Week 3 - Washington State vs. Washington: How To Watch, Preview, Time, Storylines

Joe Londergan | 11 Hours Ago

Sep 7, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Wayshawn Parker (21) takes the hand off from quarterback John Mateer (10) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images

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The Apple Cup has a bit of a different feel this year, moving to September as opposed to the usual late November. However, that's what had to happen as a result of Washington's move to the Big Ten. The Cougars and the Huskies, however, are just looking to find that third win of the year at a neutral site where the crowd could/should be split pretty evenly.

Here's what you need to know about the matchup between the two unbeaten in-state rivals.

Washington State Cougars (2-0, 0-0 Pac-12/Independent) vs. Washington Huskies (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)

Date: Saturday, September 14

Time: 12:30 PM PT

Location: Lumen Field - Seattle, Washington

TV: Peacock

Radio: WSU Radio Networks

Betting Line: UW -4.5 on FanDuel

Storylines

Don't Drop Eight

Washington State have been a fairly effective passing attack for quite a while. However, their running game is starting to find its footing. The Cougars rushed for 301 yards, including 197 from quarterback John Mateer, a program record for a quarterback.

"They kept dropping eight on us [in coverage], you know. So we just ran the ball, and it was working, and the o-line was getting after it," Mateer said postgame

Instead of dropping so many players into coverage, UW will likely need to keep a few more in the box in anticipation of WSU trying their luck with the run game again between Mateer, freshman running back Wayshawn Parker, and more.

Cougars Looking For a Rare Series Win

Since 2009, UW has won 12 of 14 Apple Cups. Washington State's most recent win came in 2022 by a score of 40-13. The Cougs came up three points short of a win last season in a game that helped seal UW's place in the College Football Playoff. Of the 2021 win, Jake Dickert this week called it a moment in his college career that migh not ever be topped.

WSU coach Jake Dickert on winning the 2021 Apple Cup: “I don’t think it’ll ever be topped in my football coaching career, what that meant in that time.” pic.twitter.com/w5MbT3JBh2
— Greg Woods (@GregWWoods) September 10, 2024

Southern Quarterback Battle?

Mississippi State transfer quarterback Will Rogers has inspired confidence for UW through his first two games as a Husky. He's completed 41 of 52 passes for 511 yards with five touchdowns and only been sacked twice.

For the Cougars, Texas native Mateer continues to show promise. He has completed 20 passes on 36 attempts for 467 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. Mateer has also rushed for 252 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.

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Published Sep 11, 2024|Modified 12:55 AM EDT

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.