No. 16 Stanford (-8) @ Washington TV: FOX 4:15pm Saturday
Daniel: I have a pretty good rule that works between 80-90% of the time when picking games straight up: go with Stanford. I’m not changing that this week even though Washington is 4-0 heading into this matchup. The Huskies haven’t played anybody and The Cardinal is the better team overall, even in this road matchup. Their defense is nasty and quarterback Kevin Hogan will make enough plays to put some points on the board. Winner: Stanford 21-13
Houston: Washington is off to a nice 4-0 start this season, but now they finally get to play against a team with a pulse. Stanford has one of the best defenses in the country and will certainly present Washington’s offense with their biggest challenge of 2014 to this point. Stanford’s offense has been somewhat two-faced through three games, putting up two strong performances against UC Davis and Army but struggling mightily against Southern Cal. Washington won’t have the athletes on defense that Southern Cal had, however, so the Cardinal offense should be able to put up enough points for the win in this one and I expect Barry Sanders – yes, Barry Sanders – to have a strong performance. Winner: Stanford: 30-13
Reed: Washington hasn’t played anyone this year and will be facing their first test of the Petersen era when Stanford comes to town. The Huskies struggled with hapless Hawaii earlier this year – that doesn’t bode well for them this Saturday. Stanford had no business losing to USC earlier this season. Their defense is for real and their offense has enough playmakers (Hogan, Sanders, Montgomery) to take care of the Huskies. Winner: Stanford 28-13
Zac: The Cardinal have allowed a total of 10 points through three games this season. The Huskies, meanwhile, are tops in the Pac-12 in turnover margin (+2 per game) and red zone offense, but their biggest test this season was a home date against Illinois. Before that, Washington nearly lost to a Hawaii team that went 1-11 last year. Stanford’s defense will be too much, even on the road. Winner: Stanford 17-10
