NFL Tickets
Two mid-level teams from Power Five conferences, the Washington Huskies from the PAC 12 and the Oklahoma State Cowboys from the Big 12, face off in the TicketCity Cactus Bowl on Friday, January 2, at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN.
Washington finished the season 8-5 despite starting the season 5-1. The Huskies lost to every ranked opponent they played this season, which is telling as all five losses were to ranked PAC 12 opposition. Cyler Miles quietly had a decent season for the Huskies and, with many returning players for 2015, Washington’s future looks pretty bright.
The Cowboys started off the season 5-1 after almost upsetting then No. 1 Florida State in the first game of the season. However, injuries and their difficult second half of the season schedule led to them losing the next five games by a margin of 201-68. At 5-6 with the No. 20 Oklahoma Sooners in Norman left on their schedule, it looked like OSU was going to miss out on a trip to a bowl.
Then, freshman QB Mason Rudolph had the game of his life throwing for 273 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 38-35 overtime victory over the Sooners. This freshman quarterback is good, and he will be on display in the bowl game.
Oklahoma State’s defense has been absolutely terrible this season, and, at times, their offense has struggled. Defense is what Washington specializes in, so the Cowboys are going to struggle running the ball. Injuries have hindered the OSU offense and star linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha is going to get at least two sacks. Oklahoma State’s win over Oklahoma was a rivalry game fluke, and Washington should win this one easily.
Prediction: Washington 31, Oklahoma State 13
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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