Will the Apple Cup be a non-conference game in September?
Time has changed.
With Washington joining the Big Ten and Washington State being one of two teams remaining in the Pacific-12 Conference, the two rival teams — who are both 2-0 — will face off Saturday afternoon at Lumen Field, home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
“I would say you practice the same way no matter who we’re playing,” said Washington coach Jedd Fisch, who will be appearing in his first Apple Cup. “But when you have a rivalry game, your practice gets a little more intense. The competitive nature gets a little more intense. The energy on the field is a little more intense.”
The schools, which are playing in different conferences for the first time since 1962, agreed last year to extend the rivalry for five years, in which Washington leads 73-32-6.
Over the next four seasons, games will be played alternately at each school’s home field.
“We’re going to continue to make sure our players understand the importance of the game, but not put so much importance on the game that you lose discipline, you lose preparation,” Fish said.
The coach said he is looking forward to the rivalry game because it will provide a level of intensity rarely seen in non-conference play, and he hopes it continues for years to come.
“I know we have this for the next five years,” Fish said. “So it’s going to be very important over the next five years that we keep this sport as important as it is.”
The Huskies have opened the season with two wins at home — a 35-3 win against Weber State and a 30-9 win against Eastern Michigan. Washington quarterback Will Rogers has completed 41 of 52 passes for 511 yards and five touchdowns, and Jonah Coleman has rushed for 231 yards and three TDs.
Washington State has beaten Portland State 70-30 this season and Texas Tech 37-16 in games played in Pullman, Washington. Cougars quarterback John Mateer has rushed for a team-high 252 yards and completed 20 of 36 passes for 467 yards and six TDs.
“Obviously our players will be very excited to play,” Cougars coach Jake Dickert said. “I think they know what’s at stake … Bringing the Apple Cup back to Pullman is a big deal.”
–Field Level Media
