Utah vs Washington State Odds, Picks and Predictions: Expecting Points in Pullman

There’s Thursday night action in the Pac-12 as the Utah Utes (5-2) head to Pullman to battle with the Washington State Cougars (4-3).

Both teams should be refreshed after a bye week. The Utes hope to make a run at a second conference title in as many years, while the Cougars have shown improvement in the first full year under Jake Dickert.

Will Washington State pull off the upset in Week 9? Read our college football picks and predictions below to find out. 

Utah vs Washington State best odds

Utah vs Washington State picks and predictions

Utah's head coach believes that coming off the bye week to play on Thursday night is the “ideal scenario” for his team.

His team is allowed extra rest after a thrilling 43-42 win over USC, so a letdown spot is less likely to be a factor and his team gets to recharge after difficult tests against UCLA and USC in back-to-back weeks. Playing on a Thursday also means that his team has two extra days of preparation heading into Week 10.

It’s been bumpy at times, but Utah has fought through adversity and proven how well-coached they are under Kyle Whittingham. They’ve finished with a winning season in 15 of his 17 years as head coach, including eight straight. A win Thursday night would not only put the Utes one step closer in the Pac-12 conference race, but it would also mark his 150th career victory. 

Cameron Rising leads a potent Utah offense averaging 40.7 points per game — 11th best in the country. Rising continues to elevate his game, completing 68.8% of his passes for 1,855 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only three interceptions while averaging 8.6 yards per attempt.

Despite the loss of star tight end Brant Kuithe and the uncertain status of Tavion Thomas, the offense has kept finding a way to get into the end zone. Thomas scores 19 rushing touchdowns a year ago but has seldomly been used this season.

For as good as the offense has been, Utah’s defense has taken a big step back in 2022. They rank 88th in expected points added (EPA) per play and have been prone to giving up big plays, ranking 117th in explosiveness.

If we take away their three easiest games (Southern Utah, San Diego State, Arizona State), the Utes are allowing 32.3 points per game. They’ve been gashed in their four games against legitimate offenses, allowing a whopping 7.4 yards per play.

Washington State is operating the “Coug Raid” this season, ranking first in pass rate when excluding garbage time. They’ve averaged over 5.0 yards per play in every game this season and get a favorable matchup against a Utah team that ranks 72nd in passing success rate and 114th in passing explosiveness.

The Cougars are 3-1 at home and should put forth a solid effort at home coming off a bye week. Both offenses should find success in this matchup, so we’re playing the Over os our best bet.

My best bet: Over 55 (-107 at PointsBet)

Utah vs Washington State spread analysis

Depending on the book, Utah is a favorite of between 7.5 and 8.5 points as of the time of this writing. 

Utah is a developmental program that relies far less on talent acquisition than some programs, instead coaching up players to the best of their abilities before sending a crop to the NFL each season.

This means that they typically get stronger as the year goes on, and that’s been reflected in the betting market. The Utes are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 October games. They’ve run roughshod over the Pac-12 lately, going 19-9 ATS in their last 28 conference games. 

The Cougars may be a tough out in Pullman, where they have a 3-1 record. Considering that the only loss came in heartbreaking fashion to Oregon (who still hasn’t lost since the opener against Georgia), this is a dangerous team at home.

Overall, the Cougars’ three losses were the aforementioned squandering against Oregon and then two losses on the road to USC and Oregon State — all difficult tests. 

The Cougars are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games. They’ve also proven to be a good bet in Pac-12 play, going 9-3 ATS in their last 12 conference games. 

Utah vs Washington State Over/Under analysis

The Over is set at 55 across all books at current. It’s really remarkable that Utah has managed to remain so effective offensively without Kuithe, a focal point of the offense.

It’s a good thing the Utes have another future NFL tight end on the roster ready to step up — Dalton Kincaid responded with a heroic 16 catches for 234 yards and one touchdown against USC, and every single one of those yards was needed.

As for the backfield, Thomas was relied on last season but the staff seems content that they will move the ball regardless of who is in the backfield. The versatile Micah Bernard is the next man up. 

The Utes rank 19th in EPA offensively, keeping the chains moving consistently while ranking seventh in success rate. The rushing attack has been difficult to stop, ranking 15th in rushing success rate, while the passing attack has found a way to stay effective and ranks seventh in passing success rate.

Washington State’s offense relies on the arm of Incarnate Word transfer Cameron Ward at quarterback. He’s completed 63.2% of his passes for 7.1 yards per attempt while throwing 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

He’s struggled when pressured behind a poor offensive line, so Utah pass rushers Gab Reid, Van Fillingger, and Jonah Elliss will hope to be difference-makers in this contest.

Utah vs Washington State betting trend to know

The Over is 8-1 in Utah’s last nine road games. Find more NCAA betting trends for Utah vs. Washington State.

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