Bill Connelly’s SP+ model projects UCLA to take down No. 13 Washington State by a score of 29-25 on Saturday.

Jake Dickert’s Cougars have been one of the surprise teams of the season thus far. The high-flying Wazzu offense has been complimented by a stout defense, allowing this team to take down ranked Wisconsin and Oregon State teams in Pullman.

Quarterback Cameron Ward — a former Incarnate Word transfer — has thrown for 1,390 yards, 13 touchdowns, and zero interceptions while completing 74.6% of his passes. He’s also tacked on 109 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.

UCLA began the season 3-0 with wins over Coastal Carolina, San Diego State, and NC Central. But, after freshman quarterback Dante Moore was red-hot through those three games, the Bruin offense sputtered in a 14-7 loss against Utah two weeks ago.

The highly-touted Moore has thrown for 849 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions and taken firm control of the starting QB spot after an offseason competition.

Both Washington State and UCLA are coming off of bye weeks. The matchup between the Cougars and Bruins will take place at noon PT on the Pac-12 Network on Saturday.

WEEK 6 SP+ PICKS

Bama 25.2, A&M 24.7!
Texas 29, OU 27!
Mizzou 30, LSU 29! 🐯
ND 29, Louisville 22
UCLA 29, Wazzu 25
Bucks 34, Terps 18
FSU 35, Hokies 16
UGA 30, UK 18
Rebs 35, Hogs 25
Michigan 33, Minnesota 15

I mean, I’m all for all the biggest games being 1- or 2-pointers… pic.twitter.com/hoXqr1CPtR

— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) October 1, 2023