Sun Bowl: Washington State at Central Michigan: 12/31/21 College Football Picks and Predictions

The Central Michigan Chippewas and Washington State Cougars face off on New Years Eve in the Sun Bowl at the Sun Bowl Stadium. Central Michigan was originally supposed to play in the Arizona Bowl but it was canceled. Washington State was originally supposed to play Miami, but they pulled out because of COVID issues. 

Washington State comes into this game with a 7-5 record overall but they have won two games in a row to close out the regular season. In the last game against Washington, it was the defense that stepped up giving up only 13 points, and the offense scored 40. Washington State is averaging 28.4 points while their defense is giving up 24.3 points per game. Jayden de Laura has been the top player for Washington State throwing for 2,751 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Running back Max Borghi has been the top back rushing for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns. In this game, the offense is going to need to use a balanced attack to find success. 

On the other side of this matchup is the Central Michigan Chippewas who sit with an 8-4 record and they have won four games in a row. In the last game against Eastern Michigan, the defense was strong giving up only 10 points, and that led to the 21 point victory. Central Michigan is averaging 33 points while their defense is giving up 26.2 points per game. Under center for Central Michigan is Daniel Richardson who has thrown for 2,424 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Lew Nichols II has been the top running back rushing for 1,710 yards and 15 touchdowns.