The Iowa State Cyclones and the Washington State Cougars will meet for the Valero Alamo Bowl on Friday, December 28.
A high powered offense clashes with one of the country's best defenses in the game, as Mike Leach's Cougars play their fifth consecutive bowl game. Washington State (10-2) will rely on an air raid offense with quarterback Gardner Minshew having thrown for 4,480 yards and 36 touchdowns in the regular season.
Minshew has no shortage of targets with wide receivers Dezmon Patmon, Tay Martin, Easop Winston and Jamire Calvin, but running back James Williams leads the team with 76 receptions. Williams averaged 4.6 yards per carry in the regular season, though the Cougars don't choose to run the ball that much.
The ground game will be a key component for Iowa State (8-4). The Cyclones' David Montgomery rushed for 1,092 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season, making him the team leader. Washington State has also struggled in stopping the run this season, allowing over 200 yards of ground game in three different contests.
Defensively, Iowa State ranked first in the Big 12 in scoring defense with 22.5 points per game and, more importantly, ranked third in pass defense and pass efficency, meaning the Cyclones will try to put pressure on Minshew early and often.
Brock Purdy will be under center for Iowa State and is expected to hit his favorite target, wide receiver Hakeem Butler, often during the game. Butler has 1,126 yards on 51 catches and nine touchdowns for 2018.
2018 Valero Alamo Bowl
Location: Alamodome — San Antonio, Texas.
Date: Friday, December 28
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: WatchESPN, fuboTV (free trial available)
Satellite Radio: ESPN Radio, ISU Feed: ESPN Xtra, Wazzu Feed: ESPNU Radio
Odds: Washington State -3, Over/Under: 56.5
Prediction:
Steven Lassan (Athlon Sports): Iowa State 31, Washington State 30
"This game is all about style of play. Iowa State has the necessary pieces to establish its ground game with Montgomery, opening up opportunities for Purdy and Butler to connect downfield. If the Cyclones control the line of scrimmage on offense, Campbell's team will keep Washington State on the sideline and limit the opportunities for Minshew. When the Cougars have the ball, Leach's offense would like to jump out early and force Iowa State out of its comfort zone. The Cyclones should be able to get just enough out of its ground game, while the defense does just enough with the pass rush and effective coverage to finish the 2018 season on a high note."
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