No. 20 Washington State Cougars at Houston Cougars Pick 9/13/19

by Wilson | Last updated Sep 10, 2019 | cfb

No. 20 Washington State Cougars (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) at Houston Cougars (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS)
College Football Week 3
Date and Time: Friday, September 13, 2019, 9:15 PM EST
Where: NRG Stadium Houston, TX.
TV: ESPN, DTV: 206

Point Spread: WSU -8 /UH +8 (BetNow)
Over/Under Total: 74.5
Power Ratings: WSU by 11

Washington State’s first “real” test

No. 20 Washington State Cougars fly down to the Gulf of Mexico and take on the Houston Cougars in what will undoubtedly be WSU’s first true test against a scrappy Houston team who has recently played well versus ranked teams over the past few years. Washington State returns eight starters on offense from last year’s record-setting squad—the Cougs usually do not have trouble moving the ball and putting up points.

Washington State’s Defense needs work

The big question is if Washington State’s defense can stop the run this week—something they seem to struggle with in their first two contests this season as well as basic tackling in the open field. WSU’s downfall will be on defense if they do not clean it up this week at practice. They got away with poor tackling and overall weak defense simply because they were playing lower-level programs, but the competition stiffens from here on out. Houston will run a lot.

Houston Cougars Look for Win Over Ranked Opponent

Houston scored 31 points in a 49-31 loss at No. 4 Oklahoma in their season opener this year. This program has been a spoiler for a lot of teams, and they can also score points. Houston has the potential to make this game versus Washington State a Primetime showdown for sure. If the underdogs at home get your blood flowing this might be a game to consider. However, given Washington State’s questionable defense against the run, the best bet might be on the OVER. Both teams can score.

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How the Public is Betting the Game

The public is currently betting WSU 59 percent and Houston 41 percent. The Over/Under percentage is presently not available.

Injury Concerns

Washington State:
No significant injuries as of this writing.

Houston:
No significant injuries as of this writing.

When Washington State has the Ball

WSU continues to run the Air-Raid offense with QB Anthony Gordon, so far picking up where Gardner Minshew left off last season. Gordon already has nine TD passes in the first two games along with over 884 yards on 60 of 74 passing. Washington State has 7 of 8 receivers returning from last year’s roster and Sophomore RB Max Borghi who is basically Christian McCaffery in disguise. Borghi is arguably the most underrated back in the Pac 12 if not the country—he has speed, toughness, and great hands as a receiver out of the backfield. Washington State kicker, Blake Mazza proved to be solid last season by knocking down clutch FGs including a game-winner at Stanford. He hasn’t been tested yet as the offense has reached the endzone nearly every time they have been in the RedZone, but the expectation is Coach Leach will have plenty of confidence in his kicker. WSU’s offense is a solid reason to take the OVER in this game—they flat out light up the scoreboard—usually!

When Houston Has the Ball

Houston should challenge Washington State’s defense with their two primary offensive weapons in senior QB D’Eriq King and junior RB Kyle Porter. King is quick on his feet and ran for three TDs last week alone. He can also throw on the run, which creates a double threat for a defense that has not been tested yet. Porter is a strong RB who has twice as many carries (33) as his counterpart Borghi (17) although Borghi has more yards (162 to Porter’s 160). Unless Washington State’s defense adjusts, Houston will expose their weaknesses rather quickly, especially in the run game.

Betting Trends

WSU is 6-0 ATS in their last six non-conference games
WSU is 8-1 ATS in their previous nine games in September
Houston is 0-4 ATS in last four games vs. a team with a winning record
OVER is 6-2-1 in Houston’s last nine games overall

Head to Head: most recent meeting on record is 1988 Aloha Bowl on Christmas Day. Washington State won 24-22.

Weather Report

Game time conditions in Houston will be in the low 80s. The stadium’s retractable roof can help with weather conditions if needed. Humidity will be approximately 63 percent. Winds expected at 6.37 mph. There is a three percent chance of rain.