:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5184901/156602492.0.jpg)
The No. 19 Boise State Broncos had a much better season, on paper, than the Washington Huskies yet aren't expected to exactly have an win in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas on Dec. 22.
Led by junior quarterback Keith Price, who completed nearly 62 percent of his passes this season for 2,486 yards and 18 touchdowns, the Huskies offense will test a Boise State defense that allowed just 14.9 points per game all season. The Broncos offense, however, was not as prolific as it has historically been and could struggle against a solid Washington defense that finished No. 37 in the nation.
Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com is expecting for the Huskies to be motivated to pull off another upset win over a ranked opponent, yet picks the Broncos to prevail, 24-17.
Four of the six experts at CBS Sports have picked Boise State over Washington, yet only two expected the Broncos (-5.5) to cover the spread in the game.
Jerry Palm, also of CBS, has this to say about the matchup, in which it appears he picks the Broncos to pull out the win.
Washington will be looking to erase the rotten apple taste in its mouth, but Boise is still the better team.
The 2012 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas is set to kick off at 1:30 p.m. MT on Saturday, Dec. 22, with coverage on ESPN.