Washington State vs San Diego State Prediction 10/31/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Washington State Cougars and the San Diego State Aztecs will meet Saturday night in a Pac-12 Conference matchup at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective.

Washington State Cougars Betting Preview

The Washington State Cougars enter Saturday night’s matchup with a 1-7 record (1-3 home record, 0-4 mark on the road and an 0-4 mark in Pac-12 play). The Cougars arrive at this contest in poor overall form, losing the team’s last six games, including a 31-10 defeat to the Boise State Broncos last week.

The Washington State offense has struggled the vast majority of the 2026 regular season. Let me be more specific. In eight games played in 2026, the Cougars are averaging only 18.9 points (120th in FBS) and 300.3 total yards per game. Washington State has generated 179.3 passing yards and 121.0 rushing yards per contest.

Defensively, the Cougars have been unable to consistently stop opposing offenses. Washington State is allowing 27.6 points and 386.1 total yards per game this season. The Cougars will look to improve on the team’s recent poor offensive performances in Saturday night’s matchup with the San Diego State Aztecs.

Sophomore quarterback Caden Pinnick has compiled 952 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 194 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy has been Washington State’s top receiving threat, amassing 30 receptions, 401 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while running back Kirby Vorhees has tallied 275 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

San Diego State Aztecs Betting Preview

The San Diego State Aztecs enter Saturday’s contest with a 3-5 overall record (3-1 record at home, 0-4 mark on the road and a 2-2 mark in Pac-12 play). The Aztecs have played below average football recently, losing two of the team’s last three games, including a 56-49 loss to the Colorado State Rams one week ago.

The San Diego State offense has been inconsistent this season. The Aztecs are averaging 26.5 points and 326.9 total yards per game.

Defensively, San Diego State has struggled mightily. The Aztecs rank 135th nationally in total defense, allowing 461.5 yards per game, and 133rd in scoring defense, surrendering 36.1 points per contest. They have also allowed 283.6 passing yards per game, which ranks 134th nationally.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal has thrown for 896 yards and seven touchdowns, while wide receiver Jaylon Hawkins has accumulated 18 receptions, 322 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Talented running back Javion Kinnard has been the centerpiece of the offense, rushing for 526 yards and three touchdowns.

Why the Washington State Cougars will win.

• The Washington State Cougars are 5-3 ATS this season.

• Matchup advantage. San Diego State ranks 135th nationally in total defense and 133rd in scoring defense.

• Passing defense. Washington State has been better against the pass than San Diego State, allowing 215.4 passing yards per game compared to the Aztecs 283.6.

Why the San Diego State Aztecs will win.

• Home field advantage. The Aztecs are 3-1 at Snapdragon Stadium this season.

• Better offense. San Diego State averages 26.5 points per game compared to Washington State’s 18.9 points per contest.

• Quarterback play. Jayden Denegal has thrown for 896 yards and seven touchdowns.

Washington State vs. San Diego State Prediction

In my view, the way to go in this matchup is the total rather than a side. Why? Both defenses have struggled throughout the season, particularly San Diego State, which ranks 135th nationally in total defense, allowing 461.5 yards per game, 134th in passing defense and 133rd in scoring defense at 36.1 points allowed per contest.

Additionally, the Aztecs are coming off a 56-49 shootout loss to Colorado State, a game that produced 105 total points. San Diego State has now allowed 56 points to Colorado State and 66 points to Oregon State in two of its last three contests. Neither team has been effective on defense, and both offenses are facing favorable matchups. With that said, I expect both teams to find offensive success on Saturday night. I am backing over 47.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Over 47.5