Jacob Myers | NCAA.com | December 28, 2018

Iowa State-Washington State: Alamo Bowl prediction, preview, time, TV channel

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Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew has been one of the most surprising players in college football this season. Now he’ll go against an Iowa State team that has already defeated another elite college quarterback this season in the Alamo Bowl.

Below, find the Alamo Bowl time, TV channel and preview information.

Iowa State-Washington State: Alamo Bowl time, TV channel

No. 13 Washington State (10-2) plays No. 24 Iowa State (8-4) on Dec. 28 at 9 p.m. ET. The Alamo Bowl from San Antonio is on ESPN.

MORE: Follow live stats from the Alamo Bowl here

Iowa State-Washington State: Alamo Bowl preview, prediction

There really aren’t enough words to describe how great Gardner Minshew has been this season. As the nation’s second-leading passer in total passing yards, Minshew won Pac-12 player of the year and led the Cougars to a 10-2 record, but came up just shy of the division title.

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What made Minshew and the Cougars offense such a threat was his ability to spread the ball out to multiple receivers. Davontavean Martin and Easop Winston lead the Cougars with eight receiving touchdowns, while four other players have at least four receiving touchdowns.

If Iowa State is going to stop Minshew, it has to start with defensive end JaQuan Bailey, who leads the Cyclones with 12.5 tackles for loss. The secondary will also have to step up to against the high-flying Mike Leach offense. Iowa State ranks 62nd in the country in passing defense.

Iowa State has won six games in the Big 12, including wins against Oklahoma State and West Virginia, which means the Cyclones can put up some points. Running back David Montgomery is an exciting player to watch. He has ran for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season and has a career-high 12 touchdowns on the ground this season.

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Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is regarded as one of the better young offensive-minded coaches in the game. With a win against Washington State, the Cyclones will tie the program record for most wins in a season. For Washington State, its 11th win would also be the most in a single season in program history.

Iowa State	STAT/LEADER	Washington State
8-4 (6-3 Big 12)	Record (Conference)	10-2 (7-2 Pac-12 North)
26.8	Points per game	38.3
22.5	Points allowed	23.1
359.0	Yards per game	461.8
234.8	Passing ypg	380.0
124.3	Rushing ypg	81.8
353.0	Yards allowed per game	346.6
228.8	Passing yards allowed	210.0
124.3	Rushing yards allowed	136.6
Brock Purdy 1,935 yards (16 TDs, 5 INTs)	Passing leader	Gardner Minshew 4,477 yards (36 TDs, 9 INTs)
David Montgomery 1,092 yards, 12 TDs	Rushing leader	James Williams 552 yards, 12 TDs
Hakeem Butler 1,126 yards, 9 TDs	Receiving leader	Dezmon Patmon 740 yards, 4 TDs
Willie Harvey 72 total tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks	Defensive leader	Peyton Pelluer 86 total tackles, 9.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks

Iowa State-Washington State: Score prediction

If you’re going to watch one bowl game before the New Years Six bowls, this is probably the one you should pick. Iowa State's offense hasn't been as consistent as Washington State's, but at their best, the Cyclones can compete with the best teams. Iowa State has been somewhat of a giant killer lately and Washington State struggled in its last game against Washington. But the Cyclones don’t have one of the nation’s best defenses like the Huskies do, and there won’t be any snowy conditions for Minshew to battle.

Washington State 41, Iowa State 36