Bizarro Apple Cup arrives as Washington State and Washington meet in rivalry showdown

Washington State (1-0) vs. Washington (1-0) at Lumen Field in Seattle, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Peacock)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Washington 4 1/2.

Series record: Washington leads 76-33-6.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

For the first time since 1961, the Apple Cup is a nonconference game, this time between a Big Ten school and one of the two remaining Pac-12 programs. There was significant external debate over whether to continue the series after the collapse of what was the Pac-12 forced the rivalry game to be moved to September and for this year to be played at a neutral site. The game will return to campuses starting in 2025 and will continue through the 2028 season as a nonconference game. But the acrimony — particularly on the Washington State side — leaves open the possibility that the Apple Cup could rot before then.

SECOND CONFLICT

Washington’s defense has yet to allow a touchdown this season and has gone two straight without allowing a touchdown for the first time since 1991. Washington State scored 70 points in its opener and followed that up with 37 in a convincing win over Texas Tech. The Huskies’ defense has looked good in the first two games, but has yet to face an offense with Washington State’s weapons — especially quarterback John Mateer, who ran for 197 yards against Texas Tech after throwing for five touchdowns in Week 1.

Washington safety Kamren Fabiculanan (13) and cornerback Elijah Jackson (25)... — Washington defensive end Kamren Fabiculanan (13) and cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) break up a pass to Eastern Michigan receiver Terry Lockett Jr. (3) in the end zone during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Seattle. Washington won 30-9. Credits: AP/Lindsey Wasson

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Washington State: WR Kyle Williams has had a quiet start to the season with just five receptions in two games, though three of his five receptions have gone for touchdowns. Williams had five receptions for 85 yards and a TD in last year’s Apple Cup.

Washington: QB Will Rogers was terrific last week against Eastern Michigan, completing 21 of 26 passes and throwing four touchdowns. Rogers’ numbers in the first two games have been nearly identical, as he’s been effective in running head coach Jedd Fisch’s offense.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) carries the ball as... — Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) carries the ball under pressure from Texas Tech defensive back Jordan Sanford during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Pullman, Wash. Credits: AP/Young Kwak

Washington has won nine of the last 10 games in the series, including last year’s 24-21 victory on a Grady Gross field goal on the final play of the game. … RB Jonah Coleman rushed for at least 100 yards in the first two games. … Washington State freshman RB Wayshawn Parker had a 54-yard TD run in Week 1 and a 43-yard touchdown run in Week 2. … Mateer’s 197 rushing yards were the most ever by a Washington State QB. … Next year’s game is scheduled for Pullman.