College football fans can rest at ease knowing that the Apple Cup lives on despite it being a non-conference game this time around.
The Washington State Cougars head to Seattle to battle the Washington Huskies in one of the more intriguing Week 3 matchups, and our Washington State vs. Washington predictions are high on the Huskies after they smashed their first two opponents by a 65-12 combined score.
I break down the matchup and more in our college football picks below.
Washington State vs Washington prediction
My best bet
Washington -4.5 (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
Both programs featuring in the Apple Cup suffered a lot of turnover this offseason. The Washington State Cougars were left without a dance partner in the conference realignment jig, while the Washington Huskies saw their head coach leave for Alabama and most of its roster also depart.
Despite ranking 130th in returning production and returning just six starters (two on offense, four on defense), the Huskies have looked impressive through the first two games of the Jedd Fisch era. They’ve done what they were supposed to against overmatched competition (Weber State, Eastern Michigan), averaging 7.9 yards per play on offense while ranking third in success rate and allowing just 3.4 yards per play on defense while checking in at ninth in EPA per play.
Washington State, meanwhile, crushed Portland State 70-30 and notched a 37-16 Power Four win over Texas Tech. Offense has been the calling card (16th in EPA per play, second in explosiveness) but there are some concerns once you open the hood.
Typically a team who wants to air it out under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, the Cougars rank 10th in rush rate and second in rushing explosiveness through two games. Can that possibly continue going forward?
I find it unlikely. They demolished Portland State on the ground with 8.3 yards per rush and quarterback John Mateer led the way with 197 rushing yards and a score against Texas Tech. Considering the Red Raiders surrendered 51 points to an FCS school the week prior, I think it says more about their defense than it does about WSU’s offense.
Mateer has completed just 55.6% of his passes with one big-time throw, per PFF. The offense struggled with turnovers throughout camp, so it’s difficult to believe the Cougars can rely on maintaining its +4 turnover margin for long.
The Huskies had concerns along its offensive line going into the year but surprisingly lead the country in line yards and stuff rate heading into Week 3. Jedd Fisch certainly knows how to coach up an offense and early returns are very positive on new defensive coordinator Steve Belichick.
Washington State vs Washington same-game parlay (SGP)
Washington -4.5
Jonah Coleman anytime touchdown
Denzel Boston anytime touchdown
Jonah Coleman followed Fisch from Tucson to Seattle after racking up 1,154 scrimmage yards and six scores a year ago. He’s been Washington’s lead back and has taken 27 carries for 231 yards (8.6 yards per carry) and three TDs.
The Huskies have been dominant up front to start the year, which is surprising considering they lost all five starters from a year ago and did not have a full cast of characters until midway through Fall camp. They face a Cougars team that surrendered 26 rushing touchdowns in 2023 and lost both of its best players on the defensive front (Brennan Jackson, Rob Stone).
Jackson and Stone were integral parts of this defense and I don’t see how Jake Dickert replaces them. I thought the pass rush would struggle going into the year and so far it has played out that way — Washington State ranks 111st in PFF’s pass-rushing grade.
Washington quarterback Will Rogers should have time to navigate the pocket and find Denzel Boston, who has accumulated 108 yards and three scores through the air.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Washington State vs Washington odds
Washington State vs Washington live odds
Washington State vs Washington opening odds
- Spread: Washington State +4.5 | Washington -4.5
- Moneyline: Washington State +160 | Washington -190
- Over/Under: Over 55 | Under 55
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Washington State vs Washington spread and Over/Under analysis
- Washington has dominated this rivalry, winning 12 of the last 13 Apple Cups and covering the spread in seven of the last nine.
- Be sure to follow the weather forecast up until kickoff as the current projection is for an 88% chance of rain but winds of 8.1 mph that shouldn’t be too impactful.
- So far, Washington State ranks just 37th in tempo (2.31 plays per minute), but that number needs some context. Arbuckle usually has this offense operating quickly but has pulled back a little bit considering the Cougars have raced out to early leads in both of their games.
Washington State vs Washington betting trend to know
Washington is 7-2 ATS in the last nine iterations of the Apple Cup. Find more college football betting trends for Washington State vs Washington.
Washington State vs Washington game info
| Location: | Lumen Field, Seattle, WA |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-14, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Peacock |
Washington State vs Washington latest injuries
Washington State vs Washington weather
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