The Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies will face off in the 116th Apple Cup at Lumen Field, with the Cougars aiming to extend their unbeaten streak in the rivalry.
In a clash of Pacific Northwest rivals, the Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies will meet at Lumen Field in Seattle for the 116th edition of the Apple Cup, one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football. The Cougars, led by first-year head coach Jake Dickert, enter the game with a perfect 11-0 record, while the Huskies, under the guidance of head coach Kalen DeBoer, are 10-2 and looking to claim their third consecutive victory in the series.
The Apple Cup holds immense significance for both universities, located just 240 miles apart across the state border. The annual game has been played since 1900, with Washington holding a slim 74-37-6 advantage over Washington State. In recent years, however, the Cougars have had the upper hand, winning four of the last five meetings.
Washington State, Washington Clash in Battle for Apple Cup Supremacy
The Cougars have been a revelation under Dickert, who took over the program following the sudden departure of Nick Rolovich last season. WSU has relied on a potent offense led by quarterback Cameron Ward and running back Nakia Watson, while the defense has been stellar, allowing just 16.2 points per game, the lowest mark in the Pac-12 Conference.
Washington, meanwhile, has rebounded from a disappointing 2021 campaign thanks to the arrival of DeBoer, who previously had success at Fresno State. The Huskies boast a high-powered offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.
The game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams possessing strengths and weaknesses. Washington State has the advantage in terms of momentum, but Washington has the experience of playing in big games and the home-field advantage.
The Apple Cup is not just a football game; it is a cultural event that brings the entire Pacific Northwest together. Fans from both universities will flock to Lumen Field to witness a spectacle that has become a tradition for generations.
With both teams entering the game with high stakes and the rivalry at its peak, the 116th Apple Cup promises to be an unforgettable chapter in college football history.
