[tps_title]Washington State at Washington[/tps_title]
[tps_header]1:30 p.m., Fox[/tps_header]
WASHINGTON STATE (8-3, 6-2) AT
WASHINGTON (5-6, 3-5)
1:30 p.m., Fox
Pointspread: Washington is favored by 7.5 points
— The line has shifted from Washington as a 6-point favorite to 7.5 points after it was off the board earlier in the week because of Luke Falk’s injury.
— For the first time in more than a decade there is relevance to the Apple Cup. Washington State can plant itself into one of the top-tier Pac-12 bowl games with a victory and keep alive hopes for a 10-win season. Washington needs a win to reach six victories and become bowl eligible. The Huskies might fall into a bowl at 5-7.
— The game pits the top passing offense in the country (Washington State) against the second-best pass defense in the Pac-12 (Washington). The Cougars receivers, led by Gabe Marks and Dom Williams, produce at a high rate weekly. Washington has allowed more than 300 yards passing only once this season and is second in the conference in both yards passing allowed and pass efficiency defense.
— Washington State QB Peyton Bender will likely make his first career start in the game in place of Falk, who was carted off the field during last week’s win over Colorado. Bender has stepped in for Falk and thrown a touchdown in each of the past two games.
— Washington RB Myles Gaskin, a true freshman, has already set many freshman records during a breakout season. He needs just 17 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Gaskin has six 100-yard games and is about to face a Washington State defense that is giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.
— The is the first time either team is ranked headed into the Apple Cup since 2003. Last time both teams were ranked in the Apple Cup was 2001.
— Washington State RB Gerard Wicks became the Cougars first 100-yard rusher since 2010 running for 123 yards last week against Colorado.
— Washington has won three straight Apple Cups and the past three played in Seattle. Cougars last win in Seattle came in 2007.
Washington State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington State’s last 5 games
Washington State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Washington’s last 15 games
Washington is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home
My pick: Washington State will win and cover
Steve Rivera’s pick: Washington will win but Washington State will cover
Anthony Gimino’s pick: Washington will win but Washington State will cover
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