While this season hasn't gone how either the Huskies or Cougars had hoped, there is still the Apple Cup for supremacy in the state of Washington. Will the favored Dawgs (6-5) win their seventh straight, or can the Cougs (6-5) pull off the upset? Make your prediction below and compare with our experts and your fellow fans.
Mike Vorel
— Huskies beat writer
27-20
Huskies
The only thing UW has done consistently this season is defy my expectations. I expected the Huskies to beat Cal. They didn’t. I expected them to allow explosive plays against USC and Oregon State. They didn’t. I expected them to run up the score on the road at Stanford and Colorado. They didn’t. At this point, I expect UW to lose the Apple Cup. But that hasn’t worked so far. So maybe it’s time to expect the unexpected.
Bob Condotta
— Seattle Times sports reporter
27-23
Cougars
If there's ever a year when Mike Leach's struggles in the Apple Cup end, this feels like it.
Scott Hanson
— Seattle Times sports reporter
34-28
Huskies
Everything seemed aligned for the Cougars last year vs. UW, and we know what happened: It snowed and the Cougars eventually got buried. I picked the Cougars last year, but can't again until I finally see another WSU win in this game.
Adam Jude
— Seattle Times sports reporter
6-3
Huskies
No offense, but it’s hard to get excited about this matchup. One thing we know to be true: Mike Leach is clueless when facing the Jimmy Lake-Pete Kwiatkowski defense — and if he’s stubbornly refused to adjust the last five years, why should anyone believe he’s capable doing so now?
Percy Allen
— Seattle Times sports reporter
27-10
Huskies
Despite everything that's gone wrong for the Huskies this year, there's no reason to believe they won't beat the Cougars because they always beat the Cougars. Curious to see how Jacob Eason performs in what could be his last game at Husky Stadium.
Larry Stone
— Seattle Times columnist
36-24
Cougars
Chris Petersen has owned Mike Leach in the Apple Cup, but it feels like that streak is poised to an end. Nothing the Huskies did on Saturday in Boulder inspired confidence that they’re ready to rise up, and the Cougars come in with some momentum – and motivation.
Matt Calkins
— Seattle Times columnist
35-21
Huskies
Prolific as the Cougars' offense has been this season, Washington has been able to solve them year after year, usually prompting UW defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake to gloat after the game. Huskies will be up for this one, as it's their last chance to salvage a disappointing season with no signature wins.
Paul Barrett
— Sports editor
41-38
Huskies
Yes, the Huskies were awful against Colorado, but the WSU defense has been awful all season. I’m picking UW to win its seventh consecutive Apple Cup, but the Cougars should at least make it interesting this year.
Alex Iniguez
— Assistant sports editor
21-20
Huskies
You would expect the Huskies to eventually lose one of these things, but I expect them to come out angry after laying an egg vs. Colorado. It’s a down year for the Apple Cup, but this one will still be exciting and come down to the wire.
Sean Quinton
— Assistant sports editor
34-28
Cougars
This season has been a disappointment for both teams. But this game feels like one that will go to the team that wants it most. The Huskies looked like a defeated team in Boulder and, after losing six straight Apple Cups, Mike Leach and the Cougs are desperate to finally take back in-state bragging rights — if only for a year.
