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The Washington State Cougars (7-3) look to avoid a letdown when the Colorado Buffaloes (4-7) come to Pullman. Check out the Washington State vs. Colorado prediction and game preview.

Washington State vs. Colorado Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 21
Game Time: 10:45 ET
Network: ESPN2

Why You Need To Care

Wazzu added another chapter to this most improbable season on the Palouse, stunning UCLA in Pasadena on a touchdown pass with three seconds left. It was the latest moment for the Cougars, which have already defeated Oregon, Arizona and Arizona State as well to remain in contention for a first 10-win season since 2003. Washington State can’t win the North Division, but it can keep angling for the best possible bowl invite. Colorado lost a heartbreaker to USC, 27-24, on Friday night. It also lost starting QB Sefo Liufau and any mathematical hope of snapping a seven-year bowl drought.

Why Colorado Will Win

The Cougars could be drained after the emotion of upsetting the Bruins on the final offensive play. The Buffaloes, meanwhile, have played better than their record this season, losing by a touchdown or less to Arizona, UCLA and USC over the past five games. And while Colorado won’t get better without Liufau at the controls, rookie Cade Apsay came off the bench to throw two touchdown passes and almost engineer a win over the Trojans.

Why Washington State Will Win

The Cougars will beat the Buffs because QB Luke Falk is playing at a Heisman-caliber level, throwing 35 touchdown passes and spreading the ball around to a cadre of quality receivers. The Cougars will blowout the Buffs because of a defense that’ll make life miserable for Apsay. Wazzu’s pressure coupled with Colorado’s inability to protect the pocket will equal forced throws and turnovers from the inexperienced Buff hurler.

Player Who Matters

The maturation of the Washington State defense has been a key this season—and a credit to the work being done by first-year coordinator Alex Grinch. The Cougars have improved in every area, including pass defense. A year after allowing 33 touchdown passes, the team has yielded just 12, with FS Shalom Luani spearheading an underrated and active secondary.

What’s Going To Happen?

Under different circumstances, Washington State might be prone to a letdown. But not this week. And not against an opponent with a new quarterback and shaky line play. The Cougars didn’t wilt after the Oregon, Arizona and ASU wins. And they won’t on Saturday, scorching Colorado with Falk’s passes and a pressure D.

Colorado vs. Washington State Prediction

Prediction: Washington State 42, Colorado 21, Line: Washington State -15, o/u: 62.5
Must See Rating: 5: The Night Before … 1: Donny! … 2.5