Washington Huskies vs. Washington State Cougars Prediction and Picks - September 20, 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/18/2025, 07:23 PM ET
Jaxon Potter looks to lead the Cougars over the Huskies
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It's the Apple Cup on Saturday evening, and we have a Washington vs Washington State Prediction ready to rock and roll for you. The Huskies are off a bye week, and prior to the bye, they crushed UC Davis by a score of 70-10. Washington State is off to a 2-1 start, but they do come in off a 59-10 loss at North Texas. Washington State won last year's meeting by a score of 24-19. Read on to see our Washington vs Washington State prediction.

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Huskies Are Seeking Revenge

Washington enters the Apple Cup with revenge on its mind after last year’s 24–19 loss to the Cougars—a stunning upset that derailed their perfect season. This year’s squad looks sharper, having dismantled UC Davis 70–10 and Colorado State 38–21 to open the season. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has been efficient and explosive, throwing for 254 yards and rushing for 64 more in last week’s win, while Jonah Coleman leads a dominant ground game with 324 rushing yards and five touchdowns through two games. The Huskies rank fourth nationally in rushing offense and third in time of possession, controlling tempo and wearing down defenses.

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Defensively, Washington has allowed just 15.5 points per game and ranks 19th in total defense, giving up only 241.5 yards per contest. The secondary has been particularly stingy, holding opponents to a 50.8% completion rate and just 161 passing yards per game. The front seven has been disruptive, allowing only 3.2 yards per carry and generating consistent pressure. With Ohio State looming next week, this game is a trap spot emotionally—but the Huskies know they can’t afford another Apple Cup slip, especially with playoff implications on the horizon.

Washington’s offensive line has been dominant, paving the way for 303.5 rushing yards per game and keeping Williams upright. They’ve committed just one turnover all season and have been flagged only 11 times, showing discipline and execution. With a balanced attack, elite third-down efficiency, and a defense that clamps down after halftime, Washington is built to control this rivalry game from the trenches. If they avoid early mistakes and keep the tempo high, they should be able to flip the script from last year’s heartbreak.

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Cougars Got Destroyed By The Mean Green

Washington State comes in off a humbling 59–10 loss to North Texas, where five turnovers and a porous defense exposed major cracks. Quarterback Jaxon Potter threw three interceptions and struggled under pressure, while the run game managed just 64 yards on 28 carries. The Cougars had looked promising in their opener against San Diego State, but consistency has been elusive. With John Mateer now at Oklahoma, this year’s offense lacks the dual-threat spark that made last year’s upset possible. Still, rivalry games bring out emotion, and the Cougars will be fired up at home.

Offensively, Wazzu averages just 19.7 points per game and ranks 120th in total offense, with most of their production coming through the air. Potter has thrown for 676 yards but has six turnovers in three games, and the team has committed 21 penalties for 157 yards. The lack of a run game—just 2.3 yards per carry last week—makes them one-dimensional, and against a Washington defense that thrives on pressure and coverage, that’s a dangerous formula. If the Cougars can’t protect Potter and establish some ground balance, they’ll struggle to sustain drives.

Defensively, Washington State has allowed 40 points per game and ranks near the bottom nationally in yards allowed. The secondary gave up an 85.3% completion rate to North Texas, and the front seven has failed to generate consistent pressure. With Washington’s run game clicking and their offensive line dominating, the Cougars will need to sell out to stop the run—risking deep shots from Williams Jr. and Dezmen Roebuck. The emotional edge of the Apple Cup might keep things close early, but unless Wazzu tightens up on both sides, they’ll be chasing all night.

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Washington vs Washington State Pick

Washington vs Washington State Spread Pick

  • Washington -19.5 (5 Units)

Washington -19.5 is a sharp play with multiple angles converging. The Huskies are off a bye, rested and focused, and they’ve had this Apple Cup circled since last year’s 24–19 upset loss. With playoff aspirations still alive, they won’t take their foot off the gas. Historically, Washington is 10–2 ATS as a non-conference favorite of 24 or less, and this year’s squad has the personnel to cover with margin—Demond Williams Jr. is operating at a 73.5% clip, Jonah Coleman is averaging 7.4 yards per carry, and the defense ranks top 20 in scoring and total yards allowed.

Washington State, meanwhile, is reeling after a 59–10 loss to North Texas and has committed eight turnovers in three games. Their offense is one-dimensional, and their defense just allowed an 85% completion rate. With Washington’s ground game chewing clock and their defense forcing short possessions, this matchup sets up for a controlled blowout. Add in the emotional edge, and Washington -19.5 isn’t just a numbers play—it’s a statement spot.

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Washington vs Washington State Over/Under Pick

  • Over 52.5 (4 Units)

Over 52.5 is well-supported in this year’s Apple Cup, with Washington’s offense averaging 54 points per game and Washington State’s defense allowing 27.3. The Huskies have hit the over in both games this season, powered by Demond Williams Jr. and Jonah Coleman, who’ve combined for over 700 yards and eight touchdowns. Washington State, despite its struggles, still throws at volume and has enough tempo to contribute points—or turnovers that lead to short fields. With rivalry intensity, explosive playmakers, and red zone efficiency on both sides, this matchup profiles as a fast-paced, high-scoring affair.

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