We are 24 hours away from a little bit of Pullman After Dark football.
Here’s what you need to know for tomorrow’s game:
Louisiana Tech (5–4) @ WSU (4–5) | Game Time: 7:00 PM | Broadcast: The CW
Spread: WSU -8.5 | Weather: 50° at kickoff — no precipitation, minimal wind
Key Matchups
Don’t Lose the Turnover Battle
Somehow, through nine games, the Cougs are -10 in turnover margin — one of the worst marks in the FBS. On the other side, Louisiana Tech is +6.
This is the biggest statistical mismatch in the game, and it’s one that could very well decide it. The numbers don’t lie:
- When turnover margin is even or WSU wins it: 3–1 (only loss at Ole Miss)
- When WSU loses turnover margin: 1–4
This can’t keep happening.
WSU Passing Attack vs. Leaky Louisiana Tech Pass Defense
As covered in the preview: against top-120 FBS teams, Louisiana Tech has one of the worst pass defenses in the nation, giving up 290 yards per game.
Before the Oregon State game, this matchup would’ve felt like a huge advantage for WSU. But for that to hold true now, Zevi has to play significantly better.
He was indecisive against a poor OSU defense — completely out of character based on his earlier performances. One thing Zevi has done extremely well this year is get the ball out quickly, and OC Danny Freund needs to dial up some early easy throws to get him in rhythm.
Who Wins 3rd Down?
Over the last four games:
- WSU offense: 28% on 3rd down (would rank 4th-worst nationally)
- Louisiana Tech offense: 49% on 3rd down (would rank 16th nationally)
Whichever offense can sustain drives is going to have a major advantage.
Does the Kicking Game Decide It?
Jack Stevens missed a chip shot against OSU, but before that was 10/11 on the season and perfect on extra points.
Louisiana Tech kicker Drew Henderson is 5/8 with only two makes over 30 yards. He has also missed two extra points.
In their last game — a one-point loss at Delaware — Henderson missed two of three field goals, including a 33-yarder.
If this becomes a tight contest, the kicking disparity could tilt the game for WSU.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 14 — WSU 24
The 8.5-point spread feels a bit high after the Corvallis debacle. Bettors seem to be buying into Louisiana Tech’s 1–3 road record and WSU’s defense allowing just 13 points per game over its last five.
I expect the Cougs to win, but not easily. Look for the offense to lean on quick reads to get Zevi comfortable early. Louisiana Tech likely misses an early field goal, loses confidence in their kicking game, and starts playing four-down football on our side of the field — giving WSU a few turnover-on-downs opportunities.
The Cougs tack on a late field goal to cover the spread and keep the dream of a bowl game alive.