Huskies Versus Cougars Preview

The Huskies travel to Pullman with one goal in mind and one goal only. To win the Apple Cup and become bowl eligible for the first time since 2002.

Yes, it has been that long. Eight long years of not going to a bowl could be over with a win over Washington State. The Cougars have had another long season under Head Coach Paul Wulff. Wullf is 5-31 as the Cougars head coach and a loss in the Apple Cup could cost him his job as it wasn't too long ago the Cougars were an ordinary Pac 10 team fighting for a bowl game year in and year out.

Steve Sarkisian the Huskies head coach on the other hand will oppose him on the opposite sidelines today. His 10-13 record as the Huskies head coach has the Huskies fans excited about the teams future. A 5-7 record last year followed by a possible bowl game this year would show how much Sarkisian has turned this storied football program around following their 2008 season where they went 0-12.

However, a loss to a 2-9 Washington State team would have the Huskies fans wondering is Sarkisian the right man for the job. The Huskies have not shown any consistency in Sarkisian's time here in Washington. They have played extremely well at times but have also played pretty sloppy at times.

This should be a major concern for Huskies fans. Washington State's record of 2-9 doesn't show how hard this team has competed. Except for the Oklahoma State, Stanford and Arizona State games, the Cougars have competed really hard which is a positive to their football program. Washington has to be ready for anything as Washington State has had had three weeks between games.

Jeff Tuel the Washington State quarter back will try to spoil Washington's bowl hopes by himself. With his team ranked 117th (out of 120 teams) in total rushing yards, Tuel will try to beat the Huskies with his arm as well as his legs. Tuel not known for his running ability though he did run for 79 yards on 18 carries in the Cougars upset win over Oregon State.

Washington defense has really improved over the past few weeks. They have only allowed one offensive touchdown in the last two games. The Huskies will face a much tougher task than last two weeks as the Huskies have faced buck up quarterbacks the last two weeks. Jeff Tuel is a much more dynamic quarterback than Cal's Brock Mansion and UCLA's Richard Brehaut. The defense as a unit needs to step up as a team to stop the passing attack as the Cougars have some wide receivers that could make it a long day for Nick Holt and the Huskies defense.

Even though the Huskies are the favorite to win the Apple Cup this game will not be a walk in the park for the Dawgs as over the years there has been many upsets. The biggest one came in 1982 when the Washington State Cougars knocked off the #5 Washington Huskies. The Huskies came into the game as overwhelming favorites. However, the Cougars came out victorious 24-20 to knock the Huskies out of the Rose Bowl.

The forecast in Pullman tomorrow is for it to be cold with temperatures hovering and mid 20's and no snow. The weather should give the advantage to the Huskies as they have the better running game. When the Huskies give the ball to Chris Polk 20 or more times Washington is 3-0. It could be a big day for Polk as the Cougars rush defense is very young  this year and needs improvement. Polk will try to reach the 1000 yard plateau for the second consecutive year. The running game will be essential for the Huskies wining the rivalry game.

My prediction is that the Huskies will take care of business today and will win the Apple Cup for the second year in a row. .Jake Locker will play smart football and Chris Polk will have a big game with two rushing touchdowns. Jeff Tuel will do what he can do to keep his team in the game but it will not be enough. The Huskies will win 27-17 and will get a good effort from there Special teams. The game is scheduled for a 4pm start and will be televised on Versus.