2015 Bowl Games: Picking all 41 college bowls and championship game against the spread

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; The Sun Bowl logo is seen on the center of the field before the Virginia Tech Hokies face the UCLA Bruins at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Miami vs. Washington State
El Paso, Texas | Sun Bowl
Dec. 26, 2 p.m. on CBS

This year’s Sun Bowl features two programs who could have bright futures – one with a new coach (Mark Richt) beginning next season, and one with a coach (Mike Leach) who needs to show he’s worth what he’s being paid.

The Hurricanes hopes for this game rest on the arm of Brad Kaaya, and given the fact that Washington State surrendered 223 yards in the air per game, that bodes well for Miami. The Canes’ weakness has been stopping the run, something that the Cougars can’t do having finished last in the nation in rushing at less than 80 yards per game.

If Miami’s secondary can stop the prolific passing of Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, they’ll be doing something few teams have done. This one has all the makings of a big shootout.

Line: Washington State, -3

The Cougars seem to play down to their opponent, but even at that, Miami’s defense is just too porous to stop such a high-powered pass game. Washington State covers.

Next: Heart of Dallas Bowl