Rivalry Renewed: Huskies, Cougars Clash for Apple Cup Supremacy

The Apple Cup rivalry is back in full force as the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars face off for the 116th time at Lumen Field in Seattle. Both teams enter the highly anticipated matchup with plenty of momentum and a shot at postseason play.

**Seattle, WA - November 25, 2023** - The Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars are set to renew one of the fiercest rivalries in college football history as they clash for the 116th Apple Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle.

The Cougars enter the contest with an unblemished 11-0 record and are ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Led by star quarterback Cameron Ward, WSU has been a dominant force all season, averaging over 45 points per game.

Rivalry Renewed: Huskies, Cougars Clash for Apple Cup Supremacy

The Huskies, meanwhile, have also enjoyed a successful season under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. At 9-2, UW is ranked No. 17 in the CFP rankings and has a chance to finish the regular season with a 10-win record for the first time since 2016.

The Apple Cup is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the country, dating back to 1900. WSU holds a slight edge in the series with a 60-54-6 record, but the Huskies have won the last three meetings.

This year's matchup has added significance for both teams. A victory for WSU would give them their first undefeated regular season since 1930 and likely a berth in the Rose Bowl. A win for UW would secure their first 10-win season in seven years and boost their chances of earning an at-large bid to a New Year's Six bowl game.

The game is expected to be a sellout, with a capacity crowd of over 72,000 filling Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 pm PT on FOX.

* **WSU's Unstoppable Offense:** The Cougars boast one of the most explosive offenses in the country, averaging 539 yards and 46 points per game. Ward has been brilliant, throwing for 3,600 yards and 35 touchdowns with only six interceptions. Running back Nakia Watson is also a threat, averaging over 100 yards rushing per game.

* **UW's Balanced Attack:** The Huskies have a more balanced approach offensively, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading the passing game and running back Richard Newton spearheading the ground attack. Penix has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, while Newton has rushed for over 900 yards and 12 scores.

* **Defensive Strength:** Both teams have solid defenses, with WSU allowing just 20 points per game and UW holding opponents to 22 points per game. The Cougars are particularly strong against the pass, while the Huskies are stout against the run.

* **Special Teams Battle:** The special teams units could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game. WSU's punter, Nick Haberer, is one of the best in the nation, while UW's kicker, Peyton Henry, has been reliable all season.