Weber State is set to face off against Washington on Saturday at 11 p.m. ET, with Washington being favored to win by 27 1/2 points according to BetMGM College Football Odds. This will be the first meeting between the two teams. Washington, coming off a national championship game appearance, will be led by new head coach Jedd Fisch, who has revamped the team after many key players departed for the NFL or other schools. The team will feature new quarterback Will Rogers and running back Jonah Coleman, with the defense under the guidance of Steve Belichick.

Weber State, ranked No. 22 in the FCS, returns nine starters from last season’s 6-5 team. The matchup will be a significant test for Washington, as they have only one full-time starter returning from last year. Fisch is eager to see how well the new roster comes together, emphasizing the importance of effort and fundamentals. Washington must also guard against complacency and not overlook Weber State, recalling a past upset against Montana.

Key players to watch include Weber State’s DE Brayden Wilson, a standout on defense who led the Big Sky in tackles for loss last season. For Washington, quarterbacks Rogers and Demond Williams Jr. will be in the spotlight, with Rogers earning the starting position due to his SEC experience, while Williams shows promise as a freshman likely to see playing time this season.

In terms of facts and figures, this will mark Washington’s first game as a Big Ten member, with Weber State playing their first game against a Big Ten team. The Huskies are expected to stay in Seattle for their first four games, facing Eastern Michigan, Washington State, and Northwestern in subsequent matchups. CB Elijah Jackson is the lone returning full-time starter for Washington, with uncertainty about his starting status in the opener.