WSU Cougars vs Washington Huskies: 5 Keys to a Coug Apple Cup Victory

Connor Halliday

Oct 31, 2013; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last two weeks Connor Halliday has had over 800 yards passing, thrown 6 touchdowns, and has managed just one interception and brought his team to bowl eligibility with wins over Arizona and Utah. He has also posted his two best adjusted QBR’s over those two games.

Halliday will have to keep that up and will have to be smart this weekend if he wants to take this team to back to back Apple Cup victories. Even though Connor has never played against the Huskies he still knows the importance of this game. The Cougars haven’t won back to back Apple Cup’s since 2007/2008.

Keeping the interceptions down like Halliday has over the past few weeks will be the biggest part of this game. Washington can easily take advantage of turnovers and Halliday doing his part in winning the turnover battle will help the Cougars come away with a win.

The Washington State wide receivers will have to help out Halliday. Leading receiver Gabe Marks, who has had two receptions the past two games, will have to step up and help the receiving core out as much as possible. There are 3 Cougar receivers who have 6 touchdowns each; Marks, Dom Williams, and Vince Mayle have emerged as Halliday’s favorite targets. River Cracraft has also stepped up tremendously over the past few games.