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Washington Huskies @ Washington State Cougars Football Preview

For the past few years fans have deemed the year end rival game between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars the “Crapple Cup—” this year represents the turnaround for both programs.

Much is at stake for both,  Washington State will step out on their home turf at Martin Stadium having just recorded their first conference win against Oregon State two weeks ago, a victory which ended their 16-game Pac-10 losing streak.  Washington on the other hand enters with more on the line, a chance to advance to a bowl game for the first time since the days of Marques Tuiasosopo and Rick Neuheisel.

The Pac-10 despite years of dominance in football is projected to send a minimal amount of teams to bowl games this year. Should Washington beat the Cougars Saturday afternoon there mediocrity at 6-6 will send them into the post season. Also sitting in the mix of possible bowl eligible teams is Oregon State, who with a win over the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks will finish at 6-6 and the shot at a bowl game.

But, more important than advancing the Pac-10 status amongst all of NCAA football, a victory Saturday in Pullman, Wash., would mean sending Senior quarterback Jake Locker to his first bowl game, something the fifth year senior had hoped for when he decided to forgo the 2010 NFL Draft to return to Washington.

In what will undoubtedly be a grudge match between two programs, who are clearly in an upward swing, the 2010 Apple Cup has a few wildcards.

First, a Cougar advantage may be given from Mother Nature—should snow be in the forecast for Saturday’s game, the cold may become an external factor in propelling the already acclimated Cougars to a victory.

Second, favors the Washington Huskies—the Cougars are a passing team, ranked at 48 th with 233.8 yards passing per game Washington State will look to pass the ball, something the Husky defense has been able to stop so far this season, however, if the Dawgs allow quarterback Jeff Tuell to connect with Freshman receiver Marquess Wilson, who averages 19 yards per carry and is projected to have more than a thousand yards receiving this season, all bets could be off for the bowl fighting Huskies.

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The Cougars are also sitting at 117 th in the country for rushing also plays in the favor of the Washington Defense which has struggled to stop the run and has allowed an average of 206.8 yards rushing in 11 games this season.

Washington State may have a Tuel in their pocket, but the Huskies have more tools to use throughout the course of a game. From the rushing tandem of Chris Polk and Jesse Callier to the receiving core of Jermaine Kearse and D’Andre Goodwin, the all around play of the Huskies may prove to be too much for the Cougars.

The Apple Cup kicks off at 4:00 PM and if both teams can find a way to put together four quarters of quality play expect to see a great football game that will, based on talent and experience will end in favor of the Huskies. 

By Ganelle Swehla
DFN Sports Staff Writer