We are less than a day away from a sold-out Martin Stadium going ballistic for the kickoff of the 116th Apple Cup. The nervous excitement that accompanies this game every year is surely sitting in every Cougar’s stomach.
What do you need to know about the matchups and what to watch for tomorrow?
Biggest Storylines
Who starts at QB for WSU?
Coach Rodgers said the decision was made last Sunday, but he’s kept things quiet. The buzz is that Zevi Eckhaus will get the nod after Potter’s tough outing on the road.
Jedd Fisch to UCLA?
Fisch got his first taste of head coaching at UCLA after Jim Mora was let go. It would be wild for him to return, and I don’t buy the rumor—but if it distracts their players even 2%, I’ll take it.
Desmond Williams’ 2nd Road Start
Sophomore QB Desmond Williams has been nearly flawless this season and late last year. But the only true road game he’s started was last year at Autzen, where Oregon dominated 49–21. In that game, UW had five drives without a first down. If the Cougs can force early stops or turnovers and combine it with a sellout crowd (plus the new beer sales in Martin Stadium), nerves might finally show for the 19-year-old.
How do the Cougs slow down UW’s run game?
This could decide the game. The Huskies come in averaging over 300 yards per game on the ground—among the best in the nation. Jonah Coleman (senior RB who followed Fisch from Arizona), second-year back Adam Mohammed, and dynamic QB Desmond Williams form a multi-layered rushing attack. On the other side, WSU just gave up nearly 7 yards per carry against North Texas. Rodgers has emphasized better tackling and containment this week—now we’ll see if it sticks.
Turnover Battle
UW has only one turnover through two games. WSU had one through its first two, but gave it away five times last week. In college football, turnovers can be contagious. For the Cougs to win, they must win this battle.
Players to Watch
Washington
- Desmond Williams (QB, So.) – Completing 70% of passes, rushing for 6+ yards a carry, and brimming with confidence. UW goes as far as he takes them, and this is his first big test.
- Jonah Coleman (RB, Sr.) – At 5’9”, 220 lbs, Coleman is a bruiser who turns short gains into big ones. WSU’s tackling has to be sound.
- Denzel Boston (WR, R-Jr.) – At 6’4”, 209 lbs, he’s a mismatch nightmare. Son of former NFL All-Pro David Boston, and currently #25 on PFF’s draft board.
- Tacario Davis (CB, Sr.) – A 6’4” corner with elite length. Through two games, he’s allowed just one completion on seven targets.
- Zach Durfee (EDGE, Sr.) – Defensive captain and ESPN breakout candidate. Stats aren’t eye-popping yet, but scouts love his upside.
WSU
- Zevi Eckhaus (QB, R-Sr., presumed starter) – Zevi is going to have to be great for the Cougs to win. A 3 year starter at FCS Bryant and former conference player of the year, Zevi has started a lot of football games and has the ability to rise to the moment, we saw that in the bowl game last year. He did not win the starting job to start the year due to concerns about turning the ball over, ball security will be key.
- Angel Johnson (RB, R-Sr.) – We all heard all offseason how explosive he was at SDSU (averaging 7.1 and 8.9 yards a carry his last two years there) but he has struggled to start this year. Cougs must find ways to get him in space to get some explosive plays.
- Josh Meredith (WR, Sr.) – Offensive captain and leader. This is his chance to cement his name as a WSU legend, these are the games that fans remember.
- Caleb Francl (LB, R-Sr.) – Former FCS All-American. Had a rough outing vs North Texas, but a bounce-back game is crucial.
- Tucker Large (S, R-Sr.) – Another FCS All-American and team captain. He’s WSU’s best player and a potential game-changer on Saturday. Big time players play their best ball when the lights are the brightest, expect Large to come through Saturday.
Prediction
WSU 28 – UW 24
Listen to Jimmy Rodgers once and it’s obvious he might be the most competitive person you’ve ever heard speak. My conspiracy theory: he didn’t want UW getting film on Zevi Eckhaus during their bye, so we’ll see a very different offense.
More realistically, this week was a gut check. Expect an inspired WSU in front of a raucous Martin Stadium. Desmond Williams throws an early pick, struggles for the first time, and $50,000 worth of beer gets sold in Pullman.
Go Cougs!