Washington State vs Utah State Prediction, Player Props Picks & Opt-Outs – Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

• Utah State is a 1.5-point favorite over Washington State in Monday’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
• The Cougars’ defense held opponents to 10 points or fewer in four of their final five games
• See my Washington State vs Utah State prediction, props picks, and opt-outs for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl below

---

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl brings together two 6-6 programs looking to finish their seasons strong. Washington State and Utah State face off Monday afternoon in Boise, with both teams dealing with major opt-outs and coaching changes.

The Cougars are slight underdogs in the CFB odds despite how good their defense has been lately. WSU closed the regular season with eight straight Unders, allowing 10 points or fewer four times in their final five games.

Utah State averaged 31.2 points per game during the regular season. But losing star wide receiver Braden Pegan wipes out their best weapon in the passing game.

Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM ET from Albertsons Stadium in Boise, ID, with ESPN providing the coverage. Here’s my Famous Idaho Potato Bowl prediction, props picks, and the latest opt-out updates from the college football opt outs tracker.

Washington State vs Utah State Prediction

I’m backing the under in this Potato Bowl matchup. Washington State’s defense has been one of the most profitable Under bets in college football over the past two months, and I don’t see that changing in Boise.

The Cougars went 8-0 to the under in their final eight games, allowing just over 20 points per game during that stretch. Their defense gives up about 5 yards per play and has been completely underrated all season despite those numbers.

Utah State losing Pegan hurts bad for this total. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards with nearly 1,000 yards on the season. The Aggies averaged over 8 yards per pass attempt during the regular season, and losing their top big-play threat changes everything for their offense.

Utah State WR Braden Pegan plans to enter the transfer portal @bradenpegan 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Q6MUCIMoAZ

— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) December 12, 2025

Washington State’s rushing attack was already terrible among bowl-eligible teams, averaging just 4.0 yards per carry with leading rusher Kirby Vorhees. Now he’s opted out, leaving a massive hole in an already bad ground game. Utah State’s defensive weakness is defending the run, but the Cougars can’t take advantage anyway.

The coaching situation also works for the Under cashing. Washington State promoted defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit to interim head coach after Jimmy Rogers left for Iowa State. That means even more focus on defense in bowl prep.

WSU interim coach Jesse Bobbit says he's trying to balance enjoying his last few days with the Cougars while also gunning for a win in Monday's bowl game.

Also says Utah State QB Bryson Barnes is "kinda reckless — in a good way." pic.twitter.com/jCbSuvUryb

— Greg Woods (@GregWWoods) December 20, 2025

Sharp money agrees with this pick. The total opened at 54.5 and has been hammered down to 49.5 at some books. That’s a five-point drop driven by professional bettors who recognized the value immediately.

Both teams have strong pass defenses, which limits big plays through the air. Utah State’s run defense won’t be tested by Washington State’s struggling rushing attack. Everything points to a grinding, low-scoring game.

Washington State also went 6-1 against the spread in their final seven games despite going just 3-4 straight up. The market has consistently undervalued this defense, and I’m betting that continues one more time.

WSU vs Utah State Player Props for Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Odds as of Dec. 22. New customers can claim the FanDuel promo code and get a bonus to bet on CFB props.

Zevi Eckhaus Under 195.5 Passing Yards

Eckhaus averaged 146.7 passing yards per game during the regular season, and I’m betting he stays below that average in Boise. Washington State’s offensive line has been a mess all year, and with Vorhees gone, the Cougars have zero running game to keep Utah State honest.

The Aggies can load up on pass rush and force Eckhaus into quick throws. He’s also thrown 9 interceptions this season, showing he struggles when pressured. Utah State’s defense should pin its ears back and make life miserable for the Washington State quarterback.

Bryson Barnes Anytime Touchdown Scorer

Barnes has been money near the goal line all season with 9 rushing touchdowns. He’s averaged over 4 yards per carry on 176 attempts, and Utah State should control this game enough to get multiple red zone chances.

"HE IS INDESTRUCTIBLE."
Bryson Barnes truck stick! pic.twitter.com/luv878LjFd

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 29, 2025

Washington State’s defense has been solid, but Barnes’ dual-threat ability creates problems in short-yardage situations. He can keep the ball on read options or scramble when the pocket breaks down. With the Aggies favored and likely ahead late, Barnes will have chances to punch it in on the ground.

Josh Meredith Over 4.5 Receptions

Meredith is Washington State’s only reliable receiving option left standing. With multiple receivers opted out, Eckhaus has no choice but to force-feed his top target. Meredith caught 49 balls during the regular season and averaged over 4 catches per game.

In a game where Washington State will likely be playing from behind, expect high-volume short passes to Meredith. The Cougars need to keep drives alive with quick completions, and Meredith is the guy who’ll see those targets. Five catches feels like the floor for him in this matchup.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Opt Outs

Both teams are without several key players that change this matchup. Washington State has lost contributors on both sides of the ball, while Utah State’s injury list is long.

Washington State Opt Outs

The Cougars are without several key players for this bowl game. Leading rusher Kirby Vorhees won’t play after compiling 576 yards and 5 touchdowns on 138 carries. While he averaged just 4.0 yards per attempt, losing him leaves a hole in an already bad ground game.

Wide receiver Braden Pegan has entered the transfer portal and won’t suit up. The same goes for receivers Tony Freeman and Carter Pabst, though Pabst is dealing with an injury. Quarterback Jaxson Porter is also in the transfer portal.

On defense, linebacker Anthony Palano and cornerback Kenny Worthy have both entered the transfer portal. Offensive lineman Brock Dieu is out with an injury.

Washington State is allowing some players who entered the transfer portal to play in this game, though the earlier opt-outs like Vorhees are not included in that policy.

Utah State Opt Outs

The Aggies are dealing with a long injury list heading into Boise. Linebacker Samson Alofipo, defensive lineman Naki Fahina, and safety Jonathan Baird are all sidelined. Linebacker Williams Holmes won’t play either.

On offense, tight end Broc Lane and wide receivers Demick Starling and Corey Thompson Jr. are all out. Cornerbacks Jack Hadfield and Courage Ugo complete Utah State’s lengthy injury report.

Utah State has a ton of absences that create depth concerns across the roster. While Washington State lost some starters, the Aggies are dealing with double-digit players unavailable for this bowl game.

Washington State vs Utah State Odds

Washington State opened as a 4-point underdog, but the line has moved 2.5 points in the Cougars’ favor. The spread has shifted from WSU +4.0 down to +1.5, showing sharp money backing Washington State throughout the week. The Cougars went from clear underdogs to essentially a pick’em game.

Washington State is getting +1.5 at -105 odds at most books, while the Aggies are laying -1.5 at -115.

The total sits at 49.5 after opening at 54.5. That five-point drop represents one of the sharpest moves in any bowl game this season. Sharp money hammered the under immediately, and books responded by dropping the number significantly.

Odds as of Dec. 22 from consensus college football betting apps.

Moneyline pricing has Utah State at -115, while Washington State is +105. The matchup predictor from ESPN gives the Cougars a 57% chance to win versus 43% for the Aggies.

Per the college football public betting trends, Utah State is receiving 67% of the spread money, and 65% of the Over/Under handle is on the Under 49.5.