CHEEZ-IT BOWL -- Washington State started out the season 3-0 and was on track for another successful year. But then the wheels fell off in a 67-63 loss at home against a winless UCLA squad, starting a three-game losing streak. They’d finish the season a disappointing 6-6 (4-8 ATS). The Cougars went 1-4 away from home, and their defense allows 456.8 yards per game. I like Air Force (10-2) because I can count on the running game to keep a potent Cougars offense off the field. Air Force is the play.

CHEEZ-IT BOWL -- You don’t often see a total this high for a team that runs the clock-eating triple-option offense. Air Force can pile up points, to be sure, but Washington State was afforded lots of time to practice for it. The Falcons have notched four Unders in the past five games, and this number is well north of their regular season high-water mark. Two key skill position players are nursing wrist injuries: Air Force running back Timothy Jackson and Washington State receiver Brandon Arconado. Take the Under.

CHEEZ-IT BOWL -- Motivation will be a key factor here. If Washington State shows up disinterested, it will likely lose, but if it shows up wanting to play, this is a great matchup for the Cougars. Air Force's pass defense has not been strong this season, and while it's done a decent job of limiting big plays, Wazzu's offense isn't built around big plays in the passing game. It takes shots, but it's just as content going five yards at a time. I like the Cougars here in an upset.

CHEEZ-IT BOWL -- Option offenses in bowl games tend to add a few more wrinkles to their repertoire. The best time to play an option team is either in the opener, after a bye week or in a bowl game. The more preparation you have, the better. However, I don't think there's enough prep time to save the Cougars' defense, especially against an offense that requires an extreme level of discipline.