San Diego State quarterback Stone Saunders threw for 369 yards at Colorado State, and the Aztecs still lost 56–49. Coach Sean Lewis has found a passer who can make this offense engrossing. His defenders let Colorado State convert nine of 12 third downs, too often leaving Saunders with another score to chase. Lewis needs them to give Saunders a less punishing afternoon Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the San Diego State Aztecs and the Washington State Cougars.
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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SDSU vs. Washington State prediction, preview
Saunders will start again, Lewis has confirmed, with quarterback Jayden Denegal still day-to-day. Against Colorado State, Saunders completed 23 of 33 throws, finding receiver Jaylon Hawkins six times for 164 yards and a 43-yard touchdown. Fellow wideout Jordan Napier scored from 24 yards. Washington State allowed Oregon State to pass for 347 yards before holding Boise State to 149. Saunders should challenge their coverage repeatedly, with Hawkins already hurting defenders for large gains on relatively few catches.
Aztecs running backs Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard rushed for a combined 192 yards and four touchdowns at Colorado State. San Diego State traveled at least 73 yards for all six offensive touchdowns, including a 16-play, 99-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. Their blockers allowed just one sack. Saunders threw two interceptions, including a pick-six, but repeatedly recovered to advance the full field. Lewis can hand off to two productive backs while Saunders attacks through the air.
Washington State quarterback Owen Eshelman has had to endure much less help. Boise State sacked him four times while his tailbacks gained a paltry 20 yards on ten carries. Eshelman completed 21 of 40 throws for 191 yards, and the Cougars needed repeated fourth-down conversions on their only touchdown drive. Coach Kirby Moore has a quarterback willing to run and throw through difficult afternoons; his blockers and backs have made those afternoons unnecessarily exhausting.
At Oregon State, Eshelman passed for 289 yards and rushed for 136, with receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy catching 11 passes for 147. Lewis’ defenders just allowed Colorado State 216 rushing yards and 333 passing without recording a sack. If they lose discipline chasing Eshelman outside, he can hurt them badly again. Lewis has stressed containment and finishing tackles this week, with ample reason.
Washington State vs. SDSU pick, best bet
San Diego State sacked Fresno State six times in their previous game, and I expect renewed pressure against Washington State’s struggling line. Eshelman should still create enough offense to make this competitive. The Cougars held Boise to ten points through three quarters before surrendering long touchdown runs.
Sutton and Kinnard can make those defenders tackle backs throughout the afternoon; Saunders can give Hawkins chances to punish them downfield. I favor Lewis’ combination at home, laying less than a field goal.
Best bet: San Diego State -2.5 (-115).
Projected score: San Diego State 31, Washington State 24.
Best Bet: SDSU -2.5 (-115) vs. Washington State
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