The Apple Cup Rivalry: Washington State vs. Washington

The Washington State Cougars and the Washington Huskies will face off in the 116th edition of the Apple Cup rivalry at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Cougars are looking to extend their undefeated streak in the rivalry, while the Huskies seek to reclaim the Apple Cup trophy on their home turf.

The Washington State Cougars will face off against their bitter rivals, the Washington Huskies, in the 116th edition of the Apple Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, November 25th. The Cougars, led by head coach Jake Dickert, are currently riding high with a 7-4 record and a chance to secure their first Apple Cup victory since 2018. The Huskies, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing 4-8 season under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer and are eager to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd.

The Apple Cup Rivalry: Washington State vs. Washington

The Apple Cup rivalry is one of the most intense and long-standing in college football. The two schools have been competing for the Apple Cup trophy since 1909, making it the third-oldest rivalry in the FBS behind the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry and the Harvard-Yale rivalry. The Cougars lead the overall series 74-33-6, but the Huskies have won the past two meetings.

* Quarterback Cameron Ward - A true freshman from Texas, Ward has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the Pac-12. His mobility and accurate passing make him a threat to opposing defenses.

* Running back Nakia Watson - A senior from California, Watson is the Cougars' leading rusher with 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns. His power and agility make him a force to be reckoned with in the backfield.

* Wide receiver Donovan Ollie - A junior from Florida, Ollie is Ward's top target and a big-play threat. His speed and leaping ability make him a dangerous receiver downfield.

* Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. - A transfer from Indiana, Penix is a talented passer with a strong arm and good mobility. He has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.

* Running back Wayne Taulapapa - A sophomore from California, Taulapapa is a bruising runner with a knack for finding the end zone. His physicality and ability to break tackles make him a tough opponent.

* Wide receiver Jalen McMillan - A junior from California, McMillan is a speedy and elusive receiver who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He has caught for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

The Cougars' passing offense has been explosive this season, led by Ward and his talented receivers. The Huskies' pass defense, on the other hand, has been vulnerable at times. This matchup will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

The Huskies have a strong running game, led by Taulapapa and a solid offensive line. The Cougars' run defense has been stout all season, but they will be tested by the physicality of the Huskies' backfield.

The Apple Cup is always a close and contentious game, and this year's matchup promises to be no different. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome will likely hinge on key plays and turnovers.

Ultimately, I predict that the Washington State Cougars will defeat the Washington Huskies in a narrow victory. The Cougars are a more balanced team with fewer weaknesses, and they have the momentum of the rivalry on their side. However, the Huskies could pull off the upset if Penix plays well and the defense can slow down Ward and the Cougars' passing attack.