Washington is an underdog to Texas in the Alamo Bowl despite a better ranking, a better record, and a more complete roster. The Huskies haven’t been hit by opt-outs the same way the Longhorns have. The Huskies are seeking an 11-win season, looking to cap off Kalen DeBoer’s first year in style.

And yet Texas is a three-point favorite. Texas is SP+’s pick to win. Texas is overwhelmingly FPI’s pick to win.

Doesn’t bother UW safety Alex Cook.

“I think it’s one of those Pac-12 deals, where everybody looks down on the Pac-12,” he told reporters this week, per The Seattle Times’ Mike Vorel. “It’s OK. We’re OK with that. We’ve been underdogs this entire season. We’ve been not predicted to win in Vegas against multiple teams, and we’re fine with that.

“It’s no big deal. We’re used to it. We’ve been through this. I’ve been through this six years being an underdog. I’m not fazed by this by any means. I’m actually excited to be an underdog. That’s what it’s all about. Underdogs come out on top.”

UW is looking for its second straight bowl win after losing three straight. Pac-12 teams have lost six of their last seven at the Alamo Bowl. Pac-12 teams are 1-1 so far this bowl season.

The Huskies have closed as an underdog only one other time this season — on Nov. 12 against Oregon in Eugene.

Washington went on the road and took that game. It’ll look to do the same Thursday night in San Antonio. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT on ESPN.