HCA: Apple Cup week press conference roundup

There are two things Cougar fans can look forward to every year regardless of how the season is going: the Apple Cup and Mike Leach press conferences and we can finally combine the two this season. With the Cougars preparing to play in their biggest game of the year Leach, Hesiman candidate Gardner Minshew, James Williams, and a few others got their chance at the podium on Monday.

Williams started it off with a message that hits close as he mentions how Tyler Hilinski still helps him and the team get through some tough times during the year. Williams has performed well this year and we all know Tyler is looking down with that glorious smile cheering on his Cougs.

If there was one gif to explain Leach it would definitely be him struggling to eat a banana while talking to Washington head coach Chris Petersen. The Petersen-Leach era is far from over and the last time the two met was actually off the field and involved Leach showing up 30 minutes late to a head coaches meeting with an In-N-Out burger in one hand and a shake in the other. The story was originally brought up by Petersen but Leach had his reasons...

While we have definitely enjoyed the Leach press conferences this year, Gardner Minshew has come in a close second with his chances behind the podium. While the Apple Cup is the biggest game of the year in the Northwest, we may forget that those outside of the conference have no idea the game even exists. Enter Minshew who says he learned fast about how much this game means to everyone. When asked about his feelings towards Washington he responded with “I kinda hate everybody we play... I guess I hate them equally”

Friday won’t be the first time Jake Browning and Minshew will have met, the two had a chance to connect at the Manning camp this past summer but Minshew says he’s not even sure Browning knew who he was at the time.

Peyton Pelluer missed last year’s Apple Cup after suffering a season ending injury but said that last year they played tight which can lead to mistakes and then says that this year the team (in case you haven’t noticed) is playing loose regardless of who they are matched up with.

Finally, Hunter Dale had his moment in front of the media. When asked about how the team was not as physical last year he responded saying that they have listened to the hype about Washington and says that this year they believe that they have something special. He goes on to say that they are looking at their opponent this week as a team that is in the way of their goal and not just “the Apple Cup.”

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Football:

WSU's Minshew on facing Huskies in Apple Cup: "I kind of hate everybody we play" - KXLY
In a news conference that featured his now well-known humor and sarcasm, Washington State University quarterback Gardner Minshew told reporters how he's feeling about the Washington Huskies, heading...

Gardner Minshew becomes second QB in Washington State history to be named Davey O’Brien finalist | The Spokesman-Review
Gardner Minshew may or may not get a trip to New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony in December, but either way the Washington State quarterback will be able to join some of the best players in college football at a major awards show next month.

Mike Leach's tweet of doctored Obama video may have cost WSU $1.6 million
In June, the Cougars football coach tweeted a doctored video of President Barack Obama, which drew a ton of backlash.

Washington State’s Jahad Woods named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week | The Spokesman-Review
Woods led No. 7 WSU with a career-high 11 tackles during Saturday’s 69-28 romp of Arizona at Martin Stadium. In addition to the first double-digit tackle game of his career, Woods also had a hand in two of the Cougars’ four turnovers, forcing one fumble and recovering another.

More than just a trophy on the line – yet again – in the Apple Cup | Q13 FOX News
When the Huskies and Cougars play football, championships are decided. At least that’s how it’s been lately. For the third consecutive season, the Pac-12 North title will be on the line in the Apple Cup, when No. 7 Washington State hosts No. 16 Washington on Friday in Pullman.

Apple Cup a short turnaround for UW, WSU | The News Tribune
Shortly after Washington’s 42-23 victory over Oregon State on Saturday, the Huskies turned their attention to the Apple Cup.

Woods Named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week - Washington State University
Washington State linebacker Jahad Woods was named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

Minshew II Named Davey O’Brien Award Finalist - Washington State University
Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew II was named one of three finalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, the Davey O'Brien Foundation announced Monday.

Basketball:

Robert Franks, tough defense help Cougars hold off Cal Poly | The Spokesman-Review
As a lead that had reached 31 points melted to 12 late in the second half, it highlighted what a different team Washington State is without Robert Franks on the floor. But the Cougars drew the line there and held off Cal Poly for an 84-70 win Monday, which put a spotlight, as well, on what coach Ernie Kent believes is a special defensive unit.

Women's Basketball Signs Three For 2019-20 - Washington State University
In her first official signing day as head coach of Washington State women's basketball, Kamie Ethridge made the most of her time on the recruiting trail by announcing the signings of three players to NCAA National Letters of Intent.