Colorado at Washington State

Washington State was flying high until last week, getting thumped by Cal in a 37-3 loss as a 16-point favorite. This is not an elite defense, giving up 44 to Boise in a win, along with a 30-27 squeaker over USC. Washington State is #42 in the nation in points allowed, and the loss to Cal included five interceptions from quarterback Luke Falk, who was sacked nine times. They face a ball-control Colorado offense that has scored 37, 41, 42 and 36 points in four of the last six contests. Colorado QB Steven Montez is playing well with 11 TDs, and four INTs the last six games and senior running back Phillip Lindsay has carried 69 times for 466 yards and five touchdowns in his last two games, against Arizona and Oregon State. He has been a focal point of long, time-consuming drives. The Buffaloes are one of only two programs in the country with four scoring drives of at least 15 plays. That kind of ball control will be key against Washington State to keep Falk and the Cougars' passing game off the field, which they did last season. Colorado is on a 7-3 ATS run on the road, while Washington State Coach Mike Leach is 1-8 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points. Colorado beat then #22 Washington State last year, 38-24, with 258 yards rushing as a pair of backs topped 100 yards, including Lindsay. The Buffs had 603 total yards and won the time of possession battle 33:41-26:19. Take the underdog Buffaloes.