Colorado State’s defense has made offensive confidence a dangerous habit for opponents. A unit allowing 6.89 yards per carry can turn an ordinary handoff into an open-field sprint, and Washington State has a quarterback capable of exploiting that weakness. Owen Eshelman rushed for 136 yards against Oregon State in his first career start. His mobility complicates the assignment for the Rams’ linebackers, who must account for the quarterback after following the running back. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Washington State Cougars and the Colorado State Rams.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Wazzu vs. CSU prediction, preview
The defensive repair work in Fort Collins has already extended across a coaching change. Tyson Summers lost his play-calling responsibilities during the Oregon State game; Kenny McClendon subsequently assumed control. Colorado State has still allowed 52.5 points per game over its last four. Opponents have continued scoring heavily across both versions of the defensive staff.
Washington State should score well above its usual output here. Colorado State brings the more dependable passing offense, however, and Hauss Hejny has thrown 16 touchdowns against two interceptions. His protection has allowed sacks on 1.8% of dropbacks, while Washington State’s defense has generated them on only 2.9%. Hejny should have opportunities to progress through a route combination before pressure forces him to move.
Durell Robinson has been cleared to play, restoring an option in Colorado State’s backfield. Mel Brown’s probable designation leaves more uncertainty about his workload after he managed only two touches before exiting last week. Mora expected both backs to be available, and Robinson’s clearance makes that optimism more useful. Hejny’s passing game still needs to carry its share if Brown’s involvement remains limited.
Washington State’s difficulty generating sacks should help with that responsibility. Colorado State can sustain an offensive answer if Hejny has time to locate a receiver downfield, particularly when the Rams fall behind and the defense can anticipate a pass. A clean pocket becomes more valuable as the available play calls narrow.
Eshelman’s arrival also deserves its proper weight. Against Oregon State, he completed 32 of 49 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns while adding that exceptional rushing performance. Branden Ganashamoorthy supplied 11 catches for 147 yards. Washington State can move the ball through multiple players when the quarterback settles into the game.
CSU vs. Wazzu pick, best bet
The question at this price is how often that performance can repeat. Washington State’s season-long offensive success rate sits at 36.7%, and the Cougars have committed 14 turnovers. A stalled possession or a short field for Colorado State matters considerably when the favorite must establish a double-digit margin.
I expect the Cougars’ running game to expose the Rams repeatedly. Hejny’s accuracy and protection should allow Colorado State to answer often enough that the game remains competitive deep into the fourth quarter. The Rams’ passing game can sustain that chase even through a difficult defensive evening.
Best bet: Colorado State +9.5 (-112)
Projected score: Washington State 38, Colorado State 34.
Best Bet: Colorado State +9.5 (-110) at Wazzu
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