Washington State vs Washington Picks and Prediction for Sunday September 6 2026

Washington State and No. 17 Washington renew one of college football's great rivalries when they meet in the Apple Cup on Sunday, September 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, with NBC providing national television coverage. Washington enters as a substantial 23.5-point favorite, while Washington State is getting +23.5. The total is currently set at 50.5. The Huskies are also massive moneyline favorites, making the bigger handicapping question whether Washington can create enough separation to cover more than three touchdowns against its in-state rival. Get into the action with our free college football picks.

Washington State Gets a Big Number in a Rivalry Game

Washington State couldn't ask for a more difficult way to begin the 2026 season. The Cougars go directly into Husky Stadium against a ranked Washington team in the Apple Cup. The betting market certainly recognizes the gap between the programs. Washington State is receiving 23.5 points and is priced above +1200 at some sportsbooks to pull the outright upset. But we're interested in the spread rather than asking Washington State to win.

More than three touchdowns provides substantial protection in a rivalry game. Washington State can lose 34-14 and still cover comfortably. Even a 35-14 final leaves the Cougars on the right side of +23.5. The relatively modest 50.5 total also helps the underdog argument. If Washington State can generate somewhere around 14-17 points, Washington may need to score close to 40 before Huskies bettors can comfortably cash.

Washington State was beaten decisively in the most recent Apple Cup, so there's certainly a legitimate case for Washington's ability to separate. Still, laying more than three touchdowns in a rivalry opener is a significant price.

Washington Has the Clear Talent Advantage

Washington enters the season ranked No. 17 and gets the advantage of opening its schedule at Husky Stadium. The market isn't particularly concerned about the straight-up outcome. Washington is priced anywhere from approximately -2000 to beyond -3000 depending on the sportsbook, giving the Huskies an overwhelming implied probability of winning. 

Washington also dominated the previous meeting. The Huskies won the 2025 Apple Cup 59-24, creating a 35-point margin. A repeat performance would obviously make -23.5 look inexpensive. But expecting another 59-point performance is aggressive when the current total is only 50.5.

Washington doesn't necessarily need to play aggressively for four quarters to accomplish its primary objective. If the Huskies build a comfortable second-half advantage, protecting the lead and getting through the opener becomes more important than extending the margin for bettors.

That's where Washington State's +23.5 becomes attractive.

Washington State vs Washington Picks and Prediction

Pick: Washington State +23.5

I'm taking Washington State +23.5. Washington is clearly the more likely winner and should control significant portions of the game, but getting more than three touchdowns in the Apple Cup is enough for me to back the Cougars. The 50.5 total is another important consideration because the spread represents nearly half of the game's projected combined scoring. Washington State doesn't need to threaten the upset. The Cougars simply need enough offense to prevent Washington from creating another enormous margin. Something around Washington 34, Washington State 17 gives the Huskies a convincing 17-point victory while comfortably cashing the underdog. Take Washington State +23.5.

Pick: Over 50.5

I'm going against the obvious correlation and taking Over 50.5. Washington should have enough offensive opportunities to reach the 30s, which means the handicap comes down to Washington State contributing approximately 17-20 points. Rivalry games can also produce aggressive fourth-down decisions and scoring opportunities that wouldn't necessarily occur in a conventional nonconference opener. My projected 34-17 final reaches 51, giving us only a narrow edge, so I wouldn't chase this number if it rises significantly. At the current 50.5, however, I'll take my chances with the Over. Take Over 50.5.

Final Picks: Washington State +23.5 and Over 50.5