The upcoming Apple Cup on September 6 marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. For the second consecutive year, Washington's head coach Jedd Fisch is preparing to face a Washington State team that has undergone significant changes in both its coaching staff and player roster. This year's matchup presents unique challenges as Fisch and his team must adapt to a Cougar squad led by new head coach Kirby Moore, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Missouri and Fresno State.
Washington State's defense will be under the guidance of Trent Bray, who previously held the position of defensive coordinator at Oregon State. Fisch noted the importance of analyzing Bray's past performances and trends to prepare effectively for the game. He commented, "There’s a lot of looking at where [Bray] has been and studying the film from Oregon State most recently, and studying other places he’s been, looking at his trends defensively and what to expect.” This detailed analysis is crucial as both teams aim to establish their identities early in the season.
This year's Apple Cup is notable for being the earliest in history, taking place just days into the new season. The previous encounter in 2024 provided Washington's defense with a glimpse of the new Cougar quarterback, Caden Pinnick, who previously played at UC Davis. However, the most pivotal aspect of this game is expected to be the showdown at the line of scrimmage, particularly the matchup between Washington's offensive line and Washington State's formidable defensive front.
The strength of the Cougars' defense lies in their edge rushers, with key transfers Matyus McLain from Idaho and Linus Zunk from Vanderbilt joining the team. McLain made a significant impact in the FCS last season with 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, while Zunk brings valuable SEC experience to the lineup. This duo poses a considerable challenge for Washington's true freshman left tackle, Kodi Greene, who has shown promise throughout the offseason. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Greene's physical attributes make him a strong candidate, but he will need to step up against seasoned competition right away.
In addition to the edge rushers, Washington State's defensive line is bolstered by experienced players like Kaden Beatty and Eastern Washington transfer Jirah Leaupepetele, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 349 pounds. Leaupepetele's experience in the FCS will be tested as he faces Washington's center Kolt Dieterich, who is making his first career start at the position. The matchup in the trenches will be crucial, as both teams aim to establish dominance early in the game.
On the offensive side, Washington's running back situation remains a point of discussion. Quaid Carr is expected to take on the primary running back role, but Fisch emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among the running backs to handle the multifaceted demands of the position. Carr has proven himself during training camp, but the rotation will likely involve other players such as Jayden Limar and Trey Cooley, adding depth to the backfield.
Last season, Washington's offense struggled with slow starts, averaging just 4.7 points in the first quarter. However, they managed to score 14 points against the Cougars in their last meeting, ultimately finishing with a commanding 59-point performance. As the Huskies prepare for this rivalry game, cornerback Dylan Robinson expressed the significance of the matchup, stating, "I know just how important it is to the state and, you know, we’re looking to keep it home.” With the talent advantage on paper, Washington will look to capitalize on their strengths and secure a victory in this early-season clash.
In terms of predictions, the expectation leans towards a Washington victory, with a projected score of 34-13, reflecting their readiness to tackle the challenges posed by a restructured Washington State team.
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