Washington State Cougars vs Central Michigan Chippewas - Sun Bowl Game Preview

When: Friday, December 31st, 2021 at 3:30pm E.T.

Where: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX.

How: CBS.

Spread: Cougars -7.

Total: 57.5.

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Cougars Spotlight

The Washington State Cougars picked up their sixth win in their last eight games, and even better it was against interstate rivals the Washington Huskies as 1.5-point favorites. The Cougar’s offense ranks 89th in points per game, 69th in pass yards, 95th in rush yards, and 59th in yards per play. Defensively, the Cougars rank 29th in points allowed, 18th in pass yards allowed, 79th in rush yards allowed, and 71st in yards per play.

Chippewas Spotlight

The Central Michigan Chippewas finished their regular season on a four-game win streak, while they went 4-0 ATS during that span. The Chippewas’s offense ranks 61st in points per game, 63rd in pass yards, 44th in rush yards, and 48th in yards per play. Defensively, the Chippewas rank 43rd in points allowed, 69th in pass yards allowed, 34th in rush yards allowed, and 79th in yards per play.

Final Say

Central Michigan has been playing some solid football lately going 5-1 ATS in their last six games, but December has not been their month where they are 0-8 SU in their last eight tries. Washington State has been money all season going 8-1 ATS in their last nine games, and they do it by solid defense against Pac 12 offenses. Washington State has won the turnover battle in five of their last seven games, while Central Michigan has lost the turnover battle in five of their last seven games. Also, Washington State owns a +8 turnover differential in their last four games. I like teams winning the turnover battle, which is why I’m expecting Washington State to win this game, and when they win, it’s by an average of 15 points per game. Roll with the Cougars to take this one.

Pick: Washington State Cougars -7