The 115th edition of the Apple Cup is on for this afternoon as the Washington State Cougars head to Seattle to take on the No. 4 Washington Huskies. The two schools announced this week that the series will continue through 2028 even after UW departs for the Big Ten next year. Today’s game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET and will air on Fox.
Washington has already clinched a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game and will face either Oregon or Arizona in Las Vegas next Friday.
Washington State (5-6, 2-6 Pac-12) buried Colorado in a 56-14 blowout last Friday night, mercifully ending its six-game losing streak and keeping its bowl eligibility hopes alive. The Cougars put up six touchdowns in the first half and took full advantage of a Buffs team that has collapsed. Cameron Ward went 18-30 for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
Washington (11-0, 8-0 Pac-12) went into Corvallis last Saturday and avoided an upset, edging Oregon State in a 22-20 victory. The Huskies jumped out to a 22-10 lead before the Beavers began to mount a comeback in the second half. With just over two minutes left in the fourth, DJ Uiagalelei’s pass on 4th and 5 went incomplete, allowing for the Huskies to take over and run the clock out for the victory. Rome Odunze hauled in seven receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
SP+ Rankings
Washington State: 50 overall, 32 offense, 81 defense
Washington: 9 overall, 4 offense, 44 defense
Injury update
Washington State
RB Leo Pulalasi – Probable (Undisclosed)
OL Esa Pole – Questionable (Ankle)
DB Chau Smith-Wade – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Washington
WR Denzel Boston – Questionable (Undisclosed)
ATS/Total
Against The Spread in 2023
Washington State: 5-6 ATS
Washington: 5-5-1 ATS
Total in 2023
Washington State: Over 7-4
Washington: Over 6-5
Team Pace
Washington State: 2.40 plays per minute of offense
Washington: 2.19 plays per minute of offense
Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread: Washington -15.5
Total: 66
Moneyline: Washington -750, Washington State +525
Opening line: Washington -16
Opening total: 71.5
Weather
47 degrees, sunny, 6 MPH winds WNW
Our Best Bet for Washington State vs. Washington
Washington State +15.5
Washington has dominated this rivalry in the last decade with eight victories over Wazzu in the last nine tries. The Huskies should be able to pick up another win, but they will get the Cougars’ best shot this afternoon. UW has had a handful of close calls over the past month and with its defense being inconsistent at times, Cam Ward and company should be able to make them sweat a little bit. Take the Coogs to cover.