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Free Pick: Washington State vs. Nevada Betting Odds & Preview

Week 2: Cougars vs Wolf Pack Odds

College football Week 2 betting action sees the Washington State Cougars taking on the Nevada Wolf Pack on Friday September 5th at Clarence Mackay Stadium in Reno. Cappers Picks provides free NCAA football handicapping tips all season long so feel free to check back daily – we’re always adding more free CFB Picks.

The season started off much differently for both of these teams with Nevada grabbing a much needed victory while the Cougars let one slip through their hands yet again.

College Football Lines
Washington State (0-1, 0-0 Pac-12) @ Nevada (1-0, 0-0 MWC)
Friday, September 5th 13:00 PM ET @ Clarence Mackay Stadium – Reno
NCAA Football Spread: Washington State -4
NCAA Football O/U: 66
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Click here to view… ATS Stats & Expert NCAA Betting Prediction Insight!

Despite the offensive outburst from Cougar gunslinger Connor Halliday and none from the running backs, Washington State fell in a close one to Rutgers 41-38. After holding the lead late into the fourth quarter, Washington State “Coug’d’ it and allowed the Scarlet Knights to score the go ahead touchdown.

Nevada, on the other hand, beat THEIR opponent, Southern Utah, pretty handily 28-19. While the defense was an issue, the running game remained the strong point of the Wolf Pack.

Washington State

Connor Halliday led the country in week one passing with 40 of 56 passing and 532 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. It would be a big victory for the Cougars had they won the game.

Like last weeks prediction, the Washington State defense let the team down in a big way.

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Going into the 4th quarter, the Cougars held the lead over Rutgers before allowing a go-ahead score with a little over 3 minutes left in the game. Halliday couldn’t muster any more magic and the team fell in typical Cougar fashion.

Leading the team in receiving was Vince Mayle who has 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Isiah Myers has 6 receptions for 94 yards and two more touchdowns while the team’s leading rusher was Jamal Morrow who only had 17 on the ground.

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Like last season, the Cougar run game AND run defense didn’t show up. After allowing 215 yards on the ground to the Scarlet Knights, Washington State only mustered up 6 positive yards of their own. While this won’t be an issue in some games because of the overpowering pass offense, the last of run offense and defense has doomed the team too many times not to forget.

Nevada

The Wolf Pack got a MUCH needed win heading into their matchup with a Pac-12 squad that boasts the top passing offense in college football. Nevada had quite a first game of their own through air, with starting quarterback Cody Fajardo throwing for 303 yards and a score through the air.

On the ground, Fajardo helped his own cause, tacking on 68 yards rushing and another touchdown. The team’s leading rusher Don Jackson carried the ball 22 times for 110 yards and two scores.

James Butler added another rushing touchdown, bringing the team total in week 1 to 244 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns.

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Through the air, the top target was Jerico Richardson who had 13 receptions for 177 yards. Richy Turner was second with 9 catches for 61 yards for the Wolf Pack who will be looking to get off to a quick, successful start against the Cougars.

On a side note, Fajardo is under 40 yards away from 10,000 passing yards at Nevada.

NCAA football handicapping trends

  •  Washington State is 10-5 ATS in last 15 games
  •  Washington State is 2-6 SU in last 8 games
  •  Over is 6-2 in Washington State’s last 8 games
  •  Over is 6-1 in Nevada’s last 7 games vs Pac-12
  •  Over is 5-2 in Wolf Pack last 7 games following a S.U. win
  •  Nevada is 18-7 SU in last 25 games at home

Week 2 NCAA Football Prediction

Both the Cougars and the Wolf Pack proved they have potent offenses. What sets them apart, though, is Washington State’s inability to play defense in clutch situations.

While they’re no powerhouse, Nevada also isn’t a cupcake game for the Cougars. The Cougars get upset again in this one.

Free NCAA Betting Pick: Nevada +4

Final Week 2 Score: Washington State 33 – Nevada 38

Check out our Updated College Football Week 2 Odds.

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By Brandon Banks

Brandon Banks is a newcomer to the Cappers Picks Blog, he has been a sports writer for a few years now. He's been a very successful bettor, especially in NFL, College football & NCAA hoops betting. Reasons for success - not affiliated with any SCAMDICAPPERS. Stay tuned to Brandon, he'll be picking NFL, CFB, CBB and NBA games daily here on the blog.