After nine grueling, frustrating and deflating weeks of games, the Washington State Cougars had a much-needed break last week.

They self-evaluated. They practiced Wednesday and Thursday before coaches took off on the recruiting trail. And they got an early start in preparing for their next opponent - Colorado State.

The main themes from the time off?

“Execution and finishing,” first-year WSU coach Kirby Moore said on the “WSU Football Coaches Show” with SWX Local Sports on Sunday.

Washington State enters Colorado State matchup as betting favorite

The oddsmakers believe in the power of rest.

Well, that is some of it behind the Cougars (1-8) being 9 1/2-point favorites at home Saturday against Colorado State (3-6), according to FanDuel Sportsbook .

The other part of it is that the Rams’ defense might be the worst unit in the whole conference.

The last time WSU was booked as a favorite was Oct. 3 at home against Fresno State.…