Any other year, I would be all over Washington in this situation, but there's something about this Washington State team. Perhaps it is the fact that the Cougars (9-1) have been a cover machine, while the Huskies (2-8) have been disappointing all season. Maybe it's the fact that they're averaging nearly eight points more per game and standing up against some tough offenses. Hell, maybe it's Gardner Minshew's mustache. Washington is 72-32-6 all-time the Apple Cup with five straight wins in the series and victories in eight of the last nine meetings. The last four games between these teams have been decided by more than 25 points each, all in UW's favor. But this is 2018, and in 2018, Wazzu is the better team. And it's playing at home, where it's 5-0 this season.

Look for the Huskies to play spoiler on No. 8 Washington State’s season.

Washington has been a bit of a disappointment this year, but the Huskles still have a chance to compete for the Pac-12 title. to do so, they need to beat a Washington State team that is in the unfamiliar role of favorite and will clinch the North and a title-game berth with a win. Washington has won five straight in this series, with the last four coming by an average of 27 points. look for Chris Petersen's club to take out a season's worth of frustrations on their rival and get back to the Pac-12 title game in the process.

Washington State has gone Over in seven of 11 games aided by a 40-22 average score. Washington State has revenge on its mind after losing 41-14 last season in Seattle and I expect the Cougars to keep doing what they've been doing all season. Last week they beat Arizona 69-28. WSU has covered 10 of 11 games while Washington has failed to cover its last six. Cheap number with WSU.

What a story the Cougars have been in college football this year. They've been able to answer the call for virtually every "big test" they've had this season. Here is another one: the Washington Huskies. I think when you look at Huskies HC Chris Peterson, and what he does to attack an offense, it puts a ton of pressure on the opponents' ability to protect. Protection is key for a Mike Leach offense that survives on throwing the football all over the yard. Unless the Cougars can run the ball efficiently enough to calm the pressure, then it should be more of the same against UW.

The sum of inclement weather and high winds equals reduced scoring. That is the presiding formula for the Apple Cup matchup, where rain and/or snow along with double-digit winds will put a lid on points. For both teams, an Under would prolong a pattern. The visiting Huskies have been below the total in four of the five most recent away games, the homesteading Cougars in seven of the 10 latest home dates. WSU QB Gardner Minshew is outstanding but must buck a disturbing trend in the series. The last five Apple Cups have borne witness to 12 interceptions and 19 sacks for Cougar QBs.