Washington State vs. Central Michigan Updated Odds and Prediction: Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Central Michigan wasn't even supposed to be in El Paso today.

The Chippewas were set to face Boise State in the Arizona Bowl, but a long list of COVID-19 cases knocked out the Broncos from playing. Jim EcElwaine's squad called an audible, and headed east to Texas where they'll face a Washington State team that was supposed to play the University of Miami.

With COVID issues impacting "The U," the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl now gets a Pac 12 vs. MAC matchup with two really fun offenses going mano a mano.

Here are the latest odds for today's matchup via WynnBET:

Washington State vs. Central Michigan Updated Spread, Odds and Over/Under

Spread: 

• Washington State: -7 (-110)
• Central Michigan: +7 (-110)

Moneyline: 

• Washington State: -270
• Central Michigan: +220

Total:

• 56.5 (Over: -110/Under: -110)

Washington State vs. Central Michigan Prediction and Pick

I'm a bit surprised to see this total only at 56.5, down from 57.5 where it first opened considering the success on offense for both programs, but after looking a little more closely, the move towards the under makes sense.

Central Michigan's Lew Nichols III led all of college football in rushing in his freshman season, and faces a Washington State defense that ranks 121st in Defensive Rush Success. The Chippewas can also make plays downfield with the No. 2 passing offense in the Mid-American Conference, but their offense goes through Nichols first and foremost.

Meanwhile, for the Cougars, they love to pass the football, but they also churn the clock very well; leading the Pac 12 in time of possession. Quarterback Jayden De Laura is coming off two straight 40+ offensive performances vs. Arizona and at Washington, with the later completing 84.4% of his passes.

While Washington State was in Pac 12 Championship contention, ultimately, I'll side with the Chippewas in this matchup. I think Nichols vs. their rush defense will take the ball out of the Cougars' hands to control the clock the way they like, and Nichols continues his brillant freshman season by helping Central Michigan break their bowl game losing streak at 5.

Give me the Chippewas not just plus the points, but outright on the moneyline as well.

PICK: Central Michigan +7 | +220 moneyline