How They Got Here: Iowa State
Iowa State has been hovering around the bottom of the top-25 all season. They’re one of the most above-average teams in college football. They started out with back-to-back losses to Iowa and Oklahoma, but went 8-2 the rest of the way only losing to TCU and Texas. Big wins over West Virginia and Oklahoma State paced the Cyclones to a good season in the Big Twelve.
How They Got Here: Washington State
What a year these guys have had. Wazzu hosted its first ever College Gameday in the midst of a 10-2 season. A controversial loss to USC was their only blemish before their PAC 12 title hopes were crushed by hated rival Washington.
Along the way Washington State secured big wins over Oregon, Stanford and Utah.
Player To Watch: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
We all know about Washington State QB Gardner Minshew. The ECU transfer has been electric for the Cougs all season. As Minshew’s career comes to an end, his counterpart’s is just getting started.
I’m more interested in rising star Brock Purdy. Purdy chose Iowa State over Alabama among other schools. He’s a true freshman who has displayed maturity beyond his years more than a few times for the Cyclones. I think he’ll be an NFL prospect when his time in Ames has come to an end.
Gamblers’ Corner
Washington State is currently favored by three points. The over/under is an enticing 56 points. By enticing I mean really enticing. This’ll be a fun game with a ton of points. Afterwards, we’ll remember the Alamo Bowl. Hammer that over.
Prediction
I chose Wazzu in our bowl pick ’em. Since I initially selected the Cougars, I’ve flip flopped a few times. I really like Brock Purdy & Iowa State. I also really like what Washington State does on offense. It’s a tossup for me but I think Iowa State gets out of here with the win. They’re one of the few teams in the Big XII with defense that can make some stops. Iowa State makes enough of them to come out on top in a close game, potentially including today’s Alamo Bowl.