Washington State (2-0) vs. Northern Colorado (0-2)
2 p.m. Saturday at Martin Stadium, Pullman
TV/Radio: Pac-12 Networks, 770 AM
Latest line: No line
WSU key players
QB Cam Ward: 58 of 82, 659 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INT
RB Nakia Watson 18 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD
WR Lincoln Victor: 18 rec., 223 yards, 1 TD
SS Jaden Hicks: 16 tackles, 1 INT, 1.5 TFL
Northern Colorado key players
QB Jacob Sirmon: 31 of 59, 220 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RB David Afari: 25 rushes, 89 yards
WR Blake Haggerty: 9 rec., 87 yards, 1 TD
LB Vincent King: 14 tackles, 1 sack
Stay healthy, play lots of players
This is a so-called “trap game,” coming in between Washington State’s emotional victory and next week’s big Pac-12 opener at Oregon State. But don’t think that matters against FCS opponent Northern Colorado, outscored by FCS opponents Abilene Christian and Incarnate Word 73-18. WSU should be able to play a lot of players and avoiding injuries should be the top goal if the outcome is as expected.
Get off to a fast start
Washington State needs to jump on Northern Colorado early, giving the Bears no reason to believe that a huge upset is possible. Northern Colorado, who starts Jacob Sirmon, the former Bothell High School and UW Husky, at quarterback, is averaging 225.5 yards per game. It seems like the Bears’ best chance is to make this a low-scoring game.
Stay focused, pad the stats
This should be a feel-good game where a lot of Cougars can make contributions. If they are focused, it’s hard to imagine this being a close game in the fourth quarter.
Hanson’s prediction
Washington State might have to work to keep the final score from being too lopsided.
Prediction: Washington State 55, Northern Colorado 10
#watch #WSU #Cougars #host #Northern #Colorado #prediction