Washington Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Zach Bigalke
The 110th edition of the Apple Cup takes place two days after Thanksgiving in Seattle. Last year the game had serious implications, with the Pac-12 North title at stake. Washington racked up a 28-3 lead by the end of the first quarter. By the end, they won 45-17 to seal a trip to the Bay Area for the Pac-12 championship.
In last year’s Apple Cup, the Huskies forced four Washington State turnovers in Pullman to win their fourth straight in the series. Jake Browning threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns, Lavon Coleman and Myles Gaskin combined for three rushing scores, and the defense held firm against Mike Leach’s prolific squad to finish 11-1.
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This year the Cougars returns a veteran squad and could be in the hunt for the division once again. For the second straight year, this annual rivalry game could have a divisional prize rather than just state pride at stake.
Prediction: Washington 55, Washington State 52 (12-0, 9-0 Pac-12)
After the dud between the two teams last season, this year’s Apple Cup could be an instant classic. The Cougars will be looking to ruin their rival’s perfect season, while Washington will be hoping to return to the Pac-12 Championship with a cleaner record than last season. A back-and-forth battle should end in the Huskies’ favor at home, though they will sweat out several lead changes throughout the game.