PULLMAN – It was apparent early in the season that Washington was going to be a contender fo the Pac-12 crown, and when the Huskies knocked off Stanford and Oregon in successive weeks it seemed that there was little the rest of the conference could do to keep its most dominant team out of the Pac-12 game.

The Huskies passed their final test, the Apple Cup, in about six minutes of game time last Friday, securing a championship game date against a team many predicted to finish last in the Pac-12 South.

Colorado is no fluke. The divisional champion has playmakers throughout its team and is led by a senior quarterback whose sheer determination and willpower elevate the play of his teammates. The Buffaloes have a fearsome defense and an offense full of grinders who can move the chains, complemented by some very explosive wide receivers.

It won’t matter. The Huskies are more talented at every position on offense and defense, and have proven throughout the year that they prepare well for big games. UW’s fast defense is perfectly suited to handle Sefo Liufau’s runs from the quarterback position and the running back tandem of Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman should keep the offense moving, even if the passing game struggles against CU’s impressive secondary. The Huskies will win. And when they do, don’t believe the ESPN hype. If UW wins it will certainly make the playoffs.

The spread: UW by 7.5

The pick: UW, 31-14