Washington State football schedule 2019: Game-by-game predictions

Game-by-game predictions

Game 1: vs. New Mexico State

The Cougars open up their season with a non-conference battle at home against New Mexico State. Washington State might need a couple of quarters to get the offense rolling but this should be a blowout by the time this one is over.

Result: Win

Game 2: vs. Northern Colorado

FCS Northern Colorado rolls into town against the Cougars. It seems safe to say Washington State is long past its days of slipping up against an FCS opponent. This should be another blowout for the Cougars.

Result: Win

Game 3: at Houston

The first road game of the season is a trip to Houston. After leaving West Virginia, Dana Holgorsen took some country roads and became coach of Houston. This battle of two programs named Cougars should feature plenty of points. Even though Houston ended last season on a down note, D’Eriq King will be tough to contain. Washington State loses a tough one in a shootout on the road.

Result: Loss

Game 4: vs. UCLA

Chip Kelly’s UCLA comes to Pullman for the first conference game of the season. While Kelly should have the Bruins on the up this season, they’re still not ready to compete in a shootout against the likes of Washington State on the road.

Result: Win

Game 5: at Utah

The Cougars will look to pick up their first road win when they visit Utah. Last season’s affair with Utah was a 28-24 win in Pullman. This season it’s on the road, which makes this a coin flip game. Utah’s defense has some great players returning. This would be a statement win for Washington State.

Result: Win

Game 6: at Arizona State

Visiting the desert could be a tough go if the heat is still sweltering. ASU has made a living off upsets in September and October at home. Herm Edwards in his second season and will have a new starter at quarterback this season. If there’s a trap on the schedule, the Cougars could melt down in Tempe. This game will be close, but the Cougars should have the edge.

Result: Win

Game 7: vs. Colorado

If anyone wants to pencil in a conference blowout, it should be when Colorado visits Washington State. The Cougars handled the Buffaloes easily in Boulder last season and should do a bigger number at home against Mel Tucker’s squad.

Result: Win

Game 8: at Oregon

The Oregon Ducks want to stake their claim in the Pac-12 this season. With Justin Herbert back, they’re going to be difficult to take down. If this is in Pullman, Washington State might be able to pull it off. However, Oregon playing at home gives them a slight edge.

Result: Loss

Game 9: at California

Washington State and California always do something unexpected when they play. It usually involves a lot of combined points. However, they decided to play a 19-13 game last season that still is one of the most inexplicable things that doesn’t get talked about enough. Anyway, Washington State should win this if they can put up points early.

Result: Win

Game 10: vs. Stanford

Stanford and Washington State have played some classics recently. These games always seem to be decided by a difference of a field goal. While Washington State is at home, Stanford’s pulled it off before and K.J. Costello could be primed for a big season. This could be one of those tough losses on the schedule that keeps Washington State out of the conference championship game.

Result: Loss

Game 11: vs. Oregon State

Ahead of the Apple Cup, Washington State can’t get caught looking ahead. Playing against Oregon State should be a good tune-up before they visit their rivals. The Cougars will put up plenty of points at home in this contest.

Result: Win

Game 12: at Washington

Mike Leach has yet to really solve his Washington problem since joining the Cougars. The Apple Cup hasn’t been kind to him and there’s been plenty of chirping. Unfortunately, this one’s in Seattle and the Cougars have yet to prove they can take control of this rivalry against Chris Petersen’s group.

Result Loss

Final Record: 8-4 (6-3 in Pac-12)