Washington State running back Max Borghi (left) celebrates with quarterback Anthony Gordon after Borghi scored a touchdown against Oregon State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Pullman, Wash. Washington State won 54-53. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington State running back Max Borghi (left) celebrates with quarterback Anthony Gordon after Borghi scored a touchdown against Oregon State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Pullman, Wash. Washington State won 54-53. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Little at stake in this year’s Apple Cup

Both the Huskies and Cougars are in the midst of disappointing 6-5 seasons.

By Tim Booth / Associated Press

SEATTLE — Chris Petersen made it clear that Washington’s season will be viewed as an underachievement no matter what happens in the Apple Cup. Such is the case of raised expectations after three straight appearances in New Year’s Six bowl games.

“We should compete for the Pac-12 championship. That’s the goal, and that’s what we should be able to do,” the Huskies coach said.

Across the state, Mike Leach is likely feeling the same at Washington State after three straight years of the Cougars being in the hunt for a Pac-12 North title.

It’s with a backdrop of disappointment for both programs that Washington and Washington State meet Friday for the 112th time in the Apple Cup. After three straight years of some of the most anticipated matchups in the history of the rivalry, this year’s meeting is a collective dud.

Washington (6-5, 3-5) has lost three of four, including last week’s offensive flop at Colorado. Washington State (6-5, 3-5) became bowl eligible thanks to Max Borghi’s last-second TD run to give the Cougars a 54-53 victory over Oregon State last Saturday.

The lack of importance has created little buzz about the matchup. Maybe that’s to be expected after the recent history when the stakes couldn’t be much higher. But outside of bragging rights and perhaps a better bowl game destination, there is little at stake this time around.

“I think it’s really big between the fans. You hear about it all the time,” Leach said. “I think the players, we’re trying to improve and that’s the biggest thing we can do this week.”

The loser will end up tied for last in the Pac-12 North. And for Washington State, it is trying to snap a six-game losing streak to the Huskies. A win by Washington this year would be the longest streak by either side since the Huskies won eight straight between 1974-81.

“We’re going to do everything we can to earn that seventh win and the fact that it’s Washington, we’ve struggled in the past, but as a team we’re really taking it on ourselves to not make this game anything more than it is,” Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon said. “It’s just another opportunity to improve.”

MR. 5,000

Gordon already owns the conference record for TD passes in a season at 45. He needs 80 yards passing to post the 16th 5,000-yard passing season at the FBS level. This will be Gordon’s first and only Apple Cup appearance after waiting his turn in Washington State’s quarterback hierarchy.

He’s hoping to have far better success than other Cougars QBs in recent seasons against the Huskies. In the past three meetings, Luke Falk and Gardner Minshew were held to 263.3 yards passing per game and threw eight interceptions.

Gordon has been a little sloppy with ball protection, throwing 14 interceptions. He also will be facing a Washington pass defense that while still good isn’t quite the elite group from recent seasons.

“I think we need to just ride the wave that we’re on,” Washington State wide receiver Renard Bell said.

OFFENSIVE WOES

Can Washington put together some offensive consistency that’s been lacking for big chunks of the season? The Huskies will have a chance against a Washington State defense that is giving up more than 31 points per game and ranks near the bottom of the conference in passing defense (ninth) and rush defense (11th). The Huskies have scored just 33 offensive points in the past eight quarters. Jacob Eason is completing just 56% of his passes and has thrown five interceptions in the past three games.

While Washington played well in its loss to Oregon, it hasn’t shown a major offensive punch since the second half of its win at Arizona.

“When we do get into a rhythm, when we do stay on the field, we can be pretty darn productive and good at times,” Petersen said.

GROUND GAME

Whether it’s Borghi for the Cougars or Salvon Ahmed for Washington, the running backs are likely to get plenty of touches this week. Borghi has 740 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns, to go along with 69 receptions and four more scores. Ahmed needs 85 yards to reach 1,000 rushing for the season. He was shut down last week by Colorado but two games ago had a career-high 174 yards against Oregon State.

SCORE EARLY

With the exception of the 2013 matchup, Washington has dominated the first half during its six-game winning streak over the Cougars. Combined over the six games, Washington is outscoring Washington State 107-30 in the first half. The only time Washington State led was when the Cougars had a 10-3 halftime edge in 2013.

The Cougars haven’t scored a first-quarter touchdown against Washington since 2012.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

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.