Washington State quarterback John Mateer was all but unstoppable this season until the Cougars’ 45-24 loss at No. 17 Boise State two weeks ago.
Mateer leads Washington State with 453 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, and he has completed 58% of his passes while racking up 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Against Boise State, he managed just 28 rushing yards and threw an interception in what is the Cougars’ (4-1) only loss of the season.
Mateer and his teammates had an extra week to mull over the loss as Washington State was on a bye last week, but they’re back in action Saturday against another Mountain West contender. The Cougars take on Fresno State at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.
Fresno State (3-2) is also coming off a bye. The last time the Bulldogs took the field, they came up short in a 59-14 loss to UNLV.
Bulldogs quarterback Mikey Keene is one of the most experienced passers in the Mountain West. He ranks No. 2 in the conference with 1,356 passing yards, but he has thrown just seven touchdown passes and six interceptions.
Washington State at Fresno State Betting Line
Washington State is a 3.5-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 61.5 points. The Cougars are 12-8 against the spread in their past 20 games as the favorite on the road. Fresno State is 14-5-1 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home.
Prediction
I predict Washington State wins 35-24.
Fresno State has enough experience on offense to put points on the board, but the Bulldogs’ defense has been suspect at times this season. They gave up 30 points against Sacramento State earlier this year, and UNLV had no problem scoring on them. I think Mateer will give the Bulldogs fits and get the Cougars back in the win column.
Friday Night Matchup
UNLV at Utah State
How to watch: 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: UNLV is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 65.5 points.
Prediction: I predict UNLV wins 35-21. The Rebels were an overtime field goal shy of picking up their third win against a team from a Power Four conference last week. The offense is clicking under new quarterback Hajj Malik-Williams, and UNLV’s defense is the best in the Mountain West. The Rebels also know they can’t afford another loss if they hope to stay in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Saturday Games
Boise State at Hawaii
How to watch: 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: Boise State is a 20.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 45-35. Hawaii’s passing attack, led by wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, should test Boise State’s secondary, but I believe Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty will put up video game numbers again and lead the Broncos to a win.
San Diego State at Wyoming
How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: San Diego State is a 2.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 42.5 points.
Prediction: I predict San Diego State wins 28-21. Quarterback Danny O’Neil (24 of 33, 224 yards, one TD) and running back Marquez Cooper (130 yards, 2 TDs) did just enough to lead San Diego State to a 27-24 win over Hawaii last weekend. I think the Aztecs win another close one this week.
San Jose State at Colorado State
How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max
Betting line: San Jose State is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 56.5 points.
Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 30-24. Two potent passing attacks will clash. Quarterback Emmett Brown and wide receiver Nick Nash have taken the Mountain West by surprise, and the Spartans lead the conference with 328.6 passing yards a game. Colorado State has one of the conference’s top wide receivers in Tory Horton, but he’ll need some help on Saturday.
Air Force at New Mexico
How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max
Betting line: New Mexico is a 6.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 54.5 points.
Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 17-10. Air Force has lost four in a row, including a 34-7 setback against Navy last week. I believe the Falcons’ rushing attack should do some damage, but not as much as New Mexico’s athletic quarterback Devon Dampier, who has accounted for 1,641 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Oregon State at Nevada
How to watch: 7:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: Oregon State is a 4-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 47.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Oregon State wins 30-17. Nevada gave up just 114 rushing yards last week in a 35-31 loss to San Jose State, but the Wolf Pack will have to deal with a much more talented backfield this week. Oregon State’s Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson have combined for 935 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
