The Washington schools of the Pacific-10 Conference square off against each other in the Apple Cup this Saturday in Pullman, Wash. Washington and Washington State are meeting for the 97th time in their heated rivalry, which dates back to 1900. For both schools, this is it — there will be no postseason, regardless of outcome, thus making this game the quintessential finale to two disappointing seasons.
Washington (1-9 overall, 0-7 Pac-10 Conference) has one final chance to salvage its season this weekend as it heads to Martin Stadium to play for pride and bragging rights. A win over Washington State (4-6, 2-5) just might crack a smile on the faces of Husky fans who may already be setting their sights on next season.
“Once both teams step on the field, they will go after each other and play hard with good competition,” Washington head coach Keith Gilbertson said.
The Huskies have taken home the Apple Cup the past six years, but as the indisputable underdog, they face an incredible challenge in adding a seventh straight win. Injuries have crippled Washington, leaving inexperienced underclassmen to take over starting positions on both offense and defense.
For the Huskies to pull off an
upset, they will need to have a tremendous outing from junior quarterback Casey Paus. Gilbertson said Paus had a decent game last week in Washington’s 42-12 loss to Cal. Sophomore tailback Kenny James will also need to perform well to establish a running game. James sits in ninth place in the conference in rushing yards and has had solid games as of late.
“He is going to have to make some big plays for us and hold on to the ball,” Gilbertson said. All week in practice, Washington State head coach Bill Doba focused on run defense and stopping James.
The Husky defense has not allowed a fourth-down conversion all season and has quietly become one of the best units in the Pac-10. The strength of the defense lies in linebackers Joe Lobendahn, Evan Benjamin and Scott White, who rank three, four and six in the conference in tackles, respectively.
Washington State quarterback Alex Brink, from Sheldon High School in Eugene, probably never thought he would be starting in his first Apple Cup as a freshman, but he will be taking snaps this Saturday for the Cougars. Accompanying Brink will be 13 seniors playing in their final games for Washington State.
Brink will most likely hand the ball off to junior tailback Jerome
Harrison for the majority of the game. Harrison should have at least 30 carries and will be a work horse for wearing down the Husky defense. Expect Brink to throw to sophomore flanker Jason Hill, who has been a playmaker all season and leads the Pac-10 in touchdown receptions. In last week’s 45-28 loss to Arizona State, Hill hauled in his 11th touchdown of the season to tie the single-season Washington State record for touchdown receptions.
Doba said the biggest challenge for his defense will be stopping Washington’s running game. Although Paus does not pose a major passing threat, the Cougars will need to watch for play action.
Special teams may be the deciding factor of the game for the Cougars. Washington State specialist Michael Bumpus ran back his second punt return for a touchdown last week, when he scampered 76 yards for a touchdown against the Sun Devils. If the game comes down to a battle of field position, Bumpus will be a key player.
The Apple Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday and will be aired live on ABC.

Scott J. Adams is a freelance sports reporter for the Daily Emerald