Apple Cup 2015: Time for revenge

When WSU comes out on to Husky Stadium later today, they will have the opportunity to secure a 5-7 record for UW. That accomplishment would really just be the icing on the cake for a splendid run in conference play, but it would be a thick layer of icing.

There was a lot of discussion of 2006 around here, especially after the Stanford game, by those who feared the Cougs would drop off after a strong start. The season obviously hasn't gone that way for The Cougs, who have three straight since the loss to the Cardinal.

Instead of getting to 5-3 and collapsing, they're now 8-3 and the no. 20 ranked team in the nation.

The Cougs were infamously bowl eligible going into the apple cup that season, lost that final game and were not selected for a bowl. A similar situation has presented itself for the Huskies this season as bowls have said they are willing to consider 5-7 teams for postseason play.

The Cougs, like the Huskies in '06, can push their rival further down the standings and out of the brains of Bowl reps with a win today.

For a season that has already been retribution for 2006, lets see the Cougs finish the deal today.

*****

Apple Cup:

If Bender gets the QB call, Cougars are all in | Sportspress Northwest
If a head injury sidelines QB Luke Falk for the Apple Cup, coach Mike Leach and his players have trust in backup Peyton Bender. "They're both great QBs," said Gunnar Eklund.

Don’t tell me Leach gets 'more out of less' - Washington State - Scout
With all the debates raging over who is college football’s best head coach this season, one refrain being sung repeatedly across the various media platforms stops this writer in his tracks. It always makes me reflexively tilt my head and go, “What?”

Cougar parents prank Husky kids | Spokane - KXLY.com
Like so many neighborhoods, the South Hill is still a mess more than a week after 2015's historic windstorm, but amidst the downed power lines, tree snags, and caution tape there is a reminder of what's truly important this time of year: The Apple Cup.

WSU Cougars feel confident heading into Apple Cup, and they’re happy to tell you about it | The Seattle Times
While UW players stayed mum, WSU’s players expressed their desire to win the Apple Cup for the first time since 2012 and why they’re eager to earn some respect from their in-state rivals.

No. 20 Cougars look to complete special year against Huskies - WSU Cougars | 710 ESPN Seattle
After opening the year with arguably the most embarrassing home loss in school history, the Cougars can keep alive the chance at a 10-win season and potentially keep their rivals home for the holidays by beating the Huskies.

Washington State Cougars enter Apple Cup as state’s most relevant college football program | The News Tribune
Without much prompting, Washington State athletic director Bill Moos says he does not want to describe the Cougars’ early-season aberration as a blessing in disguise.

Basketball:

WSU Hosts Texas Southern Saturday - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
The Cougars take on the Tigers Saturday at 6 p.m. at Beasley Coliseum.