Washington State broke through first and the Cougars lead the 2012 Apple Cup 3-0.

After Washington failed to get anything going on their second offensive possession, the Cougars took over at their own 18-yardline and methodically marched down the field for the score. Jeff Tuel was excellent on the drive, completing 6 of 9 passes for 53 yards. Dominique Williams was one of his main targets, catching two passes for 28 yards on the drive.

Williams converted a key third down early in the drive to keep the Cougars going. Later, Williams turned a screen pass into a big gain to move WSU into Husky territory. WSU also benefited from a mistake by the Huskies. Washington appeared to sack Tuel, but the Huskies were called for defensive holding, giving WSU a first down.

The Cougars had first and goal from the Washington 6-yardline, but Tuel was unable to connect with on first and second down before Teondray Caldwell was tackled short on a third down completion. Andrew Furney came on to convert the 21-yard field goal attempt to put WSU up 3-0.