Washington State Cougars: Sun Bowl vs. Central Michigan – injuries, tv, odds, more
The Washington State Cougars end their 2021 season against Central Michigan in the Sun Bowl. Pacific Northwest Sports has all you need to know.
PNWS presents what you need to know as the Washington State Cougars play Central Michigan in the Sun Bowl. Whether you are going to see the game live in El Paso or watching it on television, we have Washington State football fans covered.
Details
Who: Central Michigan (8-4 overall, 6-2 MAC) vs. Washington State Cougars (7-5 overall, 6-3 Pac-12).
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium – El Paso, TX.
When: Friday, December 31, 2021 – 9:00 AM PST.
TV: CBS. Announcers: Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, and Jamie Erdahl.
Weather: It will be somewhat windy throughout the game (30 MPH+). Expect temperatures around 50 degrees, partly sunny skies, and a decent chance of rain.
Line: Washington State -7. Over/Under: 57.5 (Odds Shark).
Interesting Trends
After a slow 1-3 start to 2021, the Cougars won six of their last eight games (all vs. Pac-12). Recently, WSU has been killing it against the spread, 8-1. The total has gone over in five of six.
CMich is 6-1 in their last seven, covering five of them. This time of year hasn’t been very friendly to the Chippewas. They are on an eight-game losing streak in December.
Injury Report
Washington State Cougars
Opt-Out – RB Max Borghi, RB Deon McIntosh, RT Liam Ryan, LT Abraham Lucas, CB Jaylen Watson. Out – WR Renard Bell (ACL), WR Brandon Gray (undisclosed).
Central Michigan Injuries
Out – WR Drayton Law, RB Kobe Lewis, DB Dishon McNary, WR Tyson Davis.
At Stake
This year, the Pac-12 hasn’t won a bowl game, so conference pride is on the line. Additionally, a Sun Bowl win would be a great way to officially kick off the Jake Dickert era at Washington State. For the Chippewas, it’s “win one for the little guys.” Knocking off a Power Five school, let alone doing it in a bowl game, is a huge accomplishment for them.
Outlook
On paper, this should be a win for the Washington State Cougars. Unfortunately, they don’t play on paper, and WSU is missing five key offensive players.
That includes a reshuffled offensive line as both tackles, Liam Ryan and Abe Lucas, opted out. Additionally, guard Cade Beresford entered the transfer portal and is no longer on the team. Not good news as Central Michigan has a very good pass rush.
Star running backs Max Borghi and Deon McIntosh won’t play either; the next man up is Wisconsin transfer, Nakia Watson. Quarterback Jayden de Laura will have his complement of receivers. Central Michigan’s pass defense is pretty bad. If he has time to throw, JdL could do some major damage. That’s a big if behind a patchwork line.
The Cougars defense has a big challenge containing Central Michigan’s do-it-all running back Lew Nichols, who ran for 1,708 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Daniel Richardson threw for 2,424 yards and 23 Tds, most of which went to receivers Kalil Pimpleton, Dallas Dixon, and JaCorey Sullivan. It’s a challenging first start for WSU cornerback Kaleb Ford-Dement who replaces Jaylen Watson (prepping for the NFL Draft).
Since former head coach Nick Rolovich was fired, the Washington State Cougars have thrived with an “us against the world” mentality. Between their mindset and talent at the skill positions, they should hoist the Sun Bowl trophy after the game ends.
Related Story: Sun Bowl 2.0 – Scouting Central Michigan
How do you think the Washington State Cougars will do in the Sun Bowl? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.