Washington State 19, Washington 24

TLDR: Saturday marked a historic Apple Cup with Washington State seizing a memorable 24-19 victory over their rivals, Washington, in this unique non-conference showdown. Contested in a neutral setting, the game was charged with escalated emotions, made sweeter by the realignment chaos that had endangered future matches. Quarterback John Mateer’s stellar performance, featuring two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass to Josh Meredith, empowered the Cougars to triumph over Washington. The decisive moment arrived with a dramatic goal-line defense accurately halting Washington on a fourth-and-goal, solidifying the win. While Washington State rejoiced in the end of the game, for Washington, it was a lesson embedded in untimely penalties and missed opportunities on the field. As the dust settles, the Cougars prepare for San Jose State, while Washington gears up for their entry into the Big Ten against Northwestern.

Saturday witnessed an intense comeback in one of the most exhilarating editions of the Apple Cup as Washington State managed to clinch a staggering 24-19 victory over Washington. An air of nostalgia surrounded the match as it was held at a neutral location and as a non-conference game for the first time in over six decades. Washington State’s dynamic quarterback, John Mateer, took center stage with his remarkable play, cementing the Cougars’ triumph. The night before, Cougars head coach Jake Dickert made special preparations for potential triumph by requesting cigars for his staff in true celebratory fashion.

Mateer, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities, drove the Cougars to seize the trophy with two rushing touchdowns and a decisive touchdown pass to Josh Meredith. It was his third-quarter touchdown pass that pushed the Cougars to an advantageous position with a 24-16 lead. However, it was not just Mateer’s offensive prowess that shone; Washington State delivered an electrifying goal-line stand, blocking Washington’s advances and securing the coveted victory.

Despite being in a rebuilding phase due to recent realignment changes, Washington State’s victory echoed the persistent strength and resilience of the Cougars, asserting their future in the Pac-12 as promising. The win marked the third time since 2008 that the Cougars brought home the cherished Apple Cup trophy, with Coach Dickert hopeful it might remain with his team. This victory was especially significant considering Washington State’s removal from realignment negotiations, making this achievement bittersweet for the team.

For Washington, it was a harsh reminder of missed opportunities. Quarterback Will Rogers’ efforts and Denzel Boston’s attempts were thwarted in crucial moments. The Huskies’ discipline also came into question with costly penalties—totaling 135 yards—hindering their progress throughout the game. Washington now faces a challenging entry into the Big Ten, where they will be up against Northwestern, eager to refine their strategies.

Anticipation builds as Washington State looks to host San Jose State next Friday. Meanwhile, Washington is set to host Northwestern, marking their new journey into Big Ten play. Both teams are expected to refine their strategies and harness the lessons learned from this high-stakes encounter as they gear up for their upcoming challenges.