| MATCHUP | Washington State Cougars | Washington Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +23.5 -112 | -23.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +1200 | -2400 |
| Total | Over 51.5 (-108) | Under 51.5 (-112) |
| Where | Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA | |
| When | Sunday, September 6, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBC | |
Washington State Cougars Betting Preview
Washington State won seven games last season and now begins the Kirby Moore era. Washington State has quietly won seven or more games in four of its last five seasons.
UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick steps in at quarterback, and he’s a dual threat who put up numbers out west. Kirby Vorhees returns at running back after leading the Cougars in rushing, while Tony Freeman and Trey Leckner are a receiving duo that combined for six touchdowns. There’s potential with this Washington State offense given the proven production. Defensively, Washington State lost damn near everybody who contributed, and it’s sure to lead to growing pains in a complex under defensive coordinator Trent Bray. New coaching staff, new conference; it may take time to adjust. However, a talented offense will make Washington State competitive regardless.
Washington Huskies Betting Preview
Washington won nine games last season and enters year three under coach Jedd Fisch. Washington has won eight or more games in seven of its last 10 seasons.
Demond Williams Jr. returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns. Washington snagged Oregon running back Jayden Limar, and receiver Dezmen Roebuck is back after 42 catches and seven touchdowns. This side of the ball has talent and will be looking for big-play ability. Defensively, Washington is led by a strong linebacker unit that includes Xe’ree Alexander and Jacob Manu. The secondary added Virginia transfer Emmanuel Karnley, who has 13 career pass deflections. Washington has its coach, has built a winning culture, and there’s differene makers on both sides of the ball. Best case, Washington gets a handful of marquee wins and is back in the CFP conversation.
Why the Washington Huskies will win
- Washington has won each of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents at Husky Stadium.
- Washington State has lost each of its last seven road games against AP-ranked teams.
- Washington has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games as a favorite in Washington.
- Washington State has lost the first half each of its last three September games as a road underdog against AP-ranked teams.
Why the Washington State Cougars will win
- Washington State has won three of its last four games as an underdog in Washington.
- Washington State has covered the spread in each of its last six games as an underdog.
- Washington has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference at Husky Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Six of Washington State’s last seven games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Washington’s last five games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference have gone UNDER the total points line.
Washington Huskies Player Prop Facts
- Demond Williams Jr. ranked 10th amongst qualified players for passer rating (161.0) last season.
Washington State Cougars Player Prop Facts
- Tony Freeman ranked 1st in the Pac-12 Conference for punt return yards (415) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Washington ranked 9th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (9.9).
- Washington ranked 9th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage last season (50.3).
- Washington State has suffered the most equal-margin road losses by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team last season (3).
- Washington State ranked T5th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against last season (33.3).
Washington State vs Washington Prediction
Washington is the more talented team, the more complete team, and should win this game. However, this is a lot of points for a rivalry game. We’re starting the season with the Apple Cup, and it’s hard for me to leave all of these touchdowns on the table. Washington State is a question mark defensively but has game changers on offense, and that gives the Cougars a puncher’s chance to, at the very least, hang around. I’m going to grab the points with the Cougars.