SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Former Washington State Jim Walden coach summed up the importance of the Cougars' annual battle with Washington in the Apple Cup.
"Nothing is bigger than the Apple Cup," Walden, the Cougars' coach from 1978 to 1986, told the Seattle Times. "Beating Notre Dame would have been wonderful but compared with beating Washington? Not a chance."
The Cougars (9-2, 6-1) have boasted the stronger program the last two years, but that has not translated into success against the Huskies. Washington has recorded two straight upset wins in the series to extend its winning streak against Washington State to five games.
The game also could be important for Southern California, which has dropped behind Ohio State into third in the latest Bowl Championship Series standings. A win by Washington State figures to help the Trojans in the strength-of-schedule component of the BCS formula.
While the Cougars are looking to clinch at least a share of the Pac-10 Conference title, their primary objective is to beat their archrivals for the first time since 1997.
Last season, Washington State was ranked third when it suffered a bitter 29-26 triple overtime loss to the Huskies. Washington erased a 10-point deficit in the final three minutes, tying the game on John Anderson's 25-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining.
With just over eight minutes left, Washington State starter Jason Gesser suffered a high ankle sprain. He was replaced by Matt Kegel, who threw an interception that set up Anderson's game-tying field goal.
The game ended in controversial fashion for the Cougars as a pass by Kegel was ruled a lateral because the officials said it traveled backwards. Kal Ellis recovered a fumble for Washington.
Washington State has bounced back from a loss at Southern California with two straight wins, including a 34-19 victory over Arizona State last week. Freshman John Swogger completed 14-of-20 for 207 yards and a touchdown in relief of Kegel, who left in the second quarter with a sore right shoulder.
The Cougars have extra incentive this week because they can saddle Washington (5-6, 2-4) with its first losing season since 1976, Don James' second year in Seattle.
Last week was one of the lowest points in an up-and-down first season under Keith Gilbertson as the Huskies were routed by California, 54-7. Washington allowed 729 yards, including 386 on the ground.
Saturday's game is the 96th meeting between the schools with the Huskies holding a 62-27-6 edge.
