(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
By now, college football fans and pundits alike have unabashedly gorged themselves on a plethora of wild and engaging bowl games. However, all of those obscurely named affairs were just a series of tasty appetizers that assisted in getting everyone amped up for the highly anticipated New Years Six Bowls affairs. As it pertains to the Fiesta Bowl, college football fanatics can expect an intriguing blend of smash-mouth defenses and prolific offenses that should make this particular contest a thrilling and engaging affair. While both Washington and Penn State may not have obtained a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, both programs still have a grand opportunity to prove that their recent ascendence in becoming one of the elite powerhouses in college football was not simply a one-hit wonder moment.
Playstation Fiesta Bowl
Washington Huskies (11) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (9)
Time: Saturday, 4:00 PM E.T.
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV Channel: ESPN
Although there may be some fans that enjoy either a defensive grudge match or a high-octane shootout, the best contests are the ones that present two well-balanced programs that have to utilize everything in their versatile arsenal to procure a much-desired victory. While Huskies quarterback Jake Browning has not been nearly as prolific this year as he was just a year ago (43 touchdowns last year, 18 touchdowns this year), he has actually been far more accurate and disciplined when it comes to locating his receivers (62.1 CMP% last year, 68.8 CMP% this year). Unlike Browning, running back Myles Gaskin has become a much more vital offensive weapon as both a rusher (10 rushing touchdowns last year, 19 rushing touchdowns this year) and as a reliable receiver (228 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns this year). For the Nittany Lions, quarterback Trace McSorley has been a consummate competitor as his exceptional mobility (11 rushing touchdowns) and passing skill sets (3228 passing yards, 65.3 CMP%) have baffled defenses continuously this year. Of course, it’s impossible to mention the Nittany Lions without discussing the versatile capabilities of star running back Saquon Barkley. Scoring 19 total touchdowns during the regular season, Barkley emphatically proved on a consistent basis that he was a serious threat as a rusher, pass catcher and returner on special teams. On top of what both of these programs are capable of on offense, they also possess two of the best defenses in the country, a crucial aspect that will come into play as this intense affair progresses. When all is said and done, the Nittany Lions have a slight advantage as their dynamic quarterback and running back will be able to make enough big plays down the stretch to win what should be a highly-competitive and hard-fought contest.
Final Score: Huskies 29 Nittany Lions 32 Spread: Nittany Lions -2.0
