Washington State Cougars vs San Diego State Aztecs Predictions

Matchup outlook

San Diego State entered Saturday 3-5 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 play, compared with Washington State at 1-7 and 0-4. The Aztecs are 2.5-point home favorites at Snapdragon Stadium and -142 on the SPF moneyline, but their defense makes both prices difficult to back.

Yahoo Sports, in a report originally published by Sports Illustrated’s San Diego State site, said redshirt freshman Stone Saunders will make his second consecutive start. Jayden Denegal remains day-to-day with an ankle injury. Washington State is expected to give Owen Eshelman his third straight start after he replaced Caden Pinnick.

Where each team can gain an edge

The Spokesman-Review reported that San Diego State ranks 135th among 138 FBS teams in total defense, allowing 462 yards per game, and 133rd in scoring defense at 36 points per game. The Aztecs also rank 134th against the pass, giving Eshelman a chance to move the ball despite Washington State’s poor record.

Washington State’s running backs have averaged only 48 yards on 15 carries against FBS opponents, according to The Spokesman-Review. That could leave Eshelman in predictable passing situations against an Aztecs defense with 16 sacks, including 8.5 from linebackers Djibril Rahman, Kai Wallin and Sione Hala.

Kickoff Status, citing the Pac-12 player-availability report, lists four San Diego State defensive backs as out and two more as questionable. Washington State has its own defensive problems, with only five takeaways and eight sacks this season, so Saunders may not face consistent pressure in his second career start.

Betting view

San Diego State is the more likely winner because it has the better record, plays at home and can pressure a Washington State offense without a productive running game. Still, the Aztecs’ defensive rankings and secondary absences make -2.5 and -142 hard to justify. With inexperienced quarterbacks on both sides and no reliable scoring projection, the betting lean is Pass.