Washington State Now Laying 9.5 vs Houston After Opening as 8 Point Favorite
- Washington State is a 9.5-point favorite over Houston on Friday
- The opening line was Washington State by 8 points
- This all-Cougar showdown is slated for NRG Stadium, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans
So, who do you like in Friday’s #20 Washington State vs Houston game? The Cougars or the Cougars?
If you’re a Washington State kind of Cougar, you’ll be required to lay 9.5 points. On the other hand, if you’re a Houston kind of Cougar, you’re getting those 9.5 points.
That might seem like a lot of points to give but Washington State’s recent history shows that when given that many or more more points, they get the job done as you can see in the Washington State vs Houston odds and matchup stats.
Washington State vs Houston Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State | -360 | -9.5 (-105) | Over 75.5 (-110) |
| Houston | +280 | +9.5 (-115) | Under 75.5 (-110) |
*Odds taken 09/10/19.
Washington State is 5-1 against the spread in the last six games in which they’ve been a favorite of 9.5 points or more.
Washington State Piling Up Points
Houston’s defense continues to be in a state of disarray. They’ve allowed an average of 502 yards per game, which ranks them 121st in the nation in total defense.
Houston (1-1), surrendered 49 points in a season-opening loss at Oklahoma, continuing a disturbing trend from last season. The Houston defense ranked 10th in the American Athletic Conference in 2018.
They gave up an average of 47.5 points per game in 2018. Four times, Houston was victimized for more than 50 points – 63 by Texas Tech, 59 by Temple, 52 by Memphis and 70 by Army.
Houston relies on outscoring teams to win games, and that should prove to be a losing strategy against Washington State. In two games this season, Wazzu (2-0) has outscored opponents 117-24, and has averaged 58.5 points per game.
They rank fifth in the nation in scoring offense.
King Of Houston
If Houston wants to stay with Washington State, the key for them will be the run game. Houston averages 238.5 yards per game on the ground, which is 26th in the NCAA. Washington State is 84th overall at stopping the run., allowing 156 yards per game.
5⃣ drives. 5⃣ scores.
25th career rushing TD for @DeriqKing_, which is tied for the eighth-most in school history.#GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/v6DUuQ4iM4
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 8, 2019
They’re led by dual threat senior quarterback D’Eriq King. He accounted for an AAC single-season record 50 touchdowns last season. King has already passed for three scores and ran for three more through two games this season.
Patrick Carr, Houston’s leading rusher last season with 868 yards, is also expected back after missing the first two games with injury.
Washington State Trends
Washington State is 11-4 against the spread in the last 15 games. They are 11-1 straight up in their last 12 September games and 7-0 SU in their last seven Week 3 games.
They’re also 10-3 ATS the spread in their last 13 games as the favorite.
Record Over the Past 15 Games:
1. WSU 13-2
2. UW 11-4
3. Utah 10-5
3. Oregon 10-5
3. Stanford 10-5
6. ASU 9-6
6. Cal 9-6
8. Colorado 7-8
8. USC 7-8
10. Arizona 6-9
11. UCLA 3-12
12. OSU 2-13— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) September 9, 2019
Washington State is the second ranked passing offense in the nation, averaging 494 yards per game, while Houston’s 111th-ranked pass defense surrenders 290 yards per game.
Houston Trends
Houston is 2-5 both SU and ATS in its last 11 games. They’re 5-1 ATS in the last six games in which they were an underdog of 9.5 or more points. But they are 1-4 SU in their last five games as a betting underdog.
However, Houston is also 12-3 ATS in its last 15 Friday games.
The Cougars are The Play
Of course they are. But in this case, Washington State are the Cougars to go with.
Washington State owns a plus-six turnover ratio, tied for first in the nation, so you know they won’t beat themselves.
Waking up after a @WSUCougarFB win like…
*sound on* pic.twitter.com/Nh0mIVnStG
— Washington State Cougars (@WSUCougars) September 8, 2019
Houston still seems to be learning the nuances of new head coach Dana Holgorsen’s offense. King has been sacked seven times in two games.
They’re also 1-3 SU in their last four games against ranked teams.
Pick: Washington State [-360, -9.5 (-105)].
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
