Holiday Bowl, Minnesota vs Washington State: Preview and predictions
Here’s a complete preview and prediction for the Holiday Bowl between the Washington State Cougars and Minnesota Golden Gophers on Tuesday night.
After picking up a win in the Sun Bowl last season, the Washington State Cougars will try to pick up yet another bowl win on Tuesday night. The Cougars will take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.
For those that want to watch the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday night, the game can be seen on TV on ESPN. It can also be seen online via a live stream via the WatchESPN app. The app requires a live stream for those that want to watch online. Here’s everything you need to know about watching Washington State and Minnesota online, including TV info, live stream info and more. Details for Tuesday night are below.
Date: Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: San Diego, CA
Venue: Qualcomm Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Washington State loves to pass the football and they will try to take advantage of Minnesota’s porous secondary. However, what allowed the Cougars to take another step this season was the team showing a little diversity in their offense. Don’t be surprised if Mike Leach looks to run the football a little bit to set up the pass for Luke Falk.
On the flip side of things, the Golden Gophers need to get pressure on Falk. While their secondary has struggled throughout the season, they have gotten to the quarterback consistently behind the play of talented players such as Steven Richardson and Blake Cashman. The two pass rushers have brought in a combined double-digit sack season.
Lastly, the Golden Gophers need to try and slow this thing down by running the football. The less time they can allow the Cougars to have the ball on offense will be to their advantage. Running back Rodney Smith is one of the best backs the team has had in a while and is arguably one of the best in the nation.
Prediction
This should be a game with a lot of points. While the Gophers are going to try to pound the football and keep this thing from turning into a shootout, it’s tough for any team going up against the Cougars, especially when they don’t get to see them regularly.
Pick: Washington State 56, Minnesota 38