The Air Force Falcons (10-2) will meet the Washington State Cougars (6-6) Friday in the Cheez-It Bowl in Phoenix. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET. Air Force is the No. 24 team in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA Today Sports.
We analyze the Air Force-Washington State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Air Force vs. Washington State: Three things you need to know
- This contest between pits the 57-rushes-a-game Falcons against the 56-throws-a-game Cougars. Air Force has won seven straight games and given up 21 or fewer points in four of five. Wazzou went 1-5 following a 3-0 start, but then posted 103 points in the following two games.
- The Cougars were a play both in week 12, an ATS win over Stanford, and week 13, an ATS loss against Oregon (the two games that accounted for the 103 points). They were a play in the Apple Cup, which turned out to be a 31-13 disappointment against the Huskies. Three turnovers in Washington territory undid the Cougars that day and rendered their 27 first downs and 308 passing yards moot.
- Air Force’s two losses have come against current top-25 teams (Boise State, Navy), and the Falcons are 5-2 ATS over their last seven games. QB Donald Hammond III has rushed for 491 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns this season. He’s also passed for 574 yards and eight TDs over the Falcons’ last three games.
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Air Force vs. Washington State: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:10 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Washington State 35, Air Force 31
Moneyline (ML)
WASHINGTON STATE +120 is perhaps worth a watch (though I’m looking for something in the 127-130 range). The play would be a smaller complement to taking the points. But a move to a lower price as kickoff approaches seems more likely.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Washington State returns a profit of $12 should the Cougars win straight up.
Against the Spread (ATS)
The line has drifted a half-point toward Wazzou, and the Cougars are my play in this contest. WASHINGTON STATE +2.5 (-106) has decent value on a Cougars squad making its fifth straight bowl appearance (1-3 ATS).
WSU has played a slightly tougher slate and has a more talented recruit-turned-soph-and-junior roster. But the more impactful in this play is the fact that the offenses Air Force has faced this season are light years from what Wazzou brings to the table.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Over is 4-1 in Washington State’s last five games overall, but 1-4 in the last five for Air Force.
The lean is under 68.5 (-110), but that number is respectable and draws a PASS here.
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