POLL: Who wins this year’s Apple Cup, Huskies or Cougars?

Washington and Washington State have identical 9-2 records heading into Saturday’s game in Seattle.

Apple Cup week has arrived!

The annual football showdown between the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars takes place Saturday at Husky Stadium in Seattle, and this year’s edition appears poised to be a good one.

The teams come into the game with identical records — 6-2 in the Pac-12 and 9-2 overall. The teams are ranked right next to one another in the Associated Press top 25, with the Cougars sitting at No. 14 and the Huskies right behind at No. 15.

Unfortunately, the game doesn’t have quite the magnitude of last year’s Apple Cup, which was a winner-takes-all affair for the Pac-12 North title, as well as a must-win for Washington if the Huskies were to maintain any hopes of getting into the College Football Playoff. Washington ended up running away with that one in Pullman, prevailing 45-17, and after defeating Colorado in the Pac-12 Championship game the Huskies earned a spot in the final four. No one’s playing for a final-four spot this year, though five weeks ago it looked like they both may be.

But there’s still high stakes for Washington State. The Cougars will claim the division title and a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game on Dec. 1 in Santa Clara, California, with a win. Washington was already eliminated from contention by virtue of having lost to Stanford, so if the Huskies win it will be the Cardinal who face USC for the conference title.

Washington State had a bye this week, meaning the Cougars will be well-rested for the Apple Cup. Washington is coming off its dramatic last-second 33-30 victory over Utah in which the Huskies didn’t look their best, but still showed the fortitude to come back to win.

Statistically, the Huskies have a slight edge. Washington ranks second in the Pac-12 in scoring offense (36.5 points per game) and first in scoring defense (14.5), while Washington State ranks sixth in scoring offense (33.0) and third in scoring defense (22.9). The Cougars, behind senior quarterback and Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist Luke Falk, once again have the conference’s leading pass offense. The Huskies counter with junior quarterback Jake Browning, who leads the Pac-12 in passing efficiency.

The early betting odds had Washington a 9.5-point favorite, which seems high considering how even the teams appear on paper. But this poll isn’t about picking against the spread, it’s strictly about picking the winner. Who ya got?


Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.