Washington State vs San Diego State Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 31 2026
Washington State has one win. San Diego State just surrendered 56 points to Colorado State. And somehow, I’m supposed to find a team I trust in this matchup? That’s a tough assignment. The Cougars have been losing almost every Saturday, but they’ve actually been better against the spread than their record suggests. The Aztecs, meanwhile, can score one week and look completely helpless defensively the next. This is the kind of game where somebody wins and both fan bases still find something to complain about. Be ready for the college football betting action with our free college football picks.
Washington State visits Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on CBS Sports Network. At the time of writing, a verified sportsbook spread and total weren’t available. My target prices are Washington State +6.5 or better and Under 55.5 or higher. An early forecast suggests temperatures around 68 to 69 degrees, light winds with gusts near 9 mph, and a 17% to 36% chance of rain depending on the forecast provider. Nothing currently suggests a major weather disadvantage.
Washington State Has Been Losing, But Not Always Getting Blown Out
Washington State is 1-7 overall and 0-4 in Pac-12 play. The Cougars lost 31-10 to Boise State on Saturday, their fifth consecutive defeat. Before that, Oregon State beat them 48-30, Utah State escaped with a 17-16 victory, and Fresno State won 26-6. That’s a pretty miserable stretch. But here’s the interesting part: Washington State is 5-3 against the spread. The Cougars have been losing football games while occasionally doing enough to reward bettors taking the points. Their road record is 0-4, so winning outright in San Diego would still be a significant surprise.
The offense has been the biggest disappointment. Washington State scored 48 against Duquesne, but it has reached 30 only once against FBS competition. The Cougars managed ten points against Boise State and six against Fresno State. That’s not enough production to trust against anybody. They have shown some ability to move the ball through the air, particularly against Oregon State, but the running game hasn’t been reliable. Washington State needs to avoid turnovers and create manageable third downs. If the Cougars get behind early and have to throw constantly, San Diego State could make this another frustrating afternoon.
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Defensively, Washington State has been inconsistent rather than completely hopeless. The Cougars held Washington to 24 and Utah State to 17, but Oregon State scored 48. Boise State managed only ten points through three quarters Saturday before breaking the game open with three fourth-quarter touchdowns. That’s worth remembering. Washington State can hang around for stretches, but it has struggled to finish. San Diego State’s offense isn’t as consistent as Boise State’s, so the Cougars should have opportunities to get stops. They need to tackle better late in games and avoid giving up the explosive runs that buried them Saturday.
San Diego State Needs to Remember How to Play Defense
San Diego State is 3-5 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 play after losing 56-49 at Colorado State. That’s a basketball score masquerading as a football result. The Aztecs actually scored enough to win comfortably in most weeks, but the defense couldn’t get off the field. San Diego State has now allowed 56 to Colorado State, 66 to Oregon State, and 41 to Toledo. The Aztecs are 2-2 at home, where they’ve beaten Texas State and Fresno State. That home-field advantage is probably their biggest edge Saturday.
Offensively, San Diego State has been improving. The Aztecs scored 31 against Texas State, 26 against Fresno State, and 49 against Colorado State. That’s encouraging after some ugly performances earlier in the season. Washington State has been vulnerable to explosive plays, and San Diego State should find opportunities to move the football. The Aztecs need to establish the run and avoid the turnovers that can keep an inferior opponent hanging around. If they can control possession, they should be able to put up points against a defense that just allowed 31 to Boise State.
The problem is trusting the defense. San Diego State is allowing more than 30 points per game, and the last three weeks have been particularly rough. Oregon State scored 66, Fresno State scored 23, and Colorado State put up 56. That’s 145 points in three games. Washington State hasn’t been particularly productive offensively, but the Cougars have enough passing ability to exploit defensive mistakes. The Aztecs need to prevent big plays and make Washington State sustain drives. If they can’t do that, this could be another uncomfortable afternoon.
Washington State vs San Diego State Picks and Predictions
Washington State +6.5 or Better
I’ll take Washington State if the Cougars are getting at least 6.5 points. San Diego State should win at home, but I’m not interested in laying a big number with a defense that just allowed 56 points. Washington State has covered five of eight games, and the Cougars have been competitive enough against several opponents to make this interesting. The concern is their offense. If they can’t score, none of San Diego State’s defensive problems will matter. But I think the Cougars can move the ball against this secondary and keep the margin within one possession.
Under 55.5 or Higher
I’m taking Under 55.5 if that number becomes available. San Diego State just played a 105-point game, so I understand why the over will attract attention. But Washington State hasn’t been nearly as productive offensively as Colorado State, and the Cougars have scored ten or fewer in three games this season. San Diego State should score, but I don’t expect another 49-point performance. The danger is the Aztecs’ defense giving up explosive plays and turning this into another shootout. Still, I think Washington State’s offensive limitations keep the combined score manageable. Something around 28-21 San Diego State makes sense.
Final Picks: Washington State +6.5 or better and Under 55.5 or higher
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