New Mexico State Aggies at Washington State Cougars Pick 8/31/19

New Mexico State Aggies (0-0, 0-0 ATS) at N0. 21 Washington State Cougars (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
When: Saturday, August 31, 2019, 4 PM EST
Where: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA.
TV: PAC12 North

Point Spread: NMS +31.5/WSU -31.5 (Bovada) Total: 64.5

Washington State Outlook for Season Opener

The No. 21 Washington State Cougar’s might be yet another surprise team this season as they return a lot of veteran players. WSU will certainly look to win the Pac 12 North, but they will need to find a way to beat their cross-state rival University of Washington (Cougs have dropped last six years in a row to UW). They have three very capable QBs all battling for the top spot which as of now Head Coach Mike Leach has named Anthony Gordon the starter this Saturday. WSU also returns seven receivers who fill the 8-man receiving crew in the air-raid offense.

New Mexico State’s Outlook for Season Opener

New Mexico State is the clear underdog in this contest. The Aggies lost a ton of players from last year, and they were not even a good team with them. New Mexico State gave up 476 yards and 41 points per game last season. The only way for this team to go is up.

How the Public is Betting the Game

The public is currently betting WSU 50 percent and New Mexico State 50 percent. The Over is getting 58 percent action, and the Under is 42 percent.

Injury Concerns

WR J. Calvin was nursing a lower-leg injury earlier this month, but it is unclear if he will play in the home opener.

No reported injuries as of this writing.

When Washington State has the Ball

Washington State will continue to run the air-raid offense. Current starting QB, Anthony Gordon, earned the job by beating out Eastern Washington transfer Gage Gubrud. Gordon, who has already been dubbed “Flash Gordon” by teammates and fans, should pick up right where the Cougs left off last year by running Mike Leach’s Air Raid Offense. Gordon has put in his time over the past three years playing behind Luke Falk and Gardner Minshew—he will be ready to make his own mark. The Cougs look to be a similar squad albeit minus Minshew who is now with Jacksonville in the NFL. Gordon has the luxury of targeting the 7 returning WRs, which will make his job even more manageable, coupled with his knowledge of the offense.

Sophomore RB Max Borghi will move into the number one RB spot as James Williams departed for the NFL a year early. Borghi has the tools to become one of the top-rated backs in the Pac 12—fast, tough, and has great hands out of the backfield. The Coug’s offensive line returns four starters from a squad that allowed just one sack every 52 pass plays last season. Washington State’s Offense should have no problem getting downfield and into the endzone!

When New Mexico State Has the Ball

The Aggies like to run and gun despite a dismal season last year they will look to target their top returning receivers as 5 of 6 are returning along with TE Bryce Roberts. Another reliable target will be RB Jason Huntley out of the backfield. The question will be, can the Aggies move the ball against a strong and veteran peppered Cougar defense?

Betting Trends

• WSU is 4-0 ATS in their last four non-conference games
• The “Under” is 4-1 in WSU last five home games
• Aggies are 0-4 ATS in their last four non-conference games
• Head to Head—no recent history

Weather Report

Game time in Pullman will be in the low to mid-80s.

Dave Wilson’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Washington State is the stronger team in this game-PERIOD. The Cougs should dominate this contest. That said, it is game one with a new starting QB, and WSU has a history of scaring the fans in these home openers as of late. I’m going to go out on a limb here and take New Mexico State to cover the points!

Wilson’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: New Mexico State Aggies cover the 31.5 points and guys if you’re looking for maybe another spot to place your action, I suggest you check out our List of the best sportsbooks.