Washington Huskies vs Auburn Tigers: Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic, 9–1–2018

VC Sports Monitor
Sep 1, 2018 · 3 min read

Free College Football Pick by Kris Saint of King Sports Picks

Washington Huskies vs Auburn Tigers

Saturday, September 1st, 3:30 PM EST
Line: Auburn -2.5, 48.5

The Washington Huskies and the Auburn Tigers will open their respective 2018 seasons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. Auburn won the SEC West last season while the Washington Huskies lost to Penn State in Fiesta Bowl. These two teams have CFB Playoff aspirations and rank inside of the top 10 in most preseason polls which gives this game even greater importance to the big picture of the 2018–19 season.

After a Pac-12 title and a playoff berth in 2016, Washington slipped to 10–3 last fall. The senior combination of quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin leads the way on offense, and the defense ranks among the best in college football with nine starters back from last season. A total of 17 starters from last season will return this season which allows head coach Chris Petersen to field a very experienced team. The Huskies also have the added benefit of returning a very solid offensive line led by LT Trey Adams and RT Kaleb McGary.

While the Huskies have a known commodity with their line, the biggest question mark surrounding Auburn this preseason revolved around its offensive line. The Tigers gave up 36 sacks last year and had to replace a couple of key cogs, including All-SEC guard Braden Smith. This unit will need to do a better job keeping quarterback Jarrett Stidham upright and if they can do that, Stidham could have a breakout year as a second year starter. Auburn should have another outstanding defense on its hands, returning three of four defensive line starters from last year’s squad. Of those returning include Dontavius Russell, Derrick Brown, and Marlon Davidson. Auburn ranked 11th in the nation in scoring defense last season, allowing 18.5 points per game.

This is a very intriguing matchup as both teams will contend for their conference championships in the Pac 12 and SEC. This should be a tight, lower scoring game. Auburn’s offensive line will be tested right away with a ferocious Washington defensive front. If Washington can get after the quarterback, it could be a long night for the Tigers. I think Washington has a lot less question marks entering this game and they are poised to compete for a national championship if they pull out a win on the road. In the end, we are getting an opportunity to take points (+2.5) with a veteran Washington team. I will back the Huskies +2.5 and like them as a live dog in Week 1.

Washington vs Auburn Pick: Washington +2.5

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