By Khalid Bennett
The Seattle Medium
It was senior night at Husky Stadium, and on this Thanksgiving weekend, apples were the main course for the annual Apple Cup game between Washington and Washington State. Husky fans had the honor of celebrating the senior class, and say goodbye to a few all-time greats such as Dante Pettis and Keishawn Bierria. Washington State came into this game with a trip to the Pac-12 championship game on the line with Washington playing the spoiler role. Both teams came into the game with a 9-2 record, making this one of the more intriguing Apple Cup match-ups in years. The Cougars were trying to snap a four game winning streak by the Huskies, and erase the memory of the last two Apple Cups – which they lost by a combined score of 90-27.
Both teams’ strength is on the defensive side despite the career offensive numbers put up by both quarterbacks. Washington’s Jake Browning broke the school record for career touchdown passes last week against Utah. Washington State’s Luke Falk owns just about every Cougar passing record but the two teams had the top defenses in the conference coming into this game. The Huskies have given up an unprecedented 30+ points in their last two games. Washington was going to have their work cut out for them attempting to stop a Cougar offense that averages over 375 yards passing per game.
Washington’s defense was up for the task as they held Washington State to just 107 total yards on their way to a 1st half shutout. The Huskies forced Falk into three first half turnovers, which has been a problem for Falk this season. Washington State was only able to cross midfield one time in the 1st half.
The Husky offense was able to score a touchdown on their first drive but were held scoreless until a fumble by Falk in Husky territory set up a 27-yard run by freshman running back Salvon Ahmed. A one-yard quarterback sneak by Browning made the score 14-0 Washington.
Washington was able to get most of their offensive production on the ground with a stellar rushing performance by junior running back Myles Gaskin. Gaskin carried the ball 25 times for 194 yards and four touchdowns, as the Huskies posted a 41-14 win over the Cougars.
Washington improved to 10-2 (7-2 in Pac-12) on the season, while Washington State fell to 9-3 (6-3 in Pac 12).
Pictorial Highlights of 2017 Apple Cup
Photos by Aaron Allen
