Washington vs Washington State Odds, Picks, Predictions (11/26/22)

Washington visits Washington State to cap off Rivalry Week in College Football. Washington is coming off a blowout win against Colorado last week, while Washington State won relatively comfortably against Arizona. This should be an interesting matchup for the Apple Cup, especially with the Pac-12 Championship still being a possibility for Washington. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Washington vs. Washington State Odds

Washington is a 2-point road favorite against Washington State and is at -130 on the money line. The over/under is also at 60. Washington being a favorite here makes sense because they’ve looked like the better team compared to the Cougars. The reason why it’s not bigger is because Washington State is at home and is a very good team on top of that. The over/under makes sense too because both of these offenses can score pretty well.

The defenses are good too, but this type of game could easily be a shootout. This line could move up more in favor of Washington because it’s so low so keep an eye on that.

Washington vs. Washington State Prediction & Pick

The Pick: Washington State +2

Washington State is in prime position for this upset. It’s a home game for the Cougars, and Pullman can be a weird place to play for opposing teams. It’s very remote and small, and has a weird feeling to it. The Cougars also might have the best defense in all of the Pac-12. They allow 20 points and 366 total yards a game. The Cougars have been underwhelming on offense, but if their defense plays well all they need to be is efficient on offense and keep the Husky offense off the field.

The key will be how they defend a Washington offense that’s been electric all year. Kalen DeBoer has been the savior for the Washington offense this year, and completely re-did it after the Huskies struggled to score all of last year. The offense is averaging 40 points and 505 total yards a game. Michael Penix Jr. is leading the way on that end at quarterback too. The issue will be with how the Washington defense does, which has been very inconsistent this year. The better play in this game is to take the Cougars and the upset in this heated rivalry. The combination of a good defense and the game being played in Pullman should be the difference in this game, situationally, for the Cougars.

Washington vs. Washington State Key Matchups

Can Washington slow down Cam Ward? Can Washington State contain Michael Penix Jr.?

Cam Ward vs the Washington Secondary

Cam Ward has been okay for Washington State this year, but the expectations were there for it to be more. He has 2,772 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, and he has a 64% completion percentage on the year. Washington is okay against the pass and allows 231 passing yards a game. The key will be how efficient Cam Ward is against the defense because he has a lot of potential to take advantage and be the difference maker for the Cougars in this year’s Apple Cup.

Michael Penix Jr. vs the Washington State Secondary

Michael Penix Jr. has been incredible for Washington this year. He has 3,869 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and he has a 67% completion percentage on the year. He reunited with his former offensive coordinator from Indiana in Kalen DeBoer and it’s like he didn’t miss a beat, and actually got better this year. Washington State allows 247 passing yards a game, which is a good matchup for Penix to take advantage. Penix is the biggest key in this game for Washington and if he has a big game then Washington could run away with this game because he’s matters that much to their offense.