- Matchup: Fresno State Bulldogs vs Washington State Cougars
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Venue: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
- Broadcast: USA Network
- Betting Odds: Cougars favored by 2.5 points
- Total Points Over-Under: 46.5
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
The Washington State Cougars, with a record of 1-3, are set to face the Fresno State Bulldogs, who are 3-1, at Martin Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Opening lines from Vegas give the Cougars a slight edge as 2.5-point favorites, with the total points set at 46.5.
Fresno State heads into this game boasting a solid 3-1 record for the season. Their most recent game was a victory against the Rice Owls, where they secured a 38-24 win. In that matchup, the Bulldogs allowed 344 rushing yards on 46 attempts, averaging a concerning 7.5 yards per rush. On defense, Fresno gave up 8 completions on 17 attempts, yielding 119 passing yards and achieving a completion percentage of 47.1%. Offensively, the Bulldogs executed 68 plays for a total of 459 yards, including 34 carries that netted 249 yards and an impressive average of 7.3 yards per carry.
This season, the Bulldogs have accumulated a total of 1,461 yards. Scoring-wise, they’ve recorded 6 touchdowns through the air and 7 on the ground, while committing just 2 turnovers. With 74 first downs, the Bulldogs have encountered 19 penalties totaling 130 yards. Rushing-wise, they average 159.8 yards per game, placing them at 71st nationally. On average, Fresno State puts up 28.3 points per game.
Defensively, the Bulldogs rank 41st nationwide, allowing 19.0 points per game. They permit an average of 4.6 yards per carry and a total of 171.8 rushing yards per game, leading to 687 rushing yards allowed over 4 games. In passing defense, Fresno has surrendered 925 yards, ranking 98th in Division 1, allowing 231.3 yards per game with a 62.5% completion rate. Over the season, they have given up an average of 403.0 yards per game, placing them at 114th in Division 1, with 5 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns conceded.
On the other hand, the Cougars enter this contest with a 1-3 record. Their last performance resulted in a 34-24 defeat against the Arizona Wildcats. In that game, Washington State accumulated 335 yards on 71 plays, averaging 4.7 yards per play. Their rushing attack produced a meager 94 yards on 30 carries at an average of 3.1 yards per attempt. Defensively, they allowed the Wildcats 150 rushing yards on 38 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards per rush. Moreover, Washington State’s pass defense yielded a completion percentage of 61.1%, giving up 297 yards on 22 of 36 passing attempts.
When it comes to scoring, the Cougars rank 109th in Division 1, averaging 22.3 points per game. Their offensive unit is generating 313.8 yards per game, placing them at 128th in college football. Washington State has also incurred 222 yards in penalties over 27 infractions, ranking 60th nationwide in terms of mistakes. They have thrown 4 interceptions and allowed opponents to recover 3 fumbles, while recording 77 first downs. This season, the Cougars have tallied 644 passing yards at an average of 161.0 yards per game, which ranks 123rd in the country, alongside a rushing average of 152.8 yards per game for a total of 611 rushing yards.
The Cougars’ defense has allowed 693 rushing yards (173.3 yards per game) and 4 rushing touchdowns this year. In terms of passing defense, they’ve yielded 8 touchdowns along with an average of 207.0 passing yards per game, which ranks them 71st nationally. Overall this season, they have given up 99 total points. Their defense has yet to recover a fumble and has recorded only 3 interceptions thus far. Participating in 264 defensive plays, the Cougars are ranked 85th in college football, permitting an average of 24.8 points per game, placing them at 86th in Division 1.
Who will emerge victorious in the matchup between the Bulldogs and Cougars?
Prediction: Back the Cougars -2.5
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
