Cougars vs Tigers NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
The Auburn Tigers are only a few years removed from being crowned the NCAA champions, but boy does that feel like a lifetime ago. The Tigers went just 3-9 in 2012, and they were 0-6 against the SEC West. Washington State wasn’t any better last season, as they went just 3-9 also.
Washington State (0-0) @ Auburn Tigers (0-0)
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, 7:00 PM ET @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Moneyline: Washington State +500, Auburn -700
Spread: Auburn -16
O/U: 60
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!
Check out our in-house Handicapper!!! Buy Razor Ray’s Picks Today!
These two teams have the chance to put up points in this one, but that’s more a testament to poor defenses than great offenses.
Washington State
In defense of Washington State, it actually has an incredibly potent passing game. It threw for 330.4 yards per contest last season, which was good enough for ninth in the country. Where the offense falls off is in the run game. The team averaged a miserable 29.1 yards on the ground, which was just 124th in the country.
CLICK TO GRAB OUR Expert CFB Picks for 2013 NCAA FOOTBALL Betting!
The passing attack was dangerous to say the least, but it only resulted in 20.4 points per contest—108th in the nation.
Head coach Mike Leach is known for his air raid attack, and although it didn’t equate to wins in 2012, we’re going to see it again this season. We’re especially going to see it against the Tigers, as Auburn brings a weak secondary into this matchup.
Connor Halliday shared the quarterback position with Jeff Tuel last season, but this year, it’s all his. His No. 1 target, Marquess Wilson, is gone, but players such as Dominique Williams could step up in his place. He’ll look to control the pace of this game, as quick three-and-outs will only give Auburn’s fast-paced offense more time to get into rhythm. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
When it comes to stopping Auburn’s offense, the Cougars must attack the middle. The team should be expected to bring the heat.
Auburn
Auburn will be tested by Washington State’s passing attack. The Cougars are far from an SEC powerhouse, but they do come from a conference that many are saying is the second-toughest this season.
This game is going to be about getting going quickly. The Tigers have a new quarterback behind center, and without a great defense to rely on, he’ll need to keep things rolling to keep the point gap in Auburn’s favor.
Preparation is key in this one for the Tigers. When it comes to talent, they are far superior to a team that will likely finish in 11th or 12th in the Pac-12. That said, if they stumble early, the Cougars could surprise the home team with big plays that could make things interesting.
Expect the Tigers to win, but not as comfortably as the odds indicate. Sixteen points is high for a team that barely scored 20 per game a year ago, and although it runs a no-huddle offense, it’s not going to light up WSU without giving up points in return. Expect the Tigers to take care of business at home, but if the Cougs can get going early, chances are we’ll see a bit more drama than some expected.
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Auburn 37 – Washington State 27
