Washington Huskies vs Washington State Cougars Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Washington State and Washington are both 2-0 as they head into their week three non-conference matchup at Lumen Field in Seattle. Kick-off is set for 3:30 ET, and the game will be broadcast on PEAC. The Huskies are technically the home team, but it is being played on a neutral site. The over/under line is 55.5 points, and the Huskies are -4.5 point favorites. The money line odds are +158 for Washington State and -192 for Washington.

Washington State vs. Washington Key Information

• Teams: Cougars at Huskies
• Where: Lumen Field Seattle
• Date: Saturday, September 14th
• Betting Odds WASH -192 | WASHST +158 O/U 55.5

For a deeper understanding of how these odds can impact your bets, check out our Football Betting Guide.

The Cougars Can Win If…

Washington State is now 2-0 after their 37-16 win over Texas Tech. The Cougars, who were +2.5 point underdogs, not only won the game but also covered the spread. This was a big win for Washington State, as they were facing a Texas Tech team that was favored by -2.5 points. The game’s over/under was set at 65.5 points, but the combined score of 53 points was under this line.

Washington State took an early 7-3 lead in the first quarter and then outscored Texas Tech 20-7 in the second quarter to go up 27-10 at halftime. The Cougars added another touchdown in the third quarter and held Texas Tech to just three points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Washington State’s offense was powered by a strong ground game in their 37-16 win over Texas Tech. The Cougars rushed for 301 yards and four touchdowns, with John Mateer leading the way. Mateer, who also played quarterback, ran for 197 yards on 21 carries and added a rushing touchdown to his stat line.

The Cougars finished with 416 yards of total offense, with 115 yards coming through the air. Mateer completed 9 of 19 passes for 115 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Josh Meredith was his top target, catching two passes for 54 yards.

Washington State’s defense will be looking to tighten up after allowing 491 total yards in their last game. The Cougars gave up 343 passing yards on 35 completions and allowed 148 rushing yards on 27 attempts. Despite these numbers, Washington State managed to come out on top, 37-16. The Cougars’ defense also picked off two passes, but they still gave up 24 first downs to Texas Tech.

• Through their last three games, the Washington State Cougars have a record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record over this stretch is 3-0 while posting a 1-2 over-under mark.
• Washington State has put together a record of 3-7 in their last ten games (regular season). In these contests, the team went just 5-5 against the spread, while going 5-5 on the over-under.

The Huskies Can Win If…

Washington is now 2-0 after their 30-9 victory over Eastern Michigan. The Huskies were favored by -25 points but ended up winning by 21, leading to a push against the spread. The over/under line was set at 48.5 points, but the game finished with just 39 combined points, hitting the under.

The Huskies took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and then exploded for 21 points in the second quarter, while Eastern Michigan managed just a field goal. Washington added 9 more points in the third quarter, and Eastern Michigan’s final score came in the fourth quarter.

Washington’s offense was dominant in their 30-9 win, racking up 517 total yards and 23 first downs. The Huskies’ ground game was effective, gaining 201 yards on 27 carries, while their passing attack added 316 yards and four touchdowns.

Quarterback Will Rogers completed 80.8% of his passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 148.08. Jonah Coleman led the rushing effort with 104 yards on 11 carries, and Jeremiah Hunter was the top receiver, hauling in five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Washington’s defense was dominant in their most recent game, holding Eastern Michigan to just 204 total yards. The Huskies were particularly strong against the run, allowing only 75 rushing yards on 37 attempts. In the passing game, Washington gave up 129 yards on 16 completions, with Eastern Michigan attempting 27 passes.

• Washington has put together a record of 3-0 over their past three games. Against the spread, the team is 2-1 in these same games while going 1-2 on the over/under.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Washington Huskies have gone 10-0 straight up. In these contests, the team went just 4-5-1 against the spread, while going 4-6 on the over-under.

The Lean

Washington State comes into this game as the +4.5 point underdogs on the road vs. Washington. We have this one projected as a 26-22 win for the Huskies, but we like the Cougars to cover the spread.

With the over/under line sitting at 55.5 points, our projection of 48 combined points suggests that taking the under is the best play for this matchup.

If you’re already familiar with football betting basics, take a look at our NCAAF Picks to make smarter wagers.

