The Washington State Cougars are still in control of their own destiny in the PAC-12 North, but face a tricky test when they head into the desert on Saturday night. The Arizona Wildcats have looked rejuvenated since Khalil Tate took over for Brandon Dawkins as the team’s starting quarterback, and have now scored at least 45 points in winning three straight shootouts. They will have to be wary against the Cougars, who are very comfortable with high-scoring games.
This matchup in Week 9 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 9:30 p.m. ET at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. This game will be broadcast on PAC-12 Network.
College Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Washington State -3 -115
Arizona +3 -105
Over/Under 64.5
Odds Analysis
Arizona has won with offense all season long. The over is 5-0 in every one of Arizona’s wins with at least 77 total points in each of its victories. Conversely, both losses have been somewhat low scoring and have sailed under the total.
Don’t look now, but for once Mike Leach has a great defense. In fact, you can make the argument that the defense is better than the offense and has been the key to the Cougars 7-1 start. Washington State is seventh in the nation in total defense, allowing just 274 yards per game. It’s no surprise that the under is 6-2 in Washington State games this year and has cashed in five straight outings.
Player to Watch
We’re running out of adjectives to describe Tate. The talented sophomore took over the quarterbacking duties in the Colorado game, and does not look like he will be relinquishing them any time soon.
Tate has now won the PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Week award for three straight weeks with some phenomenal performances. His passing numbers are decent, but it’s his legs that make him such a valuable commodity. He has completed 31 of 41 passes for 468 yards and four touchdowns in Arizona’s last three games and is torching opponents on the ground.
There isn’t a player in the country that has been as efficient as Tate has been running the ball. He has tallied 594 yards and seven touchdowns on just 46 carries over his past three games and that has made this offense incredibly explosive. In each of those games, he has had at least one run of 70 yards, an almost unfathomable stat for a quarterback these days. That has helped move Rich Rodriguez off the hot seat and made Arizona a tough matchup for any team.
Matchup to Watch
Washington State should be able to move the ball on Arizona’s defense. The Wildcats are just inside the top 100 in passing defense and are surrendering 257.6 yards per game. They have been gashed by decent quarterbacks this season, but did come up large against Josh Rosen, picking him off three times.
Luke Falk is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country at this point in his collegiate career. He has been rock solid all year long, save for a disastrous performance on the road against Cal. He threw five interceptions in that one and Washington State could only manage a field goal without its quarterback to rely on.
Free ATS Pick
Tate has been amazing this season, but it’s only a matter of time before defenses are able to contain him on the ground and force him to beat them through the air. His rushing numbers have gone down each week since his initial success and the Cougars have been very good at stopping the run this year. This line feels like it’s a bit of trap, but oddsmakers have been wrong on both these teams often this year. Lay the points with the Cougars.
College Football Odds: Washington State 38, Arizona 28
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