WSU Cougars vs Arizona Wildcats: Odds, Preview and Prediction

Nov 9, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; The Arizona Wildcats pomline pose for a picture before the first quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington State Cougars get ready to play only their second game in the past 27 days as they invade Tuscon for a mid-day tussle in the Desert.

The Cougars (4-5, 2-4 Pac-12) are coming off of three straight setbacks in blowout fashion, but should be well rested, if not a little rusty going into the game. Connor Halliday is shooting for 4,000 yards passing on the season but has thrown 18 interceptions, which tops the FBS. He has also thrown 20 touchdowns and with three more would move into 5th place ahead of Drew Bledsoe’s 46.

The Wildcats (6-3, 3-3 Pac-12) are coming off of a tough-to-swallow home loss against UCLA, a game they had chances to win but ultimately couldn’t. The game ruined any hope of an improbably Pac-12 South title. Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey is arguably the nation’s top running back, with 1,221 yards through nine games (he’s only played in eight). He’s easily on pace for 1,700 yards and has 11 touchdowns to his credit.

WSU is going to be fresh and ready for a physical battle. Arizona is a step below the past three Cougar opponents, so I expect them to explode on offense. The game should go back and forth and could come down to someone making a defensive stop. Here’s to hoping that’s Washington State’s defense getting it done.

Date: Nov. 16

Time: 11:00 a.m. PST

Location: Arizona Stadium, Tuscon, AZ (56,522)

TV: Pac-12 Networks

Series: Wildcats lead 25-13

Last Meeting: Arizona 24-7 (2010 in Pullman)

Odds: Arizona -11 (Via Bovada)

Washington State Local Radio:

• Spokane: KXLY-AM 920
• Pullman/Moscow: KHTR 104.3-FM
• Seattle KIRO-AM 710
• Full list of WSU Stations

ACU Prediction: 

Cougars: 38

Wildcats: 34