Against all odds, the Washington State Cougars are the final unbeaten team in Pac-12 play. It’s not going to be easy to remain there in the final two regular season contests, but it’s hard to count out the Cougars. They are readying for a titanic showdown with the Colorado Buffaloes in Week 12 of the college football season.
While these teams weren’t expected to be atop the Pac-12 North and South, respectively, this late in the season, here they sit with only a few games remaining. Colorado is the home team and a slight favorite to win this one, but it could be a fun showdown.
This matchup in Week 12 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Folsom Field.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Washington State +4.5
Colorado -4.5
Over/Under 60
Odds Analysis
Washington State has won eight consecutive games and that’s why the gambling public is backing it despite the underdog status. More than 55 percent of the action is taking the Cougars to cover the spread.
The scoring total is low for a Washington State team because a stingy Colorado defense awaits on the other side. The ‘over/under’ seems well-placed as each side is getting about an equal amount of action.
Washington State is 8-2 straight up and 7-3 against the spread on the season. The Cougars have been an underdog three times this season and covered each time, so keep that in mind while wagering on this one.
Colorado is 8-2 straight up as well and is an impressive 8-0-2 against the spread. The Buffaloes are 5-0-1 as the favorite and 4-0-1 at home against the spread.
Key Stat
17.9. That’s how many points Colorado’s opponents are averaging against this tough defense this year. It’s going to be a test for Washington State this week.
Four of the Buffaloes eight wins have come by holding opponents to a touchdown or less. The Colorado defense ranks No. 12 in the nation. On the flip-side, the Cougars are one of the more prolific offenses in the country, averaging 44.3 points per game.
It’s an interesting battle of strengths, and the side that wins this matchup will have a huge leg up. Washington State has not been held under 27 points in conference play and has racked up 69 and 56 points the past two weeks, so the Buffaloes will really need to be in sync defensively.
Player to Watch
Luke Falk - The Washington State quarterback has a 73.9 percent completion rating this season and has thrown for 3,610 yards and 33 touchdowns this season. The junior threw for 373 yards and five touchdowns with one interception last week in the team’s 56-21 win over Cal.
The victory marked Falk’s fourth game in a row where he’s thrown for more than 300 yards. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns in that span. Falk has been a huge reason for the team’s unexpected surge and hopes to keep it going against a tough opponent.
Free ATS Pick
While Washington State gets the headlines for remaining undefeated, Colorado has been just as good. The Buffaloes don’t attack offensively the same way, instead using the ground game to pound opponents into submission.
Colorado lost by four points to USC on the road but has otherwise been flawless in Pac-12 play and will now hope to get a boost from the home crowd.
This is an interesting showdown between a pair of teams who weren’t expected to be in conference title contention. Washington State may be the underdog, but it has the type of offense to score enough to win this game in an upset. The “over” is the correct call on the scoring total.
College Football Odds: Washington State 35, Colorado 27
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