Washington Huskies vs. Washington State Cougars: 3 opposing players to know

Sep 7, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) stretches for a touchdown against Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back A.J. McCarty (1) in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) stretches for a touchdown against Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back A.J. McCarty (1) in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images
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It's Apple Cup week and simply because of that it is one of the biggest games on the Husky calendar. It is the game that WSU circles every year as a "must win" and it's one that UW circles as "we can't be the Husky team to lose to them." As Nick Harris famously wrote on his shirt, "We don't lose to no Cougs!"

It certainly feels weird that we are playing the Apple Cup so early in the year but with the teams in different conferences, it was the only time to schedule it and because of some nonsense, it's scheduled to be at Lumen Field.

Each team comes in 2-0 and riding the highs of a team that looks ready to compete at the highest level.

2024 Apple Cup: 3 Washington State Cougars the Washington Huskies must keep an eye on

This will be a litmus test for both teams, especially as the UW defense hasn't allowed a TD and the WSU offense has scored a ton of TDs. They scored 70 against PSU in a very lopsided affair. It's a team that is wanting to start fast going against the Huskies who have started slow in two consecutive games.

The chirping has already started happening online and in press conferences this week but it will come down to the players who can back up their trash talk. Here are the three opposing players that need to be watched.

Let's start with the most obvious.

Schedule