The Washington Huskies defeated the Washington State Cougars 51-33 in Pullman Saturday night in the annual Apple Cup game. The game was very close for the entire first half, however, the Huskies pulled away at the beginning of the fourth quarter from a rushing touchdown by Rome Odunze.
The most likely MVP of the game would be quarterback Michael Penix Jr, who tore up Washington State’s secondary all night. The Cougars had no answer for Penix Jr, as he tossed for 485 yards and five total touchdowns on the night.
After Washington State won the Apple Cup last year in Seattle 40-13 and snapped what was a seven-game win streak for the Huskies, Washington took the trophy back soundly. After the game, coach Kalen DeBoer noted that “you knew it was going to be that. We expected it to be crazy, especially in the first half.”
The first half was actually quite interesting, as each team would follow touchdowns with their own, making it a 28-27 Huskies lead after two quarters. Even the second half started competitively, but after a couple crucial stops by Washington’s defense, and the Cougars’ inability to halt Washington’s offense, the Huskies ended the night with their eighth Apple Cup in nine years.
The Huskies end their regular season 10-2, while the Cougars fell to 7-5, but both are bowl eligible. Washington might have the opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl after the selection committee makes its final decisions, but that will be a waiting game. Overall a fun, competitive game ended with the Huskies bringing the Apple Cup trophy back to Seattle.
Northwest Sports Desk 