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• Who: No. 5 Washington at No. 13 Utah
• What: Massive Pac-12 matchup for Week 11
• Date: Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington
The 2023 season has been nothing short of magical for the Washington Huskies. This team entered the campaign with high expectations and they haven’t stopped impressing. Coach Kalen DeBoer has the fans believing that this team has what it takes to win the conference this year, especially after UW took down USC over the weekend. Now, there’s another huge showing on the way, as Washington is favored to take down Utah in a huge Pac-12 battle this upcoming Saturday.
There’s no question that there are College Football Playoff implications for this one. UW remains on the outside of the Top 4, but they’re hoping that one of the teams ahead of them will suffer a loss soon so that they can jump them – that will only boost their NCAAF National Championship betting odds. However, with UW being in the Pac-12 and people questioning their strength of schedule, the Huskies can’t afford to lose any game left on their schedule.
| UW vs. Utah odds |  |  |  |
| Huskies to win | -375 | -375 | -375 |
| Utes to win | +290 | +290 | +290 |
| Over 44.5 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 44.5 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
With UW at 9-0 on the year right now, though, fans are loving what they’re seeing out of this offense. Star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (more on him below) is easily one of the best QBs in the country. He has raised his NFL Draft stock tremendously, as a lot of analysts now believe he has what it takes to be a first-round pick. Penix has an unreal arm and he has been incredible since early September. What will he be able to get done vs. Utah?
According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, UW holds -375 NCAAF betting odds to leave Montlake with a win vs. the Utes. Utah has been set with +290 odds. Utah has an incredible defense, which will have to be at its best in order to try and slow down Penix and the mighty Washington offense. We don’t think that will be the case, though, as we’re going with Washington as our pick to post a victory.
Dillon Johnson rushed for 256 yards and four touchdowns, Michael Penix Jr. passed for 256 yards and two scores and rushed for another as No. 5 Washington’s prolific offense kept the UW Huskies unbeaten with a 52-42 victory over No. 24 USC on Saturday.https://t.co/nVHkNszX3Q
— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) November 5, 2023
Michael Penix Jr. has strong Heisman Trophy odds this season
With the way he’s looked, it’s easy to see why Michael Penix Jr. has strong Heisman Trophy odds this season. Matter of fact, he’s at the top of the list thanks to his showing in Los Angeles this past Saturday. Behind Penix’s outstanding play, UW was able to post a 52-42 win over Caleb Williams and Co. In the victory, Penix tossed for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Whenever the Huskies needed him to deliver with a strong throw, he did just that.
The Huskies were able to make a statement with that win and Penix was all smiles after the final whistle. He’s hoping to keep the good vibes going and he can only help his chances of winning the Heisman if he can record a strong contest against Utah. With Utah’s defense being so special, they’ll make life difficult for Penix, but there’s no doubt in our minds that he’ll find a way to rise to the challenge.
Just an insane play all around. Improvisation and a great throw from Michael Penix Jr. pic.twitter.com/dIbihnqocV
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 5, 2023
“He was really talented. I was with him in 2019 at Indiana and you could tell he was special,” DeBoer said on a radio show recently. “The arm strength, accuracy, and just kinda the instincts and could just put he wanted it to,” said DeBoer. “He stood in the pocket and would take the hits if he knew he had a throw that could be made. You see that happening now as the season goes along.”
Per the oddsmakers, Penix holds +140 odds to win the Heisman Trophy this year. Other players in contention include Bo Nix, JJ McCarthy and others. With that said, if Penix can have a great game against Utah and then close the season out in style, then he should make his way to New York this winter for the Heisman ceremony. Then, he should win it. That’s right, we’re going with Penix as our pick. It will be a special end to the season for him.
UW is expected to be a massive favorite for the Apple Cup
It goes without saying, but UW is expected to be a massive favorite for the Apple Cup against Washington State. Earlier in the year, people all across the state thought that this season’s big rivalry game would be a showdown for the ages, as the two teams went 4-0 during the first month. However, the wheels have fallen off for WSU, as they’re now 4-5 after losing five consecutive games. Because of this, UW is expected to be a massive favorite for the Apple Cup.
This is a series that UW has dominated over the year and Penix will look to close his chapter out with the program in style by beating the Cougars again. Penix lit up the Wazzu defense last season and he’ll look to do the same at the end of the month. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see UW post a blowout win. This will only help Penix’s Heisman odds too. WSU has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but we don’t think there’s a chance they’ll be able to keep things close with the Huskies for this one.
