If we’ve learned anything from the last two years, it’s that scheduling can change in college football. Washington State and Central Michigan playing in the Sun Bowl is the latest example of that. The Cougars saw Miami drop out of the Sun Bowl while Central Michigan had Boise State withdraw from the Arizona Bowl. Some quick thinking and initiative put them together, giving their players one more chance to play. Let’s make a pick and prediction for how the Washington State vs. Central Michigan matchup will go.
Washington State vs. Central Michigan betting odds and trends
- Spread: Washington State -7
- Total: 57
- Moneyline: Washington State -265, Central Michigan +215
It’s been quite the year for Washington State. They controversially lost their head coach early in the season, but that might have been what they needed. After a 1-3 start, the Cougars finished 6-2, with those two losses coming by a combined 16 points. They also beat Washington in Seattle for the first time since 2007.
Central Michigan experienced a less dramatic season but needed a little time before they put it all together. The Chippewas started 2-3 before finishing 6-1, including a four-game winning streak to end the year.
Let’s dive into the unexpected matchup between the Sun Bowl participants.
Washington State vs. Central Michigan prediction
Washington State won’t have running back Max Borghi, an important piece to the Cougars’ rushing and passing attack. Backup Deon McIntosh gets a chance to prove himself with Borghi out, but the transition shouldn’t be too steep — McIntosh was already a solid contributor.
Jayden de Laura continues to be one of the more exciting quarterbacks in the Pac-12 after throwing for 2,757 yards and 23 touchdowns this year. His top targets downfield, Calvin Jackson Jr. and Travell Harris, will make life difficult for the Central Michigan secondary.
CMU will be more run-oriented than WSU is used to
One thing the Cougars must prepare for is something they haven’t seen all year — a team that heavily emphasizes running the football. They’ll also get an introduction to one of the best running backs most people haven’t heard of: Lew Nichols III. The freshman exploded for 1,708 yards and 15 touchdowns on 311 carries this year. In his last seven games, he rushed for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Don’t sleep on the rest of the offense for Central Michigan, though. Quarterback Daniel Richardson came on strong towards the end of the season. Kalil Pimpleton, Dallas Dixon, and JaCorey Sullivan give him a trio of pass catchers that all average over 14 yards per catch.
Then, there’s the defense. Troy Hairston II is a nightmare to block. Troy Brown brings a unique athleticism to the linebacker position. Safety Devonni Reed shores up the back end. Six of Central Michigan’s contributors have more than 6 tackles for loss.
Game pick
The Chips are on a hot streak thanks largely to the performances of the players mentioned above, but they meet their match in a Washington State team that also enters the Sun Bowl on a hot streak. It’s an underrated matchup that was put together in a matter of days. Imagine how college football could change if they did scheduling this way every year.
Washington State vs. Central Michigan Prediction: Washington State 31, Central Michigan 24