The Cougars (-3) are favored against the Huskies for the first time since 2006. Are you a Minshew maniac? Can Jake Browning win a fourth Apple Cup and leave Washington undefeated against the Cougars? Make your prediction below and compare with our experts and your fellow fans.
Adam Jude
— Huskies beat writer
23-20
Huskies
For as dominant as Washington's defense has been against Wazzu, Myles Gaskin has been just as important to the Huskies' success. The senior running back has rushed for 380 yards and seven touchdowns in three Apple Cups. And with rain (and snow?) in the forecast, the better rushing team should have the advantage.
Bob Condotta
— Seattle Times sports reporter
31-27
Cougars
It just feels like the Cougars' year, and the rout of Arizona last week also seems to show WSU is peaking at the right time. But it will also be interesting to see how UW does in the rare role of underdog in this game.
Scott Hanson
— Seattle Times sports reporter
35-34
Cougars
A complete toss-up. WSU has obviously been the better team this year, and UW has owned the matchup the past few seasons. Maybe the home crowd will make the difference for the Cougars.
Mike Vorel
— Seattle Times sports reporter
34-24
Cougars
Listen, I’m 10-0 on Seahawks predictions this season. I’m in a groove. When I predict something will happen, the Football Gods oblige. This is going to happen. Enough said. Just mark it down and call your bookie. Congrats on the win, Cougs!
Larry Stone
— Seattle Times columnist
35-28
Cougars
If ever there was a year for WSU and Mike Leach to end Chris Petersen’s domination of the Cougars, this is it. The Cougs have the quarterback, the momentum, the motivation, and the home field. And the Huskies haven’t had the same disruptive pass rush as in recent years past.
Paul Barrett
— Sports editor
34-31
Cougars
Based on the past few Apple Cups, picking the Cougars to beat UW was unthinkable before the season began. But WSU’s surprising success shows it is better equipped this year. A late Blake Mazza field goal will be the difference.
Stefanie Loh
— Assistant sports editor
35-28
Cougars
Until Saturday, I told myself I would pick the Huskies in the Apple Cup this year. Because Mike Leach simply hasn’t found a way to beat Chris Petersen yet. Then, in person, I saw WSU annihilate Arizona with 55 points in the first half. And I decided, this team “feels” different. They’re playing with confidence, they’re a pretty complete squad. This just might be the year Leach finally pulls one over Coach Pete. Well, maybe.
Alex Iniguez
— Assistant sports editor
31-30
Huskies
The Cougars deserve happiness in the Apple Cup, and this year seems to be as good a chance for that as any. However, until proven otherwise, I'm afraid I see more heartbreak — and a razor-thin margin of defeat — coming Washington State's way.
Evan Webeck
— Digital sports producer
27-20
Huskies
This is the most-hyped Apple Cup since ... last year? Two years ago? Each year we say this is the one the Cougars top the Huskies and each year we trick ourselves. The tables are turned this time, with a (longshot) playoff bid on the line for Wazzu, but I can't pick against Chris Petersen and this senior class, which is trying to complete an undefeated four-year run against their cross-state rivals.
