Fansided

College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

By Maitland Rutledge

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Renard Bell #81 of the Washington State Cougars is tackled by the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Renard Bell #81 of the Washington State Cougars is tackled by the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

6. Washington vs. Washington State

While the Cougars and Huskies have been facing each other since 1900, the trophy did not debut until 1934. The trophy was first referred to as the “Governor’s Cup” due to a matchup of two in-state rivals. However, the trophy was renamed the Apple Cup in 1962 due to Washington’s reputation as large producers of this delicious fruit.

The series did not get off to a flying start. For the first game in 1900, the teams battled but it ended in a 5-5 tie. Washington proved to be the big brother and leads the series 72-32-6.

When Mike Leach arrived at Washington State in 2012, the “Mad Genius” restored some pride in Pullman. He made it his mission to return the Cougars to prominence and, more importantly, be state champions. In Leach’s first Apple Cup, he led Washington State to the greatest comeback in the game’s history.

Down 28-17 midway through the fourth quarter, quarterback Jeff Tuel and the Cougars began their charge, eventually tying the game at 28. With five seconds left, Washington attempted a 35-yard field goal to win it. The kick sailed wide right and the game went into overtime. On the Huskie’s first possession of overtime, quarterback Keith Price was sacked and fumbled the ball. Cougar defensive tackle Kalafitoni Poe picked up the ball and ran it inside the 10-yard line setting up the game-winning field goal to lift Washington State to a 31-28 victory.

Last year Washington State had a chance to be in the Pac-12 Championship Game, if they beat Washington. The game was not even close as Washington cruised to a 41-14 win. Leach and company will be looking to right the wrong of last season, making this rivalry game one worth watching in 2018.