Washington State vs. Washington Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Michael Penix Jr., Huskies Get Hot in Apple Cup?
Rivalry week gives us a fun matchup when the undefeated Washington Huskies host their in-state rival, the Washington State Cougars, on Saturday afternoon. Can Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies get hot in Apple Cup? Matt MacKay provides his Washington State vs. Washington prediction.
Matt MacKay - November 20, 2023, 10:12 AM EST
5 minWashington State vs. Washington Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Michael Penix Jr., Huskies Get Hot in Apple Cup?
Rivalry week gives us a fun matchup at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, when the undefeated Washington Huskies host their in-state rival, the Washington State Cougars, on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Penix Jr. is a Heisman favorite after leading the Huskies to an 11-0 start this season, beating Oregon and surviving a tough road contest against Oregon State 22-20 in Week 12. The Huskies are loaded with talent on offense, averaging 39.3 points per game, ranked ninth-highest in the FBS, while its defense is a bit more porous, keeping Washington in a lot of close games across the past few weeks.
Washington State is fighting for bowl eligibility at 5-6, but there are a couple of bright spots for the Cougars. Quarterback Cameron Ward has played well, recording a 66 percent completion rate with 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. It's mainly the defense underperforming, as the Cougars have allowed 28.5 points per game this season, 94th out of 133 FBS programs. After suffering six straight losses following a 4-0 start, Washington State will attempt to play spoiler against their rival's spotless record on the road in Seattle.
NCAAF handicapper Matt MacKay is here to share his latest prediction and pick for Washington vs. Washington State in Week 13.
Washington State vs. Washington PREDICTION, PICK, ODDS: DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
- Game Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Washington State vs. Washington ODDS
- Spread: Washington -16.5 (-110), Washington State +16.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Under 67.5 (-110), Over 67.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Washington (-880), Washington State (+580)
Washington State vs. Washington INJURY REPORT
WASHINGTON
Questionable: NA
Out: NA
WASHINGTON STATE
Questionable: DB Chau Smith-Wade (Undisclosed), OL Esa Pole (Ankle)
Out: NA
Washington State vs. Washington PREDICTION
Washington State's offense should be able to produce points against the Huskies in this game. The Cougars have scored 10 offensive touchdowns in their last two games against Cal and Colorado. Plus, the Huskies' defense isn't great, allowing ten rushing touchdowns, including two per game, in four straight outings.
Penix Jr. should also have a field day against Washington State, targeting any of his elite receiving corps to score points at a high rate. The Huskies have also found success in their rushing attack, depending on the opponent, and the Cougars' run defense is porous, allowing 4.3 yards per carry and a ridiculous 25 rushing touchdowns this season.
Expect a big day from Huskies' RB1 Dillon Johnson, who is averaging 5.8 YPC with 11 rushing touchdowns this season. Wideouts Rome Odunze and Ja'lynn Polk also have 19 touchdowns between the two of them, so Washington is set up for a bounce-back spot after being held to 20 points against Oregon State, the fewest they've scored since a 15-7 win over Arizona State a month ago.
Oddsmakers understand the lack of defense we may get in this game, setting the point total line at 67.5. The Huskies have -880 moneyline odds, while being favored at -16.5 ATS. Both opponents are 5-6 ATS, so this isn't an easy line to invest in. The point total line is where we need to strike. Washington finished its last home game with 63 total points in a 35-28 win over Utah, but Washington State's defense is much worse than the Utes. Let's stake a unit on over 67.5 total points, which has occurred in three of the Huskies' six home games played thus far.
Washington State vs. Washington PICK
- Over 67.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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