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Pac-12 Football: 5 most important Pac-12 North games of 2017

By Erich Hilkert

PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Myles Gaskin
PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Myles Gaskin /
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PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Myles  Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies moves the ball against the Washington State Cougars in the second half of the 109th Apple Cup at Martin Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Pullman, Washington.  Washington defeated Washington State 45-17.  (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Myles  Gaskin #9 of the Washington Huskies moves the ball against the Washington State Cougars in the second half of the 109th Apple Cup at Martin Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Pullman, Washington.  Washington defeated Washington State 45-17.  (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

4. Washington State at Washington (Nov. 25)

The Apple Cup hasn’t been highly competitive the past two years. The Huskies have won the last two contests by a combined 63 points. That is the equivalent of nine touchdowns, not good if you are a Cougars fan.

In fact, Washington head coach Chris Petersen has yet to lose to the Cougars (3-0). Meanwhile, Washington State head coach Mike Leach won his first Apple Cup 31-28 in 2012 in overtime but has lost the subsequent four contests.

The Apple Cup is one of the premiere rivalries in college football, so if the last two contests weren’t blowouts, this game would probably rank higher.

Washington State senior quarterback Luke Falk had a strong season in 2016, but he struggled mightily against Washington, possibly his worst game of the season. While he completed 66 percent of his passes and threw a touchdown, he threw a season-high three interceptions. He has undoubtedly went back and looked at the game tape to help him have a better 2017 season and to have a better 2017 Apple Cup performance.

The Cougars will need its defense to at least slow down Washington quarterback Jake Browning. Browning completed 72 percent of his passes, threw three touchdowns and had no interceptions in the 2016 win.

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