Washington State Football 2017: 3 Bold predictions vs Washington in the Apple Cup

2. Dante Pettis makes a huge special teams play

The Washington offense has not nearly been as potent as it was last year with John Ross split out wide opposite Dante Pettis. Jake Browning has been noticeable hampered without his favorite receiver from a year ago and he’s take a step back in 2017. Myles Gaskin has been fantastic, but he’s going to need help to keep the offense moving.

That’s where Pettis comes in. In addition to his work as a receiver, Pettis broke the all-time NCAA punt return touchdown record earlier this season. He’s scored four times on special teams this year and nine times in his career. Whenever the ball is in his hands he has the potential to change the game. Whether its via a touchdown or a long return, the senior returner is going to leave his mark on his final Apple Cup.

Washington State has been particular stingy in their return defense. The Cougars enter this game having allowed just 54 return yards on 15 punt returns this season. That’s all fine and well, but it only takes one misstep or missed tackle for Pettis to burn a hole in even the most formidable special teams unit. Weird things happen in rivalry games.