Wazzu Really, Truly Wants to Remember the Alamo

Of all the stuff Mike Leach has done for Washington State University, consigning the term Coug it to the dustbin of history has got to be his greatest achievement.

After taking charge of the football program, dude needed two seasons to install his system and then has led the Cougars to nine or more wins in three of the next four seasons.

That's not to say the buy-in didn't have its moments ...

 

... but Leach has done as much with an undersized defense and a -- shall we say? -- unique running game as can be expected to keep his high-octane Air Raid attack a constant threat to make positive headlines.

In fact, Bovada has set the Alamo Bowl line at Washington State -3 with the total at 57 and the moneyline at Iowa State +120 and Washington State -140.

Why bet on Iowa State ...

Maybe Cyclones coach Matt Campbell isn't the media magnet that Leach is, but his building Iowa State into a competitive program is beyond impressive.

Since becoming the starting slinger, freshman Brock Purdy's been the field general for 'Clone victories over Oklahoma State and West Virginia. RB David Montgomery posted a second straight 1000-yard season, too, as the team finished the regular season strong, winning seven of its last eight games.

 

Why bet on Washington State ...

The Cougars still constantly fight their Rodney Dangerfield perspective, as evidenced by winning ten games this season and not even making a New Year's Six bowl. Of course, much of that can be laid on the Pac-12 itself.

However, Washington State is as dangerous as a game of Russian Roulette. Leach did a Pygmalion job with Gardner Minshew II, who's become a national sensation with his 70.6% completion rate averaging 373.3 yards per contest and leading to 36 passing TDs.

 

Instant analysis ...

The keys to this one could actually be found on the other side of the ball.

Wazzu's underrated defense has held opposing QBs to just 58.5% of their passes, yielding only 17 touchdowns and picking off 10 interceptions in 12 games. Meanwhile, the Cyclones could be hobbled if starting DBs D’Andre Payne and Datrone Young aren't sufficiently recovered from injuries to play at full strength.

When Iowa State's stoppers were whole, they were only 99th in the FBS in defensive third-down efficiency. Opposing offenses convert 42% of the time on third down. Washington State’s offense converts at a 43.8% clip. Odds are the defenses are going to keep this one surprisingly close.

 

ATS pick: Iowa State +3
Total: Under 57

Results: Washington State 28 Iowa State 26 ... Cyclones cover ... Under covers

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Sportbet Columnist: Josh Bailey

Aspiring to become the Mark Twain of sportswriting, Josh has been labelled as the up-&-coming sportswriter of the year by absolutely nobody and the new heavy hitter in sports handicapping by his mother.