Holiday Bowl 2016: Minnesota vs. Washington State game thread

For the second year in a row, the Washington State Cougars are playing in a post-Christmas bowl. The weather conditions for this one look decidedly better for the Air Raid, sunshine and temperatures topping out near 70 in southern California (compared to the below freezing practical blizzard in the second half of last year’s Sun Bowl in El Paso).

The sun won’t be the only thing helping the Air Raid today. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are missing 10 players after they had either expulsions or suspensions recommended following the university’s investigation of an alleged gang rape. You may recall, the entire team threatened to boycott the Holiday Bowl if the players’ punishments weren’t lifted but they ultimately relented a little over a week ago.

Football on a Tuesday afternoon ... this is weird to get excited for. But we are!

Must reads before the game:

-Jesse’s look at Minnesota’s passing offense and run game

-Jeff’s thanks to the seniors playing their final game

-Craig’s guide to your postgame celebration locales

Game: National Funding Holiday Bowl

Location: San Diego, CA

Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Time: 4:00 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Radio: WSU IMG Network (710 AM Seattle, 920 AM Spokane, 610 AM Tri Cities)

Gambletron: WSU -8.5, O/U 60.5