We’re officially halfway through the season, sitting at 3–3 with the trajectory pointing upward after encouraging performances in each of the last two games. So where does that leave the Cougs in terms of bowl game hopes? And how are the remaining opponents on our schedule performing this season? Let’s take a look!
Note: All “Predicted Spreads” are my own projections based on research — they could absolutely be off and should not be taken as betting advice.
Ranking Systems Explained:
CFB Professor Rankings: From Adam McClinton (@cfb_professor on X). One of the most accurate predictive models in college football.
PFF Ranking: Pro Football Focus’ system, which can be skewed by blowouts but becomes more accurate as the season progresses.
RPI Ranking (Rating Percentage Index): Based on a team’s winning percentage, the winning percentage of its opponents, and the winning percentage of those opponents’ opponents.
Current WSU Rankings
WSU (3–3): #78 CFB Professor | #100 PFF | #88 RPI
Our rankings are heavily skewed by the blowout loss to North Texas. The CFB Professor model is likely the most accurate reflection of how this team is playing right now.
October 18th: @ #18 Virginia (5–1)
Spread: Virginia -16.5 | #39 CFB Professor | #23 PFF | #37 RPI
You can check out our full game preview for a deeper breakdown, but the short version: this is one of the best Virginia teams in recent memory. Still, the ACC looks shaky overall this year, and much of the Cavaliers’ résumé comes from wins against ACC opponents. At 16.5-point favorites, it would take a monumental upset for WSU to pull this one off — especially on their second straight trip to the East Coast — but nobody thought we’d hang with Ole Miss either!
October 25th: vs Toledo (3–3)
Projected Spread: Pick ’em to WSU -4.5 | #48 CFB Professor | #12 PFF | #63 RPI
The Rockets — one of the best mascots in college football — travel to Pullman next weekend. Representing the MAC, Toledo’s numbers are all over the place, helped by a few blowout wins (60–0 and 45–3). This won’t be an easy game.
November 1st: @ Oregon State (0–7)
Projected Spread: WSU -4.5 to -7.5 | #106 CFB Professor | #130 PFF | #108 RPI
In the first leg of the home-and-home with our Pac-2 brethren, we head to Corvallis. It’s been a nightmare season for the Beavers, who are now in search of a new head coach. While their record is ugly, they’ve been competitive enough to have a few wins by now. As we’ve seen with UCLA’s turnaround under a new coach, things can change fast. After watching Oregon State’s students rush the field on us in our past two trips to Corvallis, this one is far from a gimme.
November 15th: vs Louisiana Tech (4–2)
Projected Spread: WSU -5.5 to -8.5 | #96 CFB Professor | #85 PFF | #89 RPI
The Bulldogs come to Pullman from Conference USA as the temperatures drop on the Palouse. With a 1–2 road record and a long flight ahead, they’ll be facing a Cougs team coming off a bye. This is one WSU should handle comfortably.
November 22nd: @ James Madison (5–1)
Projected Spread: JMU -3.5 to -6.5 | #73 CFB Professor | #29 PFF | #67 RPI
The third East Coast trip of the year sends WSU to Harrisonburg, Virginia. Since moving up to Division I four years ago, JMU is 33–10 overall and has lost just three home games. The Cougs will need to bring their best to steal a win here.
November 29th: vs Oregon State (0–7)
Projected Spread: WSU -6.5 to -9.5 | #106 CFB Professor | #130 PFF | #108 RPI
Refer to the earlier Oregon State notes — though whichever team loses the first matchup might have a slight edge in the rematch. Still, WSU should enter as solid favorites.
Final Predictions
I’m no oddsmaker, but based on how things are trending, WSU should be favored in four of its final five games. The most realistic outcome feels like a 6–6 finish, with an outside shot at 7–5 if things break right, get ready to go bowling again Cougs!