Washington State Cougars vs Central Michigan Chippewas 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Our Washington State vs Central Michigan prediction for the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is our second pick for Friday, December 31. The Washington State Cougars (7-5) finished second in the Pac-12 North with a 6-3 record. Over their final five games, the Cougars went 3-2. In the Mid-American West, the Central Michigan Chippewas (8-4) ended up second with a conference record of 6-2. In their final five games, the Chippewas went 4-1 winning their last four.
Sun Bowl Spread and Totals Odds
We have Central Michigan as the underdog at +7.0 (-115). On the other hand, WSU is favored at -7.0 (-105). The total comes in at 57.5. The over is -110 and under -110. The 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl will be played at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 pm ET.
Cougars vs Chippewas Pick - Stats
In our Washington State vs Central Michigan prediction, the Chippewas are out scoring the Cougars 33.0-to-28.4 PPG. In terms of defensive points, WSU is a bit better, allowing 24.3 PPG to CMU’s 26.2. Central Michigan is recording 451.6 offensive YPG with 181.8 in rushing The Cougars are averaging 379.1 total offensive yards. Of those yards, 217.4 are passing and 161.7 rushing.
Concerning defensive yards, the Cougars are allowing 379.1 total YPG and the Chippewas 494.6. WSU is holding opponents to 217.4 passing yards per game. On the other hand, in that category, Central Michigan is giving up 262.8. At 131.8, CMU is permitting 30 fewer ground yards than Washington State.
Washington State vs Central Michigan Prediction - Key Players
Washington State opt outs include RB Max Borghi, tackle Abraham Lucas, and cornerback Jaylen Watson. QB Jayden de Laura has tossed 23 TDs and nine picks while being sacked 13 times. Three receivers, led by Calvin Jackson Jr., have totaled 178 catches, over 2,200 yards, and 20 scores. Jackson has recorded 63 catches, 955 yards, and seven touchdowns. RB Deon McIntosh (111 ATT, 532 YDs, 4.8 ABV, 3 TDs) will need to make up for the loss of Borghi who had 880 yards and 12 scores.
The CMU widouts, Kalil Pimpleton, Dallas Dixon, and JaCorey Sullivan, have totaled 22 TD receptions. QB Daniel Richardson (2,424 YDs, 61.3 COMP%, 23 TDs, 5 INTs, 9 SCKs) will look to connect with all three, and especially with Pimpleton who comes to this game with 58 receptions. Lew Nichols III (311 ATT, 1,710 YDs, 5.5 AVG, 15 TDs) is a premium running back.
Washington State vs Central Michigan Prediction
At first glance, we might go with the Cougars. But CMU has a very tough pass rush and exceptional rush attack. Our Washington State vs Central Michigan prediction for the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is the Chippewas at +7.0 (-115). We also like the over at 62.5 (-115). We also like the over at 57.5 (-110).
Sports Betting Smarts is previewing and predicting every one of this season’s 41 college football bowl games. In the first two weeks, we went 22-10 (69%).
2021 Sun Bowl - Washington State vs Central Michigan Summary
Spread - Central Michigan +7.0 (-115)
Over/Under - Over 57.5 (-110)
