Vegas Play of the Day: Las Vegas Bowl

By Case Keefer (contact)

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 | 2 a.m.

The sixth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now underway, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2018-19 and 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Washington minus-3.5 vs. Boise State: $990 to win $900

Strictly in terms of talent, this is one of Washington's better rosters. Strictly in terms of talent, this is one of Boise State's lesser rosters.

That's knowledge enough to lay the short spread today at Sam Boyd Stadium. The only reason this spread is short is because of Washington's 7-5 record.

If Boise State played in the Pac-12 North division, the Broncos would also probably be 7-5. That's not always been the case in this bowl, as often the Mountain West has come in undervalued against the perennially overrated Pac-12. The Pac-12 wasn't great again this year, but it was significantly better than the Mountain West.

Power ratings have a tough time accounting for the full difference in schedule faced by the Huskies and Broncos. Washington is more battle-tested with higher-touted players.

That should equal out to at least a touchdown victory in today's Las Vegas Bowl.

Current Standings: Grimala (10-5, $9,365), Emerson (11-15, $7,220), Keefer (19-18-2, $7,015) Brewer (8-9, $6,085)

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