Huskies definitely got a good draw in this bowl.
How Boise St. got here
We all knew Boise St. was not going to be the same team we saw in recent years, especially on offense, and it was the defense that held this team together until the offense could find its groove. After an opening loss against Michigan St., the Broncos reeled off seven straight wins before losing a rare home game against San Diego St. but they recovered to win their final three games to claim a share of the MWC title. This is the 11th straight postseason appearance for the Broncos who are also playing in their third straight Las Vegas Bowl. The last two were blowout wins over Utah and Arizona St. by 23 and 32 points respectively.
Interesting Stat
After finishing the season this year, Washington and Boise St. will open the 2013 season on August 31st at revamped Husky Stadium.
Breakdown
While we should see a lot of shootouts this bowl season, this likely will not be one of them. The defenses led the way for both teams as Washington is 30th in total defense and 37th in scoring defense while Boise St. is ninth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense. Still, the teams have shown the ability to score as the Broncos tallied 32 or more points seven times while Washington scored 28 or more points in its final three games after doing so only once in its first nine games and that came against Portland St. of the FCS. Both teams are in the top 30 in turnover margin so should any miscues take place on either side, that could be the ultimate difference.
Trending
Boise St. is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games coming off a conference win by less than a touchdown.
Washington is 3-11-1 ATS in its last 15 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in its previous game.
Come to www.aasiwins.com for all of Matt Fargo’s FREE Bowl winners and articles.
