Washington State Cougars vs. Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions, Saturday October 18, 2025
Use Code SSWC We have a pair of non-conference teams meeting for the first time, so we understand if you need a little help, which is why we are dropping our Washington State vs. Virginia predictions to help you make the play of the day. The Cougars (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) fell against No. 4 Ole Miss last weekend, 24-21, as +33 underdogs on the road. The No. 18 Cavaliers (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) picked off a 30-27 win at Louisville as +6.5 underdogs last week. Kickoff from Scott Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 EST and for more, check out all of our NCAAF Predictions.Â
Washington State falls shy of a major upset
The Cougars are playing teams from 10 different conferences this season, and this will be their ACC opponent. They nearly pulled off a massive upset against their SEC opponent, No. 4 Ole Miss, last weekend, but fell short in their comeback attempt. Washington State’s offense had 345 yards and 21 first downs in the loss, while the defense allowed Ole Miss to gain 439 yards and 25 first downs.
Through six games, Washington State’s offense averaged 20.7 points per game. In the yard department, they’ve averaged just 313 total yards per game, the 17th lowest average in the country. Their passing game is averaging 227 yards while they’ve gained just 86 yards per game via the rush. Since taking over the QB role in week four, Zevi Eckhaus has thrown for 758 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has been sacked eight times, half of them coming last weekend. He's played well since replacing Jaxon Potter at quarterback and has added some mobility (2 TDs). Tony Freeman leads the team with 30 catches for 304 yards. The running attack has been led by Kirby Vorhees, who has 244 yards on 48 carries.
Washington State’s scoring defense is allowing 28 points and 348.3 total yards per game. They’ve done a solid job against the pass, allowing 192 yards per game while also recording 14 sacks. Their fortune against the run has been different, allowing 156.3 yards per game. Five different players have at least 30 tackles this season, and Parker McKenna leads the pack with 45 to go with one sack. Ten different Cougars have taken part in a sack, and Isaac Terrell leads the team with 4.5.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Team notes
- With 12 tackles versus Ole Miss, Parker McKenna had eight career double-digit tackle games.
- Jack Stevens is 14-14 on PATs and 8-9 on FGs with a long of 49 yards.
- Are one of only four FBS teams to not have an interception.
- Have gone 8-for-10 on fourth down attempts.
Virginia is on a roll
It took a pair of overtime wins over their last two games to get to this point, but the Cavaliers are already just a win shy of being bowl eligible. Against Louisville, they were up 10 going into the fourth quarter but failed to score as the defense allowed their opponent back in, before they handled things in overtime. The Cavaliers’ offense has only 237 yards and 14 first downs in the win, while the defense allowed 383 yards and 25 first downs.
Virginia’s offense is averaging 489.2 yards and 43 points per game, both the second-best mark in the ACC. Their passing game is producing 271.7 yards per game. Chandler Morris threw for 149 yards against Louisville, matching a season low. The senior QB has completed 69.9% of his passes for 1,428 yards, 11 TDs, 4 INTs and he’s been sacked five times, all in his last three games. Three receivers have more than 20 catches and Trell Harris leads the team with 384 receiving yards and 3 TDs. Their rushing attack is third in the conference, averaging 217.5 yards per game. J’Mari Taylor is third in the ACC with 465 rushing yards.
On defense, the Cavaliers are giving up 23.8 points and 358.5 total yards per game. Their rushing defense is eighth in the ACC, allowing 118.5 yards per game, and the passing defense is giving up 240 yards a game, 11th in the conference. Virginia has recorded 16 sacks and four interceptions. Devin Neel leads the team with 30 tackles and four pass deflections, complemented by a half sack. Daniel Rickert is tied for second in the conference with 4.5 sacks.
Team notes
- Will Bettridge is 31-31 on PATS and 9-12 on FGs.
- For only the second time in program history they opened the season scoring at least 30 points in their first six games.
- The team has not lost a fumble in their last eight games.
- Offense has three games of 500 or more yards.
Washington State vs. Virginia Picks
Spread Pick for Washington State vs. Virginia
- Virginia -17.5 (5 units)
This is the very first time that these two programs will be meeting on the gridiron. Virginia is on a four-game tear, but it didn’t look quite like itself last week. Chalk that up to a strong Louisville defense. Washington State will not offer nearly the resistance. They have one of the more porous run defenses in the country and the Cavaliers are gearing up to shove the ball down their throat. Virginia’s offense line is a unit and they are extremely tough in both pass and run coverage, so the Cougars’ defensive front is going to be extremely limited in what they’ll be able to do in this game. Washington State should have some confidence after nearly pulling off an upset versus a Top 5 foe last week, but this is also a team that fell to North Texas by 49 points earlier in the season. Virginia is 4-0 ATS in their last four games.
Take the Cavaliers to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Washington State vs. Virginia
- Over 56.5 (5 units)
These two teams have differing offenses, though both are capable of chipping in towards any total, especially with Virginia in play. The Cavaliers are averaging nearly 500 yards per game, putting themselves into scoring position nearly every time. Washington State has struggled with their running game, but their passing attack has done a good job to set up points. The Cougars scored 21 points or more in three of their last five games. The Cavaliers put up at least 30 points in all of their games and 46 or more in four of those. I do not expect the defenses to do a lot here. Both are giving up over 23 points per game.
The over is 8-4 between the teams this season.
Your first expert pick is completely free — no catch, no gimmicks. Use code FREE at checkout to claim your first premium play today. [GET MY FREE BEST BET]
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
