Apple Cup Upheaval: Washington vs. Washington State Preview
The iconic Apple Cup rivalry between Washington and Washington State takes an unusual turn this Saturday, September 14th, as these longtime Pac-12 foes clash at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. With kickoff slated for 3:30 pm EST, the Huskies enter as 4.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 56. (BetAnySports)
Rivalry Reinvented
Traditionally a late-season showdown, the Apple Cup finds itself in an unfamiliar September slot. Conference realignment has thrust these programs onto divergent paths: Washington now resides in the Big Ten, while Washington State remains one of just two holdouts in the remnants of the Pac-12. This early-season matchup adds an intriguing layer of uncertainty to an already unpredictable rivalry.
Huskies’ Uncharted Territory
The Huskies boast an unblemished 2-0 record, but their wins against Eastern Michigan and Weber State offer little insight into their true capabilities. Last year’s national championship appearance against Michigan feels like a distant memory, as head coach Jedd Fisch and his new coordinators have ushered in a new era in Seattle. With just two returning offensive starters and four on defense, Washington’s identity remains shrouded in mystery.
Cougars’ Early Test
Washington State, also 2-0, has navigated a slightly more challenging early-season schedule. Their season-opening 70-30 dismantling of Portland State was followed by a convincing 37-16 win over Texas Tech. The Cougars’ performance has generated cautious optimism, suggesting they may be further along in their development than their in-state rivals.
Handicapping a Conundrum
This year’s Apple Cup presents a unique challenge for bettors. Extensive roster turnover and a coaching change at Washington make it difficult to gauge the true strength of either team. Last year’s tightly contested 24-21 Washington victory offers little predictive value in this new context.
The Pick: Cougars Claw Back
Given the unknowns surrounding Washington and the Cougars’ relative stability and promising early results, we see value in backing Washington State to cover the 4.5-point spread. While the Huskies remain a formidable opponent, the Cougars appear poised to rise to the occasion and potentially pull off an upset in this revamped rivalry showdown.
Key Factors to Watch:
- Washington’s Offense: How quickly has Jedd Fisch’s system taken hold? Can the Huskies’ new-look offense find its rhythm against a respectable Washington State defense?
- Cougars’ Consistency: Can Washington State build upon their early-season success and translate it into a strong performance against a Power Five opponent?
- Turnovers: In a matchup where both teams are still finding their footing, turnovers could prove decisive.
- Coaching Chess Match: The battle of wits between Jedd Fisch and Washington State’s Jake Dickert adds another layer of intrigue to this rivalry clash.
Prediction: Washington State 27 – Washington 24