Washington State (4-1) and Fresno State (3-2) play in Week 7 at Valley Children's Stadium in Fresno, CA. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on Fox Sports 1.
The Cougars enter Saturday after a bye week, looking to bounce back from a bad loss to Boise State and build on their 4-1 record.
Fresno State also enters Saturday after a bye week. It is now 3-2 following a blowout loss to UNLV two weeks ago.
Washington State is a 3.5-point favorite on the point spread, and the over/under is 61.5.
Read on for my Washington State vs Fresno State prediction and college football picks for this Week 7 NCAAF matchup.
Washington State vs Fresno State Picks, Prediction
My Washington State vs Fresno State best bet is on the under, with the best line currently available at BetMGM Sportsbook.
Washington State vs Fresno State Odds, Spread, Betting Lines
| Washington State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | -165 |
| Fresno State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | +140 |
- Washington State vs Fresno State Point Spread: Washington State -3.5 (-110) · Fresno State +3.5 (-110)
- Washington State vs Fresno State Total: Over/Under 61.5
- Washington State vs Fresno State Moneyline: Washington State -165 · Fresno State +140
Washington State Football vs Fresno State Football Preview
Washington State Cougars Betting Preview: Explosive Plays
Head coach Jake Dickert is in his third full season in Pullman, amassing around a .500 record during his time. But the Cougars are off to a hot start, and a win on Saturday would be another step in the right direction.
Sophomore quarterback John Mateer looks good in the offseason, compiling 18 total touchdowns through five games. He's the engine of an offense that is averaging nearly 42 points per game.
Despite all the "success," the Cougars rank 60th nationally in Pass Success Rate and 83rd in Rush Success Rate. Mateer and Co. are often over-reliant on chunk plays, as the team leads FBS in Explosiveness. Still, coach Dickert prefers running the ball, ranking top 40 nationally in rush rate.
In this matchup, I expect Washington State to focus on the ground game, control time of possession and keep the defense rested.
Speaking of Washington State's defense, it's been OK, allowing 32 points per game — although the Cougars often play shootouts because of their high-octane offense. They rank 74th nationally in Success Rate allowed and 104th in Explosiveness allowed.
Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Preview: Establishing The Run
First-year head coach Tim Skipper is off to a 3-2 start as head coach of the Bulldogs. However, his predecessor didn't leave the cupboard dry, as starting quarterback Mikey Keene and top running back Malik Sherrod returned in the offseason. As a result, the Bulldogs are scoring over 30 points per game.
Like Washington State, Fresno State loves the big play. The Bulldogs rank 17th nationally in Explosiveness. But they're also more balanced, splitting run and pass calls evenly.
Unfortunately, also like Washington State, Fresno State has struggled at producing down-to-down offense, ranking 93rd nationally in Success Rate. Their leading rusher has managed only 196 yards through five games.
The Bulldogs need to improve the rush game if they hope to compete in the Mountain West. Therefore, I expect Coach Skipper to try and establish the run against a weak Washington State front seven.
Fresno's defense has held up this season, although you wouldn't know if you had only watched them play at UNLV a few weeks ago. The Bulldogs allow 28 points per game and have been solid at limiting chunk plays while forcing plenty of turnovers.
Washington State vs Fresno State Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Washington State and Fresno State match up statistically:
Washington State Offense vs. Fresno State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 56 | 60 |  |
| Line Yards | 84 | 75 | |
| Pass Success | 43 | 47 | |
| Havoc | 84 | 62 | |
| Finishing Drives | 58 | 72 | |
| Quality Drives | 38 | 57 | |
Fresno State Offense vs. Washington State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 112 | 81 | |
| Line Yards | 124 | 41 | |
| Pass Success | 50 | 89 | |
| Havoc | 73 | 102 | |
| Finishing Drives | 75 | 99 | |
| Quality Drives | 73 | 109 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 134 | 68 |
| PFF Coverage | 44 | 75 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 104 | 94 |
| Middle 8 | 54 | 108 |
| Seconds per Play | 24.4 (18) | 26.8 (59) |
| Rush Rate | 54% (72) | 50% (94) |
How To Make College Football Picks For My Washington State vs Fresno State Prediction
With both teams coming off blowout losses and a bye week, I would expect them both to be focused on rebuilding some confidence in their defenses.
Therefore, I expect a rush-heavy attack from both offenses to keep the stop units fresh.
We should see a tight, lower-scoring game.
Pick: Under 61.5 (-115, BetMGM)
Washington State vs Fresno State Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How to Watch
| Location: | Valley Children's Stadium, Fresno, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, Oct 12 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FS1 |
Washington State vs Fresno State will be played at Valley Children's Stadium in Fresno, CA, on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET. You can stream the game live on Fox Sports 1.
