It’s the Apple Cup: Washington State Hosts Washington for the First Time in Three Years (GAME THREAD)

When’s the last time the Apple Cup was played in 80-degree weather? Probably never. When’s the last time the Apple Cup was played in Pullman. That would be 2022.

After the University of Washington bolted for the Big Ten two years ago, the future of the Apple Cup was unknown. But for better or worse (you can decide for yourselves), the schools found a way to continue the annual rivalry. But because scheduling non-conference football games can be tricky, the date was moved, the venue rotation was changed, and here we are: Readying for an Apple Cup under blue skies and warm air in September.

It’s been three years since the game was played in Pullman, and a lot has happened since then that we don’t need to rehash. Suffice to say, the game has changed drastically since that cold November night in 2022.

The Cougs will need some drastic changes of their own if they want to have any hope in this one. They’re 20.5-point underdogs and are coming off an embarrassing performance at North Texas where they gave up 42 first half points, turned the ball over five times, only mustered 275 yards of offense and flew home with too many questions on offense.

Head coach Jimmy Rogers said to reporters after practice on Monday that the team would have a competition for QB1. Then on Wednesday, he told reporters that he decided on the team’s starting quarterback on Sunday. Something’s not adding up here.

But if you enjoy the guessing game, play along: There’s no way Jaxon Potter is starting after that abomination at North Texas. And Julian Duggar hasn’t proven anything to indicate he’s anything more than a guy who comes in on designed plays. Which means….

…..do you hear that? THAT’S ZEVI ECKHAUS’ MUSIC!

Eckhaus, the senior who was coaxed back to WSU by Rogers, was the presumed starter heading into the season. He was 7 of 10 against North Texas and led WSU’s only touchdown drive. Could Rogers turn to Eckhaus, who played well under tough circumstances in last year’s Holiday Bowl?

That’s my bet.

The Cougs have all sorts of issues on offense. The same can’t be said of UW. The Huskies have 108 points in their two game (70 against UC Davis and 38 against Colorado State). They have Jonah Coleman at running back. Their quarterback is young and impressive. They’re coming off a bye. That’s why this one is tilted heavily in favor of the Huskies.

Say a couple Hail Mary’s today. Cougs are going to need some.

When

4:30 p.m. PT

Where

Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Whitman County, USA, where the school will introduce stadium-wide (not you, student section) beer sales.

How to Watch

We’re on the big CBS with Rich Waltz (former voice of the Seattle Mariners and Spokane Chiefs, for you history buffs) and Logan Ryan on the call.

Is this the first time WSU has been on the big CBS, non-Sun Bowl edition?

Familiar Names

Taariq Al-Uqdah, known around these parts as Buddah Al-Uqdah, played for the Cougs for three seasons before joining the Huskies this offseason via the transfer portal. Make of that what you will.

Former WSU nickelback Kirkland Parker is a defensive quality control coach at UW.

Also, Paul Mencke Jr., son of former WSU quarterback (and WSU basketball player) Paul Mencke, is a redshirt freshman safety for the Huskies who has yet to appear in a game.

Then there’s Pat Chun. Enough said about that.