Washington State Football: 5 reasons Cougs beat Washington in Week 13

2. Washington State’s offensive line will provide good protection

Washington State has been able to carve up opposing defenses because their offensive line has been able to protect the quarterback and open up holes over the course of the season. They are one of the best groups in the country and they will continue to prove that against Washington on Friday in Pullman.

The Cougars rank seventh in the country in sacks allowed, as they have allowed Gardner Minshew to sustain less than a single sack per game. They have also done a great job in running situations, allowing fewer than 3.5 tackles for loss per game to rank second nationally behind only Army in that category.

The Huskies, their opponent on Friday, ranks 105th in sacks produced and 118th in total tackles for loss generated. Washington will be unable to do much defensively at the point of attack against one of the best offenses in the country at ensuring positive gains from each play.