The Washington State Cougars and the UCLA Bruins meet in week 6 college football action from the Rose Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

Washington State Remains Unbeaten

The Washington State Cougars improved their record to 4-0 on the year with a big win over Oregon State by a final score of 38-35 prior to their bye week. Cameron Ward has thrown for 1,390 yards and 13 touchdowns on 74.6% passing while also rushing for 109 yards and 3 TDs. Nakia Watson has 128 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while Lincoln Victor has a team-high 24 grabs for 342 yards and 3 touchdowns. Josh Kelly has 21 grabs for 336 yards and 5 touchdowns while Kyle Williams has 301 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns and two more Cougars have 100+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Sam Lockett III has a team-high 26 total tackles while Ron Stone Jr. has a team-high 3 sacks. As a unit, Washington State has combined for 8 sacks and 3 interceptions this season.

Washington State Cougars Team Facts

Washington State has won six of its last nine October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Washington State has covered the spread in eight of its last nine October games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Washington State has won the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Washington State has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against conference opponents.
Each of Washington State’s last eight games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

UCLA Takes First Loss Vs. Utah

The UCLA Bruins ended up with their first loss of the season prior to their bye week after a 14-7 loss to Utah last time out. Dante Moore has thrown for 849 yards, 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 54.7% passing while Carson Steele has rushed for a team-high 272 yards with 2 touchdowns and TJ Harden has 264 rushing yards with 2 scores as well. J. Michael Sturdivant has a team-high 12 receptions for 279 yards and 2 touchdowns while another three UCLA receivers have 100+ receiving yards as well. On defense, Darius Muasau has a team-high 24 total tackles in addition to 3 sacks while Laiatu Latu has a team-high 4 sacks. Alex Johnson also has a pair of interceptions. As a unit, UCLA’s defense has combined for 15 sacks and 6 interceptions this season.

UCLA Bruins Team Facts

UCLA has lost three of its last four October games as a home favorite.
UCLA has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against conference opponents.
UCLA has won the first half in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.
UCLA has won the first quarter in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.
Each of UCLA’s last seven home games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

UCLA ranked 7th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (20.5).
UCLA ranked 8th among FBS teams for points per game last season (39.2).
Washington State was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.600) than home winning percentage (.571) last season (min. 8 games).
Washington State ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (3.9).

Chris’ Pick

I’m backing Washington State here with the points. I have to imagine that UCLA is going to be driven to bounce back from their first loss of the season, but this Washington State team is sneaky good, and I could see them giving UCLA a run here. Dante Moore’s incredibly talented, but he’s also really green as well, and I could see Washington State putting a scare into the Bruins if they don’t win this game outright. Give me Washington State and the points here.