The Apple Cup arrives first this season, and for Washington it’s a chance to get straight to work against Washington State in Kirby Moore’s debut as head coach. After an offseason full of twists, turns, trials and tribulations, the Huskies finally get to line up against someone else, and our staff is split on just how big the gap will be.
There’s plenty of confidence in Washington’s side of the matchup. Andrew Berg sees a WSU offense that should be more functional under Moore, with Caden Pinnick bringing upside at quarterback and enough continuity up front to avoid a major issue on the offensive line.
But he also pointed to a lack of receiving talent and a turnover risk that could stall drives. On the other side, he likes Washington’s defense to create negative plays and force punts, while the Huskies’ offensive line, a rotation of backs, and the ground threat of Demond Williams should keep the chains moving.
His final call: Washington 38, Washington State 17.
Raymond Lucas Jr. is even more bullish. He likes the timing of the matchup, saying Washington jumps right into hate week instead of building toward it, and he expects the rivalry setting to keep the Huskies locked in.
He also wants to see how Demond Williams handles the moment after an offseason centered on him, noting that the temptation for big downfield plays could bring turnovers if he gets too aggressive. Still, his read is clear: Washington is the better team by a wide margin, with Williams’ composure, the defense, and the arrival of Quaid Carr driving a blowout.
His pick is Washington 41, Washington State 13.
Coach B is on the same side of the result and thinks the margin can grow even larger. He noted that Vegas was projecting something like a 38-14 Washington win, but he believes the Huskies can beat that.
He pointed to staff concerns this week about WSU’s roster and coaching turnover making prep unpredictable, though he also acknowledged last year’s game stayed within one score deep into the second half. Even so, he expects Washington’s talent, experience, and stability to take over, and said the Huskies are bigger, faster, and stronger than they were a year ago.
His prediction: Washington 52, Washington State 13.
Mark Schafer sees Sunday as a meaningful early test for several pieces on Washington’s roster and coaching setup. He said the game will show whether the offseason Demond Williams transfer portal flirtation lingers, give Quaid Carr a chance to prove he belongs as RB1, and test Ryan Walters’ defense after last year’s LA Bowl performance.
He also pointed to the Huskies’ unusual offensive staff structure under Fisch, who went without an offensive coordinator and brought in NFL veteran Matt Cavanaugh as an analyst, while the game will also offer the first in-game look at first-year players such as Kodi Greene and Jeron Jones. Schafer expects home field and the talent gap to carry Washington to an easy win, though he said a slow start would not surprise him.
He does not see the Huskies covering, but believes the second half should make the difference.
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