3% Washington State (3:30 ET): You could have got Wazzu +8 on the lookahead line last week, before they won outright (as 2.5-point home dogs) over Texas Tech, 37-16. Following that result, oddsmakers were forced to make an adjustment, reopening Washington -4 and LY’s National runners-up have taken money since. I don’t agree with that. Even if you give the Huskies a little bit for “home field advantage” (this game is being played in Seattle, but in the Seahawks’ stadium, not on campus), I can’t get any higher than -2. Have we forgotten just how much this Washington team has lost from last season? 

In last year’s “Apple Cup,” Washington State came in as a 14.5-point underdog and nearly pulled off an outright upset, only losing 24-21. Wazzu never led in the game, but answered all three Washington TDs (7-7, 14-14, 21-21) and ended up outgaining the Huskies 381-306. The game was decided on a FG as time expired. That was against an undefeated Washington team with Michael Penix as the starting QB. This Washington team lost just about everyone from 2023 (just 2 starters back). Adding more fuel to Wazzu’s fire, their in-state rival left for the Big 10 and the Cougs are without a conference (this season). So, similar to Oregon-Oregon State, the underdog is going to treat this as their “Super Bowl.” (i.e. biggest game of the season). 

Now there was some 4th down variance that went Wazzu’s way in last week’s upset of Texas Tech, plus they were +3 in turnovers and outgained 491-416. Nevertheless, I just don’t think they should be this large of an underdog on a quasi-neutral field. (They should have their fair share of supporters in the stands). Only once in the last 10 years has Wazzu been able to beat UW and they know this is as good a chance as any.  I give the Cougs a great shot at pulling the outright upset. Take the points. 3% Washington State (Play to +4)