Sun Bowl -- El Paso, TX
CBS
One could argue that just getting this game in is a victory for both teams. After all, there is a payday (possibly around 4.5 million) for this game, which will be televised by CBS.
Both teams seemed anxious to really play, even as other bowl teams (and games) slipped by the wayside. While it was already scheduled to appear in the Sun Bowl, WSU let it be known it wanted to play even after Miami (FL) dropped out due to COVID issues. Central Michigan, meanwhile, was willing to relocate and tackles a new opponent on short notice.
It could very well be an interesting and entertaining contest. CMU has productive offense and came within a couple points of reaching the Mid-American Conference title game. Washington State overcame a mid-season coaching change, winning three of its last four to secure a bowl spot.
Here's more on the two teams . . .
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS (7-5, 6-3 Pac-12)
• WSU is making their sixth bowl appearance in the last 7 years (did not go to a bowl in 2020).
• First-year head coach Nick Rolovich and several assistants were dismissed for failing to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine manadate for state employees. Jake Dickert too over in late October. After time as interim head coach, on Nov. 27 he was announced as the program's 34th head coach. His 3-2 record with the Cougars included a 40-13 Apple Cup victory over rival Washington in the regular season finale.
• Washington State finished second in the Pac-12 North. The 6-3 conference record was one game behind No. 14 Oregon.
• WSU’s 14 All-Pac-12 selections are most since 2003 (17), earned 3 All-Pac-12 First-Team selections for 1st time since 2015.
• The Cougars last outing was Nov. 26 when they defeeated Washington, 40-13. Washington State tallied the game's first 13 points and led 30-7 early in the fourth period. After a UW touchdown, added 10 more points.
• WSU's final TD came on a 28-yard interception return by Armani Marsh. The Cougars owned a 4-0 edge in turnovers.
• Washington State defense held the Huskies to 200 total yards of offense, with just 10 net yards on the ground. UW owned just 11 first downs and went 4 of 11 on third down. The Cougars held the ball for just 18:35.
• WSU totaled 454 yards of offense in the win, converting 7 of 13 third downs and registering 26 first downs.
• Sophomore QB Jayden de Laura completed 27 of 32 pass attempts, good for 245 yards against UW/
Pac-12 Offensive Frosh of the Year de Laura leads Pac-12 in pass TD (23), pass yards (2,751) and passing/g (250.1)
• Washington State's ground game produced 209 yards in the finale. Max Borghi led the way with 22 carries for 129 yards and two TDs. Deon McInosh added 16 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown.
• Sophomore Dean Janikowski (All-Pac-10 First Team member) connected on 4 of 5 field goals against UW. He hit 14 of 17 tries on the year with a long of 41 and made 29 of 41 PAT tries.
• Washington State has averaged 259.6 ypg on the year. DeLaura has completed 64.3 percent of his passes, producing 2,751 yards with 23 TDs and 9 interceptions.
• Travel Harris (73 catches, 801 yards, 9 TDs) and Calvin Jackson Jr. (63 catches, 955 yards, 7 TDs) lead Cougar receivers. Both are among Pac-12 leaders in several categories.
• Washington State averages 259.8 ypg through the air (40th nationally)
• WSU's 130.3 ypg rushing is 94th nationally.
• Right tackle Abraham Lucas earned his fourth-straight All-Pac-12 accolade and first 1st-team honor after being named to the second team the previous three seasons becoming the first Cougar offensive lineman to earn allconference honors four times. Lucas started all 12 games at right tackle and was rated the Pac-12’s best passblocking offensive lineman and third-best pass-blocking offensive tackle in the country after not allowing a sack in 477 pass blocking snaps. Lucas was also named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl All-America Team.
• The Cougar defense led the Pac-12 and was fourth in the country with 27 takeaways including 13 fumble recoveries, third-most in the country.
• Linebacker Jahad Woods’ 100 tackles are fourth in the Pac-12 and All-Pac-12 first-team selection EDGE Ron Stone Jr. is fifth in the league with 11.5 tackles-for-loss.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS (8-4, 6-2 MAC)
• CMU had just two conference losses, falling at Miami (OH) and losing a heartbreaking 39-38 decision at home to Northern Illinois. The latter cost Central Michigan a spot in the Mid-American Conference Championship game, which NIU went on to win.
• After falling to NIU, the Chippewas finished their regular season with four straight wins. Their average margin of victory in those victories was 19.25 points.
• Central Michigan closed its regular season with a 31-10 victory over Eastern Michigan Nov. 26.
• CMU led 10-3 at intermission and extended its advantage on the second half kickoff when Marion Lukes took his return bck 100 yards. Eastern Michigan answered on its next possession, scoring on a short run to pull within seven again. However, the Chippewas tallied two unanswered fourth quarter TDs to seal their victory.
• CMU out-gained the Eagles 366-226 overall and had seven more first downs (22-15).
• Quarterback Daniel Richardson completed 12 of 24 passes for 130 yards with two TDs and one interception. The freshman finished second among MAC QBs in pass efficiency (156.9). On the year, he connected on 61.3 percent of his pass attempts, producing 2,424 yards, 23 touchdowns and 5 picks.
• Freshman Lew Nichols III paced a strong CMU rushing attack (236 yards) against Eastern Michigan. Nichols was busy -- very busy -- running 44 times for a total of 194 yards and a TD. Nichols tops all MAC runners with 311 carries, 1,710 yards (5.5 ypc) 15 TDs, and an average of 142.5 rushing yards per game.
• • CMU has averaged 180.6 ypg on the ground (49th nationally).
• Central Michigan's pass offense ranks 25th nationally, producing 270.1 ypg.
• The Chippewas have a dynamic trio of receivers: Kalil Pimpleton (58 catches, 929 yards, 4 TDs), Dallas Dixon (44 catches, 696 yards, 8 TDs, JaCorey Sullivan (42 catches, 604 yards, 10 TDs). Tight end Joel Wilson adds another 28 receptions, 326 yards and 5 scores.
• Placekicker Marshall Meeder has converted 48 of 50 PATs and 14 of 21 field goals, with a long of 51.
• Central Michigan's defense ranks 79th nationally (393.6 ypg). It is 31st against the run (127.2 ypg). However, the Chippewas are last (MAC) in pass defense (266.3 ypg) and ninth (MAC) in pass defense efficiency.