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March 28, 2024

Vegas Play of the Day: Oregon State at Washington

College Football Picks Oct. 18, 2013

AP

Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion (4) throws a pass against California during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Talking Points college bet of the week

Week 12: Browns at Falcons

Which side would you take in the Sun's handicapping game of the week? (Majority Poll Opinion this season: 7-5)
Browns plus-3 — 51.6%
Falcons minus-3 — 48.4%

This poll is closed, see Full Results »

Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

In keeping with the Pac-12 theme established yesterday, let’s get to one more game that wasn’t touched on in the college football by the odds column with the South Point-lined, $10,000 starting bankrolled Play of the Day.

Oregon State plus-6.5 at Washington: $330 to win $300

The perception on these two teams, which extends to the betting line, is that Washington is a small step above Oregon State. I’m not seeing it.

At best, the Beavers and Huskies are equally mediocre. And I could even argue that the road team is slightly better.

There’s no question the Beavers are better offensively, where they’ve gained 5.4 yards per play against FBS opposition to the Huskies’ 4.8. Washington had a defensive advantage most of the year, but it hasn’t looked as stout over the last three weeks.

The Huskies have given up an average of 31 points per game in November. Situationally, I could understand a handicapper coming up with Washington as the play in this spot.

The Huskies had a devastating 27-26 loss to Arizona as a 7.5-point underdog last week, while the Beavers are riding high after knocking off Arizona State 35-27 as 7-point underdog. Two things about the Arizona State win make me unconcerned about backing Oregon State.

The simple reason is that it’s an infinitely more impressive performance than anything Washington has shown this season. Secondly, it’s hard to call for any letdown when Oregon State still needs one more victory to become bowl eligible.

The Civil War against Oregon shapes up as a tall task next weekend, so this is Oregon State’s best shot. Washington is already bowl eligible and closing with a more manageable Apple Cup showdown with Washington State.

Standings: Bern (54-48-1, $11,286), Keefer (48-57-1, $6,831), Brewer (46-55-3, $3,105)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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