ESPN’s College GameDay crew was unanimous in picking the Huskies.

Washington opens the 2023 campaign ranked No. 10 in the country. It begins the season at home against a solid Boise State squad and in front of a national TV audience on ABC. The Huskies believe they can contend for a College Football Playoff spot in Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer, and that quest will need to begin with a convincing win in a marque nonconference clash.

The GameDay crew expects a close game, but they expect a Washington victory. Here are the picks.

  • Desmond Howard: Washington
  • Pat McAfee: Washington
  • Darius Rucker (guest picker): Washington
  • Lee Corso: Washington
  • Kirk Herbstreit: Washington

“I do think this is gonna be a game that potentially goes back and forth,” Herbstreit said. “Close game, but give me Washington.”

The Huskies are favored by 14.5 points hours before kickoff. ESPN’s FPI gives UW a 74.7% chance of winning.

Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC.