Apple Cup Pick: Cougars at Huskies 11/29/19

by Wilson | Last updated Nov 26, 2019 | cfb

Washington State Cougars (6-5 SU, 4-7 ATS) at Washington Huskies (6-5 SU, 6-5 ATS)
College Football Week 14
Date and Time: Friday, November 29, 2019, 10:00 AM EST
Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA.
TV: FOX

Point Spread: WSU +6.5 /UW -6.5 (Bovada)
Over/Under Total: 64

Power Ratings: UW by 6

Washington State’s outlook for the Apple Cup

There is no sugar coating it—Washington State’s real bowl game is this Friday! Sure, they became bowl eligible last Saturday night with a final second touchdown run by no other than “The Guarantee Kid” WSU RB Max Borghi. Borghi had guaranteed a win before the Oregon State game and man, did he back up his words! However, he was a little less flamboyant, albeit not by much when asked what the score of the Apple Cup would be— “I’m not sure about the score, but I’ll be scoring a lot,” replied Borghi Saturday night in a press conference interview. The Cougars cross-state rivals, the UW Huskies have won the last six Apple Cups in a row. Facing a not as stellar UW team will benefit WSU this Friday. If the Cougars can run their high- flying offense and establish the run with Borghi, they will have a shot this year.

Can the Huskies take down the Cougars for a seventh consecutive Apple Cup victory?

The Washington Huskies have had the Coug’s number for six years straight. A huge reason for the Huskies’ success has been the preparation on both sides of the ball by the coaching staff. UW has always been able to acquire top talent in key positions, but the one aspect to keep an eye out for is the defensive sets the Huskies will use against the Cougs. Husky’s Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake has shut down the Cougs regularly in this matchup. Lake’s approach is simple—he doesn’t change a thing because WSU Coach Mike Leach rarely strays from his offensive attack. UW will drop eight back and put three in the box, which has been successful for them over the past six head to head meetings. The Huskies defense will be a key to this game, especially with an off year offensively.

How the Public is Betting the Game

The public is currently betting Washington State 59 percent and UW 41 percent. The Over/Under percentage is now OVER 50 percent and UNDER 50 percent.

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Injury Concerns

Washington State: No significant injuries reported Washington: WR C. McClatcher- missed the last three games with a left leg injury. It’s unknown if he will play versus Washington State.

When WSU has the Ball

Air Raid. WSU QB Anthony Gordon set the all-time Pac 12 passing record last week as well as the season record for TD passes currently with 45 TDs. Parlay the Coug’s passing attack to as many as eight different targets with the hard, tough running of RB Max Borghi, and the Cougs should be able to put some points on the board as they average 40 plus per game.

When UW has the Ball

Not much to write about here as the Huskies have been inconsistent at best this season when they have the ball. The offense can be productive at times, but they will need to execute well and not turn the ball over. They do, however, always seem to step it up in this contest, and UW Head Coach Chris Petersen will undoubtedly have some trick plays up his sleeve.

Why Bet the Cougars to cover?

Washington State is more explosive offensively even though the Huskies defense has been able to slow the Cougs down in recent meetings I do not see that happening this year. Both of these defenses have their issues, but it will be the Coug’s offense that wins in the end. I like the Cougs to cover the points and win on the road.