The Washington State Cougars put together an admirable campaign behind Gardner Minshew, earning an opportunity to play against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Alamo Bowl.
Although the Cougars were on pace to play in a New Year’s Six bowl, an unfortunate loss to the Washington Huskies ultimately sealed their fate. Now, the program will have to forget about its previous game and focus on the challenge ahead.
With Washington State’s prolific offense and Iowa State’s hard-hitting defense preparing for war, it should be an entertaining game.
ESPN released its prediction for the Alamo Bowl, as the early edge is with the Cougars.
It would have been great to see Uncle Rico (Gardner Minshew) and the Pirate (Mike Leach) in the New Year’s Six, but this isn’t a bad consolation. Iowa State is extremely well-coached and boasts a solid defense led by lineman Ray Lima and others. But after struggling in a snowy Apple Cup, Minshew shines in the dome as the Cougars finish 11-2.
Prediction: Washington State 41, Iowa State 34
Iowa State and Washington State are set to kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 28 from the Alamodome.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN.