Washington State @ Arizona State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Arizona State 27, Washington State 37

Arizona State on Saturday looks to snap a four-game losing streak and become bowl eligible with a win over Washington State, which has have lost seven in a row. Cougars coach Mike Leach’s long season took another odd turn last week when receiver Marquess Wilson charged him with “physical, emotional and verbal abuse” before leaving the program. Washington State’s internal investigation could conclude prior to its game against Arizona State, which started the season 5-1. The Sun Devils lost 38-17 at Southern California last Saturday, while Washington State’s second-half comeback fell short in a 44-36 loss to UCLA.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Arizona State - 21.5

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2-8, 0-7 Pac-12): Leach hasn’t announced a starting quarterback for Saturday, and it’s possible both sophomore Connor Halliday and senior Jeff Tuel could share playing time. Halliday threw for 330 yards and a career-high five touchdowns last week after Tuel left in the first quarter with an undisclosed injury. Tuel is expected to be cleared in time for Saturday’s game. The Cougars average 337.5 passing yards, which leads the Pac-12 and ranks sixth in the country. The defense is fifth in the Pac-12 with 28 sacks, led by linebacker Travis Long’s career-best 9.5.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (5-5, 3-4): Washington State’s potent passing attack will be tested by the Sun Devils, who lead the conference in passing defense while allowing only 167.6 yards per game. Junior defensive tackle Will Sutton has 17 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. Arizona State forced a season-high five turnovers last week, but its offense struggled for the second straight game. Coach Todd Graham is sticking with starting quarterback Taylor Kelly, who has thrown four interceptions in the last two games. After a strong start, the Sun Devils' run game has been quiet in recent weeks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Sun Devils have won seven of the last eight games against Washington State, outscoring the Cougars 73-0 in the last two contests at Sun Devil Stadium.

2. Halliday threw for 494 yards and four touchdowns in the Cougars’ 37-27 victory over Arizona State in Pullman last season.

3. The Sun Devils have scored first in eight of their nine games this season and outscored their opponents 118-34 in the first quarter.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 31, Washington State 17