WSU at Washington Game Thread

Washington State takes on Washington today for the 102nd time in the rivarly known since 1962 as the Apple Cup. Washington comes into the game as a heavy favorite despite only having a 3-7 record. If you look at the match ups it is easy to see why Washington is a four TD favorite going into this one. The Huskies have a talent edge over the Cougars at every single position.

Position Matchups

Quarterback : Washington...This position has been a revolving  door for WSU so far this season while Washington's Jake Locker has played every meaningful play for the Huskies this season.

Running Back:  Washington...Dwight Tardy is a good looking running back but Washington has the edge in depth and talent at this position. Chris Polk should have a field day against the WSU defensive line. I am talking about a 200 yard type of day.

Receivers: Washington...Washington's trio of Kearse, Johnson, and Aguilar should find plenty of room to get open against a struggling Cougar secondary. The Coug's counter with some taller talent but Washington overall depth  and performance this season gives them the decided edge.

Offensive Line: Washington...The Cougs have struggled because of injuries this season to the unit but arrive in Seattle at full strength. Washington has had better luck with health this season but this unit is anything but great. Lets say the Huskies are a lot more adequate than the Cougs at this point.

Defensive Line: Washington...Cameron Elisara is back which is a big boost for the Dawgs. Both units lack depth and tend to tire in the second half. Washington gets the nod in this one because I don't expect them to be out on the field as much in the first half which is a huge edge.

Linebacker: Washington...This is the final Apple Cup for Donald Butler who wants to finish his career 2-2 against WSU. Mason Foster has been a force all season. EJ Savannah will likely sit this one out.

Secondary: Washington...The Cougs are improving back here but neither team has been able to stop the pass this season. If you are a Huksy fan keep an eye on Anthony Boyles who should get his first shot at playing time today.

Special Teams: Even...The Huskies have been horrendous on special teams the second half of the season. WSU who comes in at 1-10 obviously isn't ligthing it up either.

What to Expect if you are a Husky

Washington should be able to run the ball all day against Washington State. It isn't out of the realm of possibility to see Chris Polk pick up 200 yards on these guys this afternoon. With the running game going full bore that opens things up big time for Jake locker who will finally have time to set up and go long at will. Washington is very capable of putting this game out of reach in the first quarter if Steve Sarkisian is aggressive. Kavario Middleton's prediction of a 50 point scoring output is very plausible.

What to Expect if you are a Cougar

Washington may have this game won on paper but over the last few weeks they have been running out of steam. As the close losses have taken its toll it is hard to figure which team will show up today? Will it be the conquerers of USC or the team who didn't show up against OSU?

The Cougars need plenty of turnovers in this one early and often to stay in this game. They also need to turn some of those turnovers into points if they want to beat Washington. If WSU can get up early and keep pace in the first half they have a shot at pulling off the upset since Washington has a history this season of self destructing late in the game.

What I Actually Expect

I expect the Huskies to rack up 21-28 points against the Cougars in the first half and keep piling it on. I expect the Huskies to get up early and keep the Cougars down all day. This is going to be a one sided Apple cup which will send the 15 seniors out with a big smile on  their face. It will also give them the confidence they need to compete with California the following weekend.