Iron Bowl, The Game and the best rivalry games die-hard fans have to watch Thanksgiving week
By Cephas Evans
(16) Washington vs. (8) Washington State – Friday 8:30 pm – FOX
When Washington and Washington State take the field Friday night , more than the Apple Cup will be up for grabs. The winner of this game will clinch the Pac-12 North and secure a spot in the conference championship game.
Over the years, this rivalry has rarely made headlines on the national scene and usually provides one of the schools a chance at ruining the others season. However, this year has a much different feel and both schools will be fighting to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive.
Washington State enters the game with an out-side shot at reaching the College Football Playoffs. The Cougars are led by quarterback Garner Minshew, who has worked his way into the Heisman conversation with some help from Mike Leach’s air raid offense. On the year, Minshew has consistently carved up opposing secondaries and racked up 4,325 yards passing with 36 touchdowns. Whether Minshew can stay hot against the Huskies dominate defense will be something to watch on Friday night.
The Huskies started the season with high hopes of making it back to the College Football Playoffs, but have suffered three losses over a somewhat disappointing season. On the bright side, Washington can still clinch a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game with a victory over the Cougars on Friday night. The Huskies field one of the nations best defenses, which has held opponents to 16.6 points and 318 yards per game. If Washington plans to spoil the Cougars season, it will hinge on their ability to slow down the lethal Washington State offense.
With the spot in the Pac-12 Championship on the line, expect this years Apple Cup to live up to the hype. Although Washington State enters the game as a 3.5 point favorite, I expect them to fall short against the Huskies on Friday night.