Washington @ Oklahoma State preview

TICKETCITY CACTUS BOWL STORYLINES

1. Two teams that finished the regular season on a high note meet when Washington faces Oklahoma State in the TicketCity Cactus Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. The Huskies closed with wins over Oregon State and Washington State, while the Cowboys upset Oklahoma 38-35 in overtime to become bowl-eligible. Oklahoma State enters the contest with four wins in its last five games against Pac-12 opponents.

2. The Cowboys’ offensive line has struggled all season, and they’ll be tested again in Tempe. Oklahoma State allowed a Big 12-high 37 sacks this season, while the Huskies ranked second in the country with 49 sacks. Washington linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha led the nation in sacks (18) and tackles for loss (24).

3. Oklahoma State will be without Big 12 newcomer of the year Tyreek Hill, who averaged 150.9 all-purpose yards and returned a punt 92 yards for a score against Oklahoma. The junior running back was dismissed from the team in mid-December after being accused of domestic violence. Hill’s departure is a blow to the Cowboys, who ranked eighth in total offense at 371 yards per game.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Washington -5.5

ABOUT WASHINGTON (8-5, 4-5 Pac-12): Shaq Thompson was named to the Associated Press All-American first team as an all-purpose player for the Huskies, who began the season with four straight wins before losing five of their first seven games in league play. Thompson, who plays both linebacker and running back, joined Kikaha and defensive end Danny Shelton (nine sacks) on the All-American squad. Quarterback Cyler Miles has thrown for 16 touchdowns against three interceptions and threw for four touchdowns over his last two games.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (6-6, 4-5 Big 12): Freshman Mason Rudolph is set to make his third career start for the Cowboys after throwing for 273 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma. Rudolph could solidify his role heading into next season with a strong performance against the Huskies’ pass defense, which ranked 10th in the Pac-12. Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah ranks second in the Big 12 in sacks (11) and third in tackles for loss (17), while linebacker Ryan Simmons recorded a team-high 93 tackles.

PREDICTION: Washington 24, Oklahoma State 17