Washington State vs Washington (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch
Washington State vs Washington (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch
The annual Apple Cup comes early this year, as Washington State takes on Washington in a thrilling in-state rivalry. Set for Saturday at 3:30 PM ET, the game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, home of the Seahawks. The Huskies are currently 4.5-point favorites, but the Cougars come in with momentum and a chip on their shoulder after a big win over Texas Tech last week. This clash between Pac-12 foes is not only a battle for state pride but also an early test for both teams as they look to continue their strong starts to the season.
How to Watch Washington State vs Washington
- Game Date: Saturday, Week 3
- Kickoff Time: 3:30 PM Eastern Time
- TV Channel: Exclusively on Peacock
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline
- Point Spread: Washington -4.5
Washington is a 4.5-point favorite, meaning they need to win by at least 5 points to cover the spread. If Washington State keeps it close or wins outright, they cover. - Total (Over/Under): 56
The total is set at 56 points. A bet on the over wins if the combined score is 57 or more points, while the under wins if the total is 55 or fewer. - Moneyline:
- Washington State +163 (Bet $100 to win $163 if Washington State wins outright)
- Washington -195 (Bet $195 to win $100 if Washington wins outright)
The implied score from these odds is Washington 30, Washington State 26.
Betting Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained
- Betting Spread: Washington is favored by 4.5 points. A win by 5 or more covers the spread for the Huskies, while Washington State covering requires a win or a loss by 4 or fewer points.
- Total (Over/Under): The total of 56 points suggests a potentially high-scoring game, likely driven by Washington State’s ground game and Washington’s passing attack.
- Moneyline: Betting the moneyline is simply choosing the outright winner. Washington is favored, while Washington State presents a better payout if they win.
Implied Score and Injury Report
The implied score based on the betting odds is Washington 30, Washington State 26. Both teams are relatively healthy heading into this rivalry game, though Washington is expected to be without some key defensive contributors.
Game Analysis: Washington Huskies
Washington heads into the Apple Cup looking to extend their dominance in this rivalry, having won 12 of the last 14 meetings. However, the Huskies have shown some vulnerabilities in the early season.
Offense: Quarterback Will Rogers has been solid but not spectacular through two games. Washington’s passing game has lacked its typical explosiveness, especially on deep throws. Rogers is completing only 63.2% of his passes and has struggled with the deep ball, completing only 2 of 10 attempts over 20 yards. The Huskies need to establish a rhythm early to avoid letting Washington State control the tempo.
Defense: Washington’s defense has not lived up to expectations, especially in stopping the run. They rank dead last in the country in stuff rate, meaning they struggle to stop opposing rushers at or behind the line of scrimmage. Against a run-heavy Washington State team, this could be a key weakness.
Key to Watch: Can the Washington defensive front slow down Washington State’s powerful rushing attack? If the Huskies can’t improve their run defense, this game could get out of hand.
Game Analysis: Washington State Cougars
Washington State is coming off a massive win over Texas Tech, and they enter this game with plenty of confidence. Head coach Jake Dickert has his team playing tough, hard-nosed football, and they’ll look to build on that momentum.
Offense: The Cougars have shifted to a more run-focused offense this season. Quarterback John Mateer is a dual-threat, leading the team in both passing and rushing. Mateer has been effective on the ground, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, while running back Nakia Watson adds a reliable second option. The Cougars rank 11th in predicted points added (PPA) per rush, which could pose a serious problem for Washington’s struggling run defense.
Defense: Washington State’s defense has been opportunistic, creating turnovers and winning the field position battle. While they’ve had success stopping the run, their pass defense will face its toughest test yet against Washington’s aerial attack.
Key to Watch: If Washington State can control the clock with their running game and keep Washington’s offense off the field, they’ll have a strong chance to pull the upset. Their defense needs to contain Will Rogers and force the Huskies into long drives.
Recent Trends and Head-to-Head Matchup
- Washington: The Huskies have dominated this series, winning 12 of the last 14 matchups. However, they’ve only covered the spread in 2 of their last 9 games as favorites, raising questions about their ability to win big in these spots.
- Washington State: The Cougars have covered the spread in 5 of their last 7 games as an underdog and seem to thrive in this role. They’ve also covered 2 of the last 3 Apple Cups, making this matchup even more intriguing.
In the last meeting, Washington narrowly escaped with a 40-35 victory in 2021. Washington State will be looking to avenge that close loss, and their running game gives them a good chance to do so.
In-Depth Matchup Breakdown
Washington’s Game Plan:
For Washington, the key to victory will be finding success through the air. Will Rogers must be efficient, spreading the ball to his wide receivers and targeting weaknesses in the Washington State secondary. Defensively, the Huskies must shore up their run defense if they hope to stop the Cougars’ rushing attack.
Washington State’s Strategy:
Washington State’s success will hinge on their ability to control the clock and establish the run early. If John Mateer can keep the Washington defense off balance with his dual-threat capabilities, the Cougars can grind out long drives and limit Washington’s offensive opportunities. Defensively, Washington State needs to generate pressure and force Rogers into uncomfortable situations.
Prediction: Washington State vs Washington
Both teams have something to prove in this year’s Apple Cup, and the stakes feel especially high with both programs riding momentum from their early-season performances. Washington State’s rushing attack and Washington’s shaky defense make this a closer matchup than the 4.5-point spread suggests.
Final Score Prediction: Washington 28, Washington State 27
Pick: Washington State +4.5, and take a shot at the Cougars on the moneyline for an upset.
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