Washington and Washington State Gear Up for a High-Stakes Apple Cup Showdown

The Apple Cup is back, but this year, it’s a bit different. Washington and Washington State will clash in a rare nonconference version of their long-standing rivalry, thanks to recent conference realignments. With Washington heading to the Big Ten and Washington State remaining in a diminished Pac-12, the college football landscape is shifting, but the intensity of this rivalry? That’s as fierce as ever. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 2-0, and this year’s game will take place at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, giving the showdown a fresh twist.

The Rivalry Stays Strong Despite Conference Changes

For the first time in over 60 years, Washington and Washington State will be playing in different conferences. However, to keep the Apple Cup alive, both schools signed a five-year agreement ensuring the rivalry continues despite the shakeups in college football. While future matchups will return to the teams’ respective home fields, this year’s game will be held on neutral ground at Lumen Field, adding a unique element to an already electric rivalry.

Coaches Jedd Fisch of Washington and Jake Dickert of Washington State have both emphasized that the conference realignment hasn’t dulled the game’s significance. The Apple Cup is still the Apple Cup.

“Rivalry games always bring a little extra intensity,” Fisch remarked, noting how the energy during practice ramps up in the week leading up to the game. Both teams are locked in, knowing that while the conference stakes might be gone, the emotional stakes are as high as they’ve ever been.

Both Teams Off to Hot Starts

Washington has been on fire to start the season, securing two commanding wins: a 35-3 blowout of Weber State and a solid 30-9 victory over Eastern Michigan. Quarterback Will Rogers has been nearly perfect, completing 41 of 52 passes for 511 yards and five touchdowns in just two games. The Huskies’ offense has been clicking, with running back Jonah Coleman adding 231 rushing yards and three touchdowns to the mix. The combination of Rogers’ passing game and Coleman’s ground attack makes Washington a serious threat on both fronts.

Not to be outdone, Washington State has looked equally impressive. They stomped Portland State 70-30 and followed that up with a strong 37-16 win over Texas Tech. The star of the show? Dual-threat quarterback John Mateer, who has been a nightmare for opposing defenses. Mateer has rushed for 252 yards while throwing for 467 yards and six touchdowns in just two games. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs is something Washington’s defense will need to keep a close eye on.

Key Storylines to Watch

Rivalry Intensity: Conference Changes Don’t Matter

Even though this year’s Apple Cup doesn’t carry any conference implications, it doesn’t take away from the intensity. With both teams sitting at 2-0, the stakes are high. Rivalry games always bring out the best in teams, and this one will be no different.

Washington’s Aerial Assault

Will Rogers has been lethal in the air so far this season, and if Washington State’s defense can’t find a way to pressure him, he could pick them apart. Look for the Huskies to test the Cougars’ secondary early and often.

Washington State’s X-Factor: John Mateer

John Mateer’s dual-threat ability makes him a tough matchup for any defense, and he’s been in top form. If Mateer can continue to rack up yards on the ground while keeping Washington’s defense guessing with his passing, the Cougars could pull off an upset.

Neutral Site: Lumen Field

Playing at Lumen Field brings a different dynamic to the game. While it’s technically a home game for Washington, the neutral site adds an extra layer of unpredictability. The NFL atmosphere might just level the playing field a bit, making it anyone’s game.

Once you’ve made your picks, it’s crucial to understand how odds affect your potential winnings. Visit our NCAAF Odds page for more information.

Washington’s Historical Edge in the Apple Cup

Historically, Washington has dominated this rivalry, leading the all-time series 73-32-6. But with the game moving to a nonconference setting, Washington State has a chance to flip the script. Winning this game would be huge for the Cougars, especially in a season where they’re looking to prove their worth amidst the chaos of conference realignment.

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert made it clear how much this game means to his team and the fans: “Getting the Apple Cup back to Pullman is a big deal.” Expect the Cougars to come out swinging, knowing that a win here would be a major statement.

Conclusion: A New Era, Same Intensity for the Apple Cup

While the Apple Cup may have shifted into a nonconference rivalry for the time being, its significance hasn’t changed. With both Washington and Washington State sitting at 2-0, this matchup at Lumen Field promises to be a high-stakes, high-energy clash. Washington will look to continue its dominance, while Washington State is eager to claim the Apple Cup and make a statement.

As always, the Apple Cup is about more than just football — it’s about pride, history, and a fierce rivalry that endures through all the changes in college football. Expect a hard-fought, thrilling game that reminds everyone why this rivalry matters so much.