We end another loaded college football weekend on Saturday out on the West Coast. The Utah State Aggies (2-6) will travel to Pullman, Washington, to take on the No. 20-ranked Washington State Cougars (7-1).
The Aggies squeaked out a narrow victory against Wyoming before their bye week, but their offense staggered a bit throughout the matchup. Meanwhile, the 7-1 Cougars are also coming off a bye, before which they narrowly defeated the San Diego State Aztecs.
Oddsmakers have the Cougars as 20.5-point favorites, while the total is set at 70.
Let's take a look at my Utah State vs. Washington State prediction and college football picks for Saturday, Nov. 9.
Utah State vs Washington State Prediction, Picks
- Utah State vs. Washington State Pick: Over 70 (Play to 71.5)
My Utah State vs. Washington State best bet is on both teams to go over the total, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Utah State vs Washington State Odds, Betting Lines, Spread
| Utah State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+20.5 -108 | 69.5 -112o / -108u | +850 |
| Washington St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-20.5 -112 | 69.5 -112o / -108u | -1450 |
- Utah State vs Washington State Point Spread: Utah State +20.5 (-110) · Washington State -20.5 (-110)
- Utah State vs Washington State Total: Over/Under 70
- Utah State vs Washington State Moneyline: Utah State +850 · Washington State -1425
Utah State Football vs Washington State Football Preview
Utah State Aggies Betting Preview: No Defense to Be Found
The Aggies' offense — which has been this team's bread and butter — should have capitalized against a bad Wyoming team in its last matchup. Offensively, these Aggies love to run up-tempo and constantly find themselves in opposing territory.
Given the matchup, their offense cannot afford to stagger here. They are massive three-touchdown road underdogs, so they must be clicking on all cylinders to keep the game competitive.
The Aggies enter the matchup ranked in the top 50 in Line Yards, Pass Success Rate, and Havoc Allowed. QB Spencer Petras has thrown 11 TDs and 6 INTs since he took over for Bryson Barnes.
The Cougars' defense seems decent, but they have not played a tough schedule in terms of offensive opponents. There should be a lot of explosive plays waiting to happen, especially with the Cougars being dead last in PFF Tackling.
The Utah State offensive front should hold up against the Washington State defensive line, which does not create much Havoc, so I would expect Petras and Co. to take advantage. Given that both offenses love to go at a lightning pace, I expect minimal clock churning on the offensive side of the ball, especially since the Aggies only run the ball at a 43% clip.
Defensively, well… shield your eyes. The Aggies rank outside the top 115 in all of the following defensive metrics:
- Pass and Rush Success Rate
- Finishing and Quality Drives
- Havoc
- Line Yards Allowed
It's been a disaster of a season for this defense, and there is a reason they were involved in the highest posted FBS total of the season against New Mexico a few weeks ago (closed at 78.5). Against a Cougars offense that loves to go up-tempo, I do not expect the defense on the field very long.
Washington State Cougars Betting Preview: Dynamic Passing Offense
It's been a great season in Cougars country, and there is a decent chance that they will finish 11-1. Unfortunately, because of their strength of schedule, they cannot make the College Football Playoff.
With the Pac-12 temporarily disbanded, it really hurt the Cougars that they are not a part of a conference with an automatic bid. Not to say they belong in the same conversation as these playoff teams, but they've earned the right to at least take on a playoff-worthy opponent.
QB John Mateer is a massive reason the offense is clicking on all cylinders. He's thrown 18 TDs and chipped in nine rushing TDs.
The Cougars are in the top 40 in both Finishing and Quality Drives and rank 18th in Pass Success Rate. It's an incredible matchup for the offense, and I expect them to run up and down the field all evening long.
Defensively, they've done a decent job against the run. But as I alluded to earlier, the offenses they've faced thus far have been less than intimidating. The best offense they've faced thus far is Boise State, against which they allowed 45 points. They also allowed 52 points to San Jose State; against competent offenses, they've been getting gashed.
Their best defensive feature is their run-stoppers, but the Aggies do not run the ball much. Washington State fails to create consistent Havoc and has been poor in the red zone.
The good news is that the Cougars are 34th in PFF coverage, but they've been a horrendous tackling unit. With a lack of Havoc and poor tackling ability, it is setting up to be a good old-fashioned barn burner out West.
Utah State vs Washington State
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Utah State and Washington State match up statistically:
Utah State Offense vs. Washington State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 89 | 61 | |
| Line Yards | 32 | 65 | |
| Pass Success | 46 | 63 | |
| Havoc | 51 | 80 | |
| Finishing Drives | 81 | 64 | |
| Quality Drives | 88 | 96 | |
Washington State Offense vs. Utah State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 67 | 122 | |
| Line Yards | 83 | 130 | |
| Pass Success | 18 | 115 | |
| Havoc | 76 | 122 | |
| Finishing Drives | 41 | 119 | |
| Quality Drives | 21 | 130 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 106 | 134 |
| PFF Coverage | 100 | 31 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 97 | 99 |
| Middle 8 | 115 | 55 |
| Seconds per Play | 21.9 (3) | 25.3 (30) |
| Rush Rate | 43% (114) | 55% (66) |
How To Bet My Utah State vs Washington State Pick
I love the matchup for the Cougars offense, and I also believe their defense will get exposed. It is a very high total, but considering both teams are coming off sub-par offensive displays, it is a great time to take an over.
The other positive for these teams is that they had a bye week to prepare for the matchup, so we could see some new offensive installations that will catch their opposition off guard. Let's face it: The Aggies' defense does not know what a 3-and-out is, and they are essentially turnstiles when opponents enter their territory.
Both of these offenses love to go lightning quick, so we should always see minimal clock churned. Plus, the Cougars may expand their lead late in the game, allowing them to pull some of their defensive starters.
It is a great game script for both teams to score many points, and I like that sharp money has started to pour in on the over. After the Alabama/LSU game, this is a perfect game to flip on late at night and watch both offenses light up the scoreboard.
Pick: Over 70 (Play to 71.5)
Washington vs Utah State Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How To Watch
| Location: | Martin Stadium, Pullman, Washington |
| Date: | Saturday, Nov. 9 |
| Kickoff Time: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | The CW |
Utah State vs Washington State will be played at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET. You can stream the game live on The CW.
