Cactus Bowl Betting: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Washington Huskies Odds, Pick

Washington finished the regular season by covering the spread in each of its last three games. Oklahoma State struggled through a five-game against the spread losing streak, then covered its last two contests. Two teams that showed hope late this season meet when the 8-5 Huskies and 6-6 Cowboys play in the Cactus Bowl Friday, January 2 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

Cactus Bowl point spread: Huskies opened as five-point favorites; the total was 56.5. (Line updates and matchup report).

Odds Shark computer prediction: 32.5-22.3 Huskies

Why the Cowboys can cover the spread

The Cowboys knew they were headed for a rebuilding season this year, but they started off by winning five of their first six games—and the only loss in that span was a 37-31 decision against eventual NCAA playoff qualifier Florida State.

But as the schedule got a little tougher, OSU lost five games in a row—to the likes of TCU, Kansas State and Baylor. But then, in need of a victory in the season finale against rival Oklahoma to become bowl eligible, the Cowboys showed a great flair for the dramatic, returning a punt 92 yards with less than a minute to go to tie the game, then winning in overtime, 38-35.

So Oklahoma State is playing in a bowl for the ninth straight season.

Why the Huskies can cover the spread

The Huskies started 4-0 this season, their first under new head coach Chris Petersen, then lost five of their next seven games. But one of those losses came on a touchdown with four minutes to go against Stanford, another came in a game against Arizona State that was tied with five minutes to go and another came against Pac-12 South champion Arizona on a field goal at the buzzer.

Washington then won its last two games, over Oregon State and Washington State, by a combined score of 68-26, to make a bowl for the fifth straight season. On the year, the Huskies are averaging 195 yards per game rushing, while holding opponents to just 122 yards per game on the ground. And outrushing opponents by 70 yards per game can be a good way to cover spreads.

Smart Pick

Washington holds advantages in the comparisons of the offenses and the running games, and it's better against the run. And realistically, Oklahoma State probably doesn't even deserve to be in a bowl game. So the smart choice in this spot is with the Huskies, minus the points.

Trends

• Oklahoma State is 1-5 straight up in its last six games.

• Washington is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.