For the first time in modern college football history, the Apple Cup features non-conference rivals. The Washington State Cougars are eager to defeat their rival, the Washington Huskies, especially with recent conference realignment leaving the Cougars feeling overlooked.
With the spread and total indicating a close game, the question is whether the Cougars can pull off an upset. Check out our Washington State vs. Washington prediction for picks against the spread, the total, and more.
Washington State vs. Washington Betting Preview
All Washington State vs. Washington odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 14.
- Spread
Washington -5.5 - Moneyline
Washington -218, Washington State +180 - Over/Under
54 points - Game Time
3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 14 - Location
Lumen Field, Seattle - Predicted Weather at Kick
62 degrees, four mph winds, cloudy - How To Watch
FuboTV, Peacock
This line is a bit surprising to me, given what Washington lost in the portal and to the NFL. The Huskies have looked strong in their first two games, especially defensively, but so has Washington State. While the game is in Seattle, it is being played at Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks.
Typically, people will point out that “neutral site” games in the home city of one team aren’t neutral site games, but Cougars fans travel well and this should be about a 50-50 crowd if not 60-40 in favor of the Cougars.
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The total and spread imply this is going to be a 31-26 type of game, in favor of the Huskies. The Huskies have scored 35 and 30 points, respectively, in Weeks 1 and 2 on lower-tiered opponents, while the Cougars have scored a combined 107 points, including 37 against Power Four Texas Tech.
The defenses have also been stout, making the movement on the total an interesting number to follow this week.
Washington State vs. Washington Prediction
Washington’s defense has shown marked improvement through two games this season, addressing a primary weakness from last year. However, it’s worth noting that they have yet to face a truly dangerous passing attack.
This week, they’ll be tested by John Mateer, who has been one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. With 355 passing yards in Week 1 and 197 rushing yards in Week 2, Mateer has proven to be a dual threat that can carry the Cougars’ offense. Even if Washington’s defense steps up, Mateer’s versatility makes him a constant threat.
In the Cougars’ run game, true freshman Wayshawn Parker has emerged as a key player. Expect him to see plenty of action both as a runner and a receiver. Last week, Kyle Williams was limited by injury, but Mateer adjusted, showcasing his ability to make plays with his legs.
For Washington, their balanced offense provides multiple weapons. While quarterback Will Rogers faces a tough challenge, receivers Jeremiah Hunter, Denzel Boston, and Giles Jackson should still see opportunities to make an impact.
Keep an eye on Jonah Coleman, who has been impressive so far. His numbers could be even more striking if not for two long runs called back due to penalties in the opener. In a matchup where offensive efficiency will be crucial, Coleman could be a game-changer.
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I’m taking the Cougars in this matchup. Sometimes even Vegas gets caught up in the reputation of a team rather than its current state. We saw a similar situation last year when Vegas misjudged the Michigan-Texas line, and a similar miscalculation could be happening with Washington here.
The Huskies lost their coaching staff and nearly all their starters from last year’s CFP National Championship team. While the Cougars have also undergone changes, the stability in Pullman, Washington, seems stronger.
Texas Tech might not be the ultimate test in the Power Four, but the Cougars dominated a solid team with a strong offense. Meanwhile, Washington showed some struggles in their opener against FCS Weber State and again in Week 2 against Eastern Michigan. Both opponents were more defense-oriented and lacked dynamic offenses.
This will be the first time Washington faces a truly potent offense this season, and given their defensive issues last year, I’m not convinced they’ve made significant improvements. John Mateer is a genuine dual threat and should find success both on the ground and through the air.
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While Washington’s offense may put up points, they don’t seem to have the depth to win a shootout this early in the season. I’m taking the Cougars both against the spread and for an outright upset in a game that should be close to the projected total.
Prediction: Washington State 31, Washington 24
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