WSU 3 PT. Underdog to Air Force in Cheez-IT Bowl Friday

Their only losses were to Boise State and Navy (who's pretty good). They run the ball 57 times a game, WSU passes 56 times a game (on average). Air Force is 10-2, WSU 6-6.

So who's going to win the Cheez-IT Bowl between WSU and Air Force? Most predictors say it will be a high scoring affair, but Air Force has the edge. Why? According to several prognosticators at 24/7Sports.com:

Bruce Feldman, The Athletic:

• The rebuilt Cougars defense will have its hands full with the Falcons offense. Air Force 37, Washington State 35

The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel:

• Air Force is pretty good, but also, Mike Leach is 1-8 against the spread in his last nine bowl games, per ESPN’s Chris Fallica. One could easily see the Cougs laying an egg here. Air Force 41, Washington State 30
• Associated Press’ Ralph D. Russo:
  • Last year’s Cheez-It Bowl was a glorious 10-7 OT debacle between Cal and TCU. So bad it was great. This year features the yin and yang of college football. Air Force’s triple-option averages 57 rushes per game. Wazzu’s Air Raid attack averages 56 passes per game. Score: Air Force 31, Washington State 27
  • ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg:
    • The pre-playoff bowl game that captured America’s hearts and minds is back. This time, we get Mike Leach, a resurgent Air Force team and, of course, Cheez-Its. The teams won’t combine for nine interceptions again, and should score more than two touchdowns, but there will be drama right down to the end. Anthony Gordon and his receivers challenge Air Force, but everyone knows defense wins Cheez-It Bowl championships, and Air Force has the edge there. Air Force 37, Washington State 31.

So, you can draw your own conclusions. Either way, they're expecting this year's game to be much more exciting than last year's 10-7 snooze fest when TCU beat Cal 10-7 in overtime. If anything, watch to see the amazing Air Force wishbone read option offense. Their QB and running backs are flying all over the place like Oklahoma in the 70's.

The kickoff is slated for 7:15PM Pacific on ESPN.  Go Cougs!