5. Washington State will avoid turning the ball over
Only Arizona State has coughed up fewer turnovers in the Pac-12 this season than Washington State, which has done a stellar job of protecting the football in 2018. With 11 giveaways this year, the Cougars rank in the top 15 nationally in turnovers lost as they cough up the ball just once per game on average.
They are taking on a Washington team that ranks 94th in the country in takeaways, as Washington has managed to generate only 15 turnovers through their first 11 games of the year. Their struggles at producing interceptions and fumble recoveries won’t suddenly dissipate against the Cougars on the road trip from Seattle.
Washington State is going to keep the football, giving away no more than one turnover on Friday in the Palouse. The Cougars will emerge ahead in turnover margin by the end of the game, as a disciplined effort aids in the quest for victory.