ALTOONA, Pa. -- Parker Washington. That's why, in a pick 'em game, I'm taking Utah to beat Penn State in the Rose Bowl.
My score: Utes 31, Nittany Lions 26
My feeling is that, without Washington, the team's leading receiver, Penn State's offense will be one playmaker short in an otherwise pretty even matchup between two good teams.
It didn't hurt the Lions that they were without Washington for the final two regular-season games, because, well, Rutgers and Michigan State were terrible. But no Washington means that Mitchell Tinsley has to step up and be the primary outside weapon for the Lions, and while Tinsley is a solid receiver, I just don't view him as a No.