Washington will face Washington State at Lumen Stadium in Seattle on Saturday in the 116th all-time meeting between the West Coast programs. The Apple cup rivalry has a new twist, however, after Washington left the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten in the offseason.
The two reached agreement an agreement last fall that will allow the series to continue through at least the 2028 season. The Apple Cup was traditionally played on Thanksgiving weekend but will move to Week 3 due to conference realignment.
After this year's neutral site tilt, the next four games will alternate between the two campuses, beginning with Washington State in 2025. The Huskies hold a 75-33-6 record over the Cougars and have won 12 of the last 14 matchups, including a thrilling 24-21 victory last season at home.
Washington is coming off a 30-9 win over Eastern Michigan to move to 2-0 in Year 1 of the Jedd Fisch era. The national runner-up from last season is in the midst of a new era after former coach Kalen DeBoer took the vacant job at Alabama to replace Nick Saban.
Washington State is coming off an impressive 37-16 victory over Texas Tech behind a big performance from quarterback John Mateer. Here is what to expect when Washington faces off against its arch-rival this weekend.
How to watch Washington vs. Washington State live
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Lumen Field -- Seattle, Washington
Streaming: Peacock
Washington vs. Washington State: Need to know
Strong start for Will Rogers at UW: Replacing a Heisman Trophy finalist is no easy task, but Rogers has shown he is capable of helping Washington maintain its elite offense from last season. The former Mississippi State signal caller committed to UW as a transfer, but reentered the portal following the departure of DeBoer. Fisch eventually won Roger back over, giving the first-year coach a reliable quarterback to help build his foundation. Rogers has thrown for 511 yards and five touchdowns through the first two games of the season, which includes a four-touchdown showing last week.
Washington State looks rejuvenated: The "Pac-2" of Washington State and Oregon State are off to strong starts to the 2024 campaign. The Cougars looked impressive during a blowout win over Texas Tech. Mateer only threw for 115 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Red Raiders but rushed for 197 yards and a score to propel the offense. Washington should offer Mateer and the WSU offense its biggest test to date.
How the Apple Cup continued: Conference realignment has killed off many notable rivalries in recent years. While it appeared the Apple Cup was in jeopardy due to Washington jumping ship for the Big Ten, the two programs re-upped the series with a new contract that will run through the 2028 season. With so many rivalry games eliminated due to conference realignment, it's refreshing to see this game still happen.
Washington vs. Washington State prediction, picks
Washington State has looked impressive through the first two weeks of the season. The Cougars will have the juice to make a statement on Saturday at a neutral site. Even though Washington was the better team, this game came down to the wire last season in Seattle. WSU hasn't had much success the last decade against its arch rival, but this weekend is a way to change the narrative and secure a marquee win for the "Pac-2." Pick: Washington State +4.5
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