Husky Football: Brief History of the Apple Cup

Eleven games down and one to go – the last regular game of the 2012 season is finally upon the Huskies. This Friday, the Dawgs will meet their in-state rivals, the Washington State Cougars, for the annual Apple Cup. Here are some things to keep in mind going into the game.

1.The First: November 30, 1900

Traditionally, the Apple Cup is the last game of the season for both teams, played after Thanksgiving, with home field going to UW on odd years and WSU on even years. The Huskies and the Cougars first met in Seattle back in 1900. The final score ended in a tie, 5—5 and the Huskies went 1—2—2 that season. Back then, the teams played for the Governor’s Cup and it wasn’t until 1962 it was renamed the Apple Cup in honor of the state’s most famous fruit. Since then, the schools have met a total of 104 times, with Washington leading the series, 67—31—6.

Nov 26, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk (1) runs with the ball during the 2nd half against the Washington State Cougars at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Washington State 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

2.The Last: November 26, 2011

As the current holder of the Apple Cup, UW has a three game streak on WSU. The Huskies’ longest winning streak is eight, while the Cougars have never won the Cup more than twice in a row. For their last meeting in 2011, Washington quarterback Keith Price and then-senior running back Chris Polk were an impressive duo that led the Dawgs to a 38—21 victory. Price completed 21 of 29 passes for 291 yards and with three touchdowns became the Huskies’ all-time single-season leader in TD passes. For Polk, in his last Apple Cup as a Husky, he caught two passes for 36 yards and a TD in the third quarter, and led the game in rushing with 22 carries for 100 yards and a second TD in the fourth.

3.The Next: November 23, 2012

With the Huskies dominating the Colorado Buffaloes last week – extending their streak to four, their longest this season – UW has the momentum going into Friday’s game that puts the Cougars at a disadvantage. Additionally, Washington has the better record on the season with 7—4 overall, 5—3 Pac-12, while Washington State is 2—9, 0—8 Pac-12, with an eight game losing streak.

On paper, it may seem like a sure-fire win for the Dawgs with a lopsided score in their favor. But with such a heated rivalry, past and present records don’t matter – everyone will show up to fight for that trophy and a year’s supply of bragging rights.

So to everyone, Happy Thanksgiving! Then after the turkey, see you in Pullman!