August 31, 2024; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jed Fish stands on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Weber State Wildcats at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Apple Cup as September's unofficial competition?
Times have changed.
With Washington State entering the Big Ten, it becomes one of two teams left in the Pac-12, both off 2-0 starts, to play Saturday afternoon in the NFL. NFL) clash at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.
“I would say no matter who we play, you train the same way,” said Washington coach Jed Fish, who is playing in his first Apple Cup. “But when you have a competitive game, your practices are more intense. The competition is more intense. The energy on the court is a little higher.”
The two schools, playing in different conferences for the first time since 1962, agreed last fall to extend the rivalry for five years, with Washington leading 73-32-6.
The next four seasons will rotate games at each school's home court.
“We're going to continue to make sure our players understand the importance of the game but not make it so mean that they lose discipline and lose preparation,” Fish said.
The coach said he is looking forward to the rivalry game as it will provide a level of intensity rarely seen in non-conference games and hopes that continues in the years to come.
“I know we're going to have it for the next five years,” Fish said. “So it's going to be really important over the next five years that we continue to make this game as relevant as it is.”
The Huskies opened the season with two wins at home, beating Weber State 35-3 and Eastern Michigan 30-9. Washington quarterback Will Rogers completed 41 of 52 passes for 511 yards and five touchdowns, and Jonah Coleman rushed for 231 yards and three touchdowns.
Washington State defeated Portland State 70-30 and Texas Tech 37-16 in games this season in Pullman, Washington. A team-high 252 yards, completing 20 of 36 passes for 467 yards and 6 carries.
“Obviously our guys are going to be excited to play,” Cougars coach Jack Dickert said. “I think they know what's coming… Bringing the Apple Cup back to Pullman is a big deal.”
–Scene-level media