Editor’s Note: Enjoy 15% off our NEW NBC Sports EDGE+ Subscription this holiday season and get every tool (Fantasy, DFS & Betting) for every game at a great low price. Use promo code HOLIDAY15 at checkout. Click here to Buy Now.
It’s a new-look game in El Paso this year, one of two bowls that had its matchup thrown into flux because of COVID-19 concerns. Originally expected to feature Washington State and Miami, the Sun Bowl now pits the Cougars against Central Michigan after CMU’s anticipated opponent in the Arizona Bowl, Boise State, also withdrew from their nearby bowl because of rising COVID cases.
So instead of PAC-12 vs. the ACC in one of the longest-running bowl games, we instead have an unexpected MAC appearance along the Texas border.
Here’s a look at some of the key matchups to monitor as well as a best bet for Friday’s tilt in the mountains:
What: Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl
Who: Central Michigan (8-4, MAC 6-2) vs. Washington State (7-5, PAC-12 6-3)
Where: Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX
When: Friday, December 31st at 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Opening line: Washington State -7 (O/U 57.5)
Current line: Washington State -7 (O/U 57.5)
Most recent bowl result: Central Michigan lost 48-11 to San Diego State in the 2019 New Mexico Bowl. Washington State lost 31-21 to Air Force in the 2019 Cheez-It Bowl.
Central Michigan at a glance: The Chippewas started off the season 2-3, including a tough 28-17 loss to Miami (OH) to start conference play. Since that loss, they only lost one game and that was to the eventual MAC Champion. Freshman quarterback Daniel Richardson took over the starting job early in the season, learned quickly and finished the season throwing for 23 touchdowns to only five interceptions. The offense however runs through running back Lew Nichols III with 1,710 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. The defense is average for the Chippewas, allowing 26.8 points per game on the season good for 66th in the nation.
Washington State at a glance: What a whirlwind of a season for Washington State. COVID-19 hit the Cougars harder than any team in the nation. Head coach Nick Rolovich and four of his assistants were let go due to a mandate requiring all state employees to have the vaccine. Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert was named interim head coach and subsequently promoted to the position on a full-time basis after leveling the ship and leading the Cougars to an impressive 3-2 finish down the stretch. The biggest game of the season also happened to be the best one, as they went into Seattle and beat in-state nemesis Washington handily for the Apple Cup. The run-n-shoot offense they run makes for an explosive offense, but they hit some road bumps early in the year.
The App is Back! Don’t forget to download the NBC Sports EDGE app to receive real-time player news, mobile alerts and track your favorite players. Plus, now you can check out articles and player cards. Get it here!
Key to the matchup: Which version of the Cougars offense shows up? The Cougars finished the season at the 67th ranked scoring offense. Over the final two games however, they racked up 40 and 44 points. Starting quarterback Jayden de Laura in those two games threw for 504 yards and four touchdowns, including a near-flawless performance in the Apple Cup. On the flip side, he has struggled in the four losses he started with five touchdowns and four interceptions. His seven wins were the complete opposite with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Chippewas 117th ranked pass defense should be an easy one to exploit.
Best Bet: Washington State -7. This could end up being a shootout in the Sun Bowl. Both teams have shown the ability to put up points, but surprisingly sit two games under .500 when it comes to the under. The most telling stat is the Cougars record against the spread. Over the last nine weeks, they are 8-1 with their one loss coming as a 13.5 point underdog and losing by 14. With Dickert getting the head coaching position full time, look for the Cougars to finish off his first season with a win and covering the seven-point spread.
PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links. NJ, IA, IN, IL, CO, MI, VA, WV only. 21+. T&C apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
