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Very early ESPN Analytics projections favor Washington Huskies in 2024 Apple Cup

By Ethan Lee

Nov 26, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies hold the Apple Cup trophy after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies hold the Apple Cup trophy after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
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It’s hard to tell just what expectations should be for the Washington Huskies this season. So many things are different from what they were just eight months ago. There’s a new coaching staff, a new conference, and so much roster turnover and churn that happened on Montlake.

But, as the Washington Huskies get ready to start their 2024 season, which happens to be their inaugural season in the Big Ten after leaving the Pac-12 behind, it’s clear that beating the Washington State Cougars is still something that the Huskies should expect to accomplish this season.

Wazzu will certainly want the exact opposite of that, but despite the significant changes that have taken place for the Huskies, UW should still expect to come out on top in the Apple Cup. 

As it turns out, ESPN Analytics’ matchup predictor tool happens to agree with that assessment. It’s early, very early, the Huskies haven’t even played their first game yet. But, ahead of week one vs. Weber State, the ESPN Matchup Predictor tool has Washington with a great shot at winning this season’s Apple Cup.

Washington Huskies vs. Washington State Cougars: UW favored in Apple Cup by ESPN Matchup Predictor tool ahead of week 1

The matchup predictor magical math thing is connected a bit to ESPN’s Football Power Index. And, if you were to go ahead and take a look at the (VERY VERY EARLY PREDICTION HERE), the Huskies are being given a 65.7 percent chance of defeating in-state rival Washington State in the Apple Cup.

Those are pretty good odds, to be completely honest.

That’s scheduled for week three at Lumen Field in Seattle and there are so many things that could change between now and then. That said, it’s still an encouraging sign for Washington Husky fans who are looking forward to the continuation of this annual rivalry.

Because right now it seems like Washington is set to get another Apple Cup win. We’ll see how this all plays out though.

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