The Arizona Wildcats and the Washington State Cougars meet Saturday in college football action from Martin Stadium. Arizona is fresh off a matchup against USC this past weekend. In that one the Wildcats lost a tough one in overtime to fall to 3-3. As for Washington State, they last played UCLA in their most recent game. The Cougars ended up with their first loss of the year in that one. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats got off to a nice 3-1 start this year. The lone blemish came against Mississippi State in overtime 31-24. Otherwise Arizona posted victories over Northern Arizona 38-3, UTEP 31-10 and Stanford 21-20. The Wildcats would take another loss in a tough matchup against Washington 31-24. QB Noah Fifita finished with 232 yards, three scores and a pick in that one.
In last weekend’s matchup versus USC, the Wildcats traded punches with the Trojans the whole way but ultimately ended up with a tough 43-41 loss in triple overtime. Fifita bagged 303 yards with five scores and a pick while Jonah Coleman rushed for 143 yards on 22 totes. Tetairoa McMillan added six catches for 138 yards as well.
Arizona Wildcats Team Facts
Arizona has lost each of its last 11 October games as an underdog.
Arizona has covered the spread in six of its last seven games in October.
Arizona has lost the first half in 17 of its last 21 road games against conference opponents.
Five of Arizona’s last six games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Washington State Cougars
Over on the Washington State side, their year started off with a quartet of wins—one of them being very close. The Cougars opened up with a 50-24 win over Colorado State, then beat Wisconsin 31-22. Washington State would follow that up with a 64-21 blowout win over Northern Colorado, then a tight escape at home 38-35 over Oregon State.
Back on Saturday against UCLA, Washington State had a 17-12 lead going into the final quarter. The Cougars would then give up 13 unanswered points in a 25-17 loss. QB Cameron Ward posted 197 yards with one score and two interceptions, and Nakia Watson led the rush on just 25 yards. Kyler Williams added eight catches for 85 yards.
Washington State Cougars Team Facts
Washington State has won each of its last six home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Washington State has covered the spread in each of its last eight home games in October.
Washington State has won the first quarter in each of its last six games against conference opponents.
Washington State has won the first half in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
Each of Washington State’s last seven games in October have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
Washington State was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.600) than home winning percentage (.571) last season (min. 8 games).
Washington State ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (3.9).
Arizona ranked T19th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.583).
Arizona ranked 20th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (8.3).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to take a stab on Arizona. Some of the luster has worn off this one with both teams coming off losses, but it should be a great matchup and you could make a case either way. With that said, Arizona played great against a tough USC team in their last outing, ultimately compiling 506 total yards with 28 first downs. The Wildcats shot themselves in the foot with 12 penalties for 99 yards, however.
As for Washington State, they looked pretty rough against UCLA with just 216 total yards (12 rushing), 11 first downs, four turnovers and a 2-of-13 rate on third-down tries. The Cougars were still in a position to win down the stretch, though. I like a better effort from Washington State in this one, but I think Arizona is good enough to power out the cover.
