Arizona Wildcats vs Washington St. Cougars Predictions
Fifita’s efficient passing and Washington State’s productive rushing offer reasons for optimism, but neither recent result establishes a betting edge.
Arizona’s passing production needs matchup context
The Arizona Wildcats visit the Washington State Cougars in Pullman on September 26 during the 2026 college football season. Arizona enters at 2-1 following a 42-17 victory over Northern Illinois; Washington State is 1-2 after beating Duquesne 48-7.
Noah Fifita completed 31 of 34 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns against Northern Illinois. Arizona generated 441 total yards and converted nine of 13 third downs, a productive performance that gives its offense something to build on.
The Wildcats also fell behind 10-0 before scoring 42 unanswered points. Their defense allowed 157 yards in the first quarter and 184 afterward. That recovery matters, but the early deficit tempers the performance. These results alone do not establish how Arizona’s passing game matches up against Washington State’s defense.
Washington State’s scoring requires a closer look
The Cougars rushed for 316 yards against Duquesne. Maxwell Woods contributed 116 yards on 11 carries, while Kirby Vorhees added 109 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Caden Pinnick rushed for 76 yards, ran for a touchdown and threw two touchdown passes.
Washington State also scored on two punt returns. Those plays contributed to the 48-point total, so treating that score as a measure of offensive production would overstate the case. The rushing numbers are encouraging, but one game does not establish an advantage against Arizona.