Cactus Bowl 2015: Washington vs. Oklahoma State TV Info, Spread, Time and More
The Friday nightcap features two programs with plenty to prove heading into the bowl season. Washington and Oklahoma State face off in the Cactus Bowl, with the winner capturing a strong finish to an otherwise disappointing close to the season.
Heading into a bowl in the first year under Chris Petersen, Washington has a shot at winning a second straight postseason game. But when the Huskies have needed to step up against worthy opponents, they have fallen short against the likes of Stanford, UCLA and Oregon this season.
On the other side, Oklahoma State barely became bowl-eligible after losing five of its final six games after starting 5-1. The Cowboys healed some of those wounds with a win in the finale over rival Oklahoma, and a victory over Washington would secure a fourth bowl win in the last five years for the program.
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Below is a full look at the schedule, spread and preview for the Cactus Bowl.
Game Information
Where:ย Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
When:ย Friday, January 2, 10:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Spread: Washington (-5), via OddsShark.com
Preview
Last season, Oklahoma State put together one of the strongest seasons with 10 wins but fell short of a bowl win. Now, the Cowboys get a shot at redemption under Mike Gundy against a Washington team hoping to close the season on a strong note.
Gundy's team is led by senior running back Desmond Roland, who led the team in rushing yards (647) and touchdowns (10) on the season. Roland has yet to compile over 100 yards per game this season, but he has three multi-touchdown performances.
The running game isn't the question. It's his backfield mate that the question marks are centered around.
Daxx Garman leads the Cowboys with 12 passing touchdowns this season, but a concussion has allowed Mason Rudolph to step up in his place. Gundy noted Garman has been cleared, but the decision has not yet been made about the starter, via Jake Trotter of ESPN.com:
Rudolph has four passing touchdowns to three interceptions, but the freshman stepped up big in the Bedlam Series. If given the opportunity on the big stage, Rudolph doesn't lack confidence under center.
Rudolph said,ย viaย Richardย Obertย ofย AZCentral.com:
"In the beginning of the year, I was No. 3, but I told myself I'd prepare like I was the starter. If called upon, I'd be ready. โฆย I'm ready to go. I've ironed things out. We're working well on offense. We're firing on all cylinders.
"
On the other side, there is no question about Washington's all-around game. The Huskies have a young quarterback of their own in Cyler Miles, who has compiled 20 total touchdowns and just three picks this season.
However, Washington's biggest playmakers are on the defensive side of the ball.
Danny Shelton has nine sacks on the season and lived in his opponent's backfield. Meanwhile, Shaq Thompson has made an impact on the ground offensively with 456 rushing yards, but he has built a reputation as a sure tackler with 71 already this season.
Thompson's versatility won him the Paul Hornung Award for his efforts, via the Tacoma News Tribune:
Oklahoma State's quarterback situation will be tested by a defense with several potential future NFL stars. Suffice to say, it's not exactly a perfect situation for either Rudolph or Garman heading into the Cactus Bowl.
Regardless of who gets the snaps on Friday night, the signal-caller will get a true test against the athletic Huskies defense. With a lot on the line for Shelton, Thompson and the program as a whole, Petersen will be looking for his sixth bowl win and first with the Huskies.
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