The Apple Cup: Washington St vs Washington Pick
Huskies Have Won 8 of Last 9 vs Cougars
The State of Washington’s big college football rivalry hasn’t been of a game in recent years. The University of Washington Huskies have dominated the series, winning eight of the last nine games. Washington is 7-2 against the point spread in those games, making the ‘Dawgs’ alumni quite happy. But this is a different season, and the stakes are slightly higher than usual. The Cougars enter the game needing to pull off the stunning upset to become bowl-eligible. The Huskies need a win to remain unbeaten entering the Pac-12 Conference championship game. The Washington St vs Washington pick will use the current NCAAF scores and odds of Washington -16 with a total of 68.
Washington State Cougars vs Washington Huskies 
Day/Time: Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
Streaming: FOX
Too little, too late for Cougars?
Washington State appeared headed for a bowl game in the early portion of the season. The Cougars won their first four games before hitting a six-game losing streak. Three of those losses came as favorites, so it’s not as though Washington State was playing nothing but the better Pac-12 football teams. But the Cougars ended their skid in a big way last week, beating Colorado 56-14 to at least give itself a chance heading into the final game.
The Cougars are averaging 32.6 points against teams, allowing 29.6 points. Washington State doesn’t run the ball very well, gaining just 3.1 yards per carry. But the Cougars can throw the ball, gaining 337.1 yards per game and 8.1 yards per pass attempt. Washington State has hurt itself with turnovers, as the Cougars are -6 for the season.
The Cougars aren’t anything special on defense. But they’re not awful, either. Washington State is allowing 28.5 points to teams averaging 28.1 points, so they’re pretty average. The Cougars don’t excel against the run or the pass but are average in both areas.
Will Huskies Feel Pressure?
There isn’t a team in college football that wouldn’t like to be undefeated at this point of the season, but there is a fair amount of pressure that comes along with it. Not all teams handle it well, but the Huskies have managed to get the job done so far. It hasn’t always been easy or pretty, but the Huskies are 11-0, and that’s all that matters to them. However, for those learning how to bet on college football, it’s a different story, as Washington is 6-5 against the point spread. Profitable, yes, but just barely.
Michael Penix Jr. is the man who makes the Washington offense go, and the Huskies are averaging 39.3 points against teams, allowing 27.3 points per game. Washington can run the ball pretty well but would instead let Penix put the ball in the air. The Huskies run 25.8 times and throw 37.4 times per game, so they run enough to keep the defense guessing. Washington gains 7.5 yards per play, which is No. 3 in the nation.
The Washington defense is pretty solid, allowing 23.2 points to teams scoring 29.4 points. The Huskies are just average against the run but have defended the pass a little better.
What to Expect
The Cougars could use a running game here but don’t have much of one. Oregon State ran for 188 yards against Washington last week and nearly pulled off the upset. That’s going to be the way to defeat Washington. Washington State could try a few more running plays than normal, but the Cougars are going to have to put the ball in the air to have a chance of keeping this one close.
The Huskies are going to come out throwing and throw some more. Washington can’t get ahead of itself, but the Huskies could use an impressive victory. That could help them when the playoff committee decides on the four teams to compete in the college football playoffs.
Who to Bet On?
The Washington St vs Washington pick isn’t going to be on the total. At 67.5, that’s a tough number to wager into. Both teams can put points on the scoreboard. But both have played a little bit of defense when the situation calls for it.
The Washington St vs Washington pick is going to be against the point spread that has the Huskies favored by 16.5 points. It will go against the grain a little bit and be the Cougars +16. Despite the losing skid, Washington State never packed it in and was rewarded with a big victory a week ago. The Cougars lost by 14 at Oregon a month ago, and Cameron Ward can get it done through the air or on the ground for the Cougars.
For NCAAF betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
