One victory doesn’t erase months, years and even generations of heartbreak. However for Washington State to beat rival Washington State 24-19 within the Apple Cup, there was extra to it than a single end result.
Cougars head coach Jake Dickert stated preparations for Saturday’s 116th version started 9 months in the past – referring to the a hundred and fifteenth Apple Cup. In that recreation, Washington State bought into Huskies territory late within the fourth quarter and the sport was tied at 21-21.
If the Cougars win, Washington will probably not make the School Soccer Playoff. Washington State additionally wants an upset win to grow to be bowl eligible. Nevertheless, a penalty stalled the Cougars’ offense, and an injured Michael Penix led Washington to a gutsy win.
Penix strengthened his case for being a Heisman Trophy finalist; the Huskies defeated Oregon in what was then thought of the ultimate recreation of the Pac-12 Championship Recreation and the Cougars did not qualify for the bowl.
The 2023 Apple Cup is the quintessential “Cougin’ It.”
For these unfamiliar with the idea of Cougin’ It, it is a easy technique to describe the excruciating method Washington State groups have misplaced video games in massive moments through the years.
Official denial of Ryan Leaf and his teammates’ last-second efficiency within the 1998 Rose Bowl? A snowstorm retains Gardner Minshew out of the 2018 Apple Cup, costing Washington State an opportunity at a Pac-12 title and potential playoff competition? Penix’s heroics in 2023?
Completely different seasons, distinctive eras and three examples of Cougin’ It.
Whereas numerous recreation outcomes recommend the Washington State program has been snake-bitten, it pales compared to the lack of a real house for the Cougars final 12 months after members of the Pac-12 left to compete in numerous conferences.
Washington State joins Oregon State in soccer purgatory as members of the world’s first two-team convention. Dickert downplayed the scenario in his postgame assertion Saturday, joking that Washington State may “take this (Apple Cup) trophy again.”
“I believe it is the Pac-12 trophy,” he quipped. “I believe it is most likely going to be with us for a very long time. We’ll carry new ones subsequent 12 months.
On Saturday, the situations had been ripe for one more entry into Cougin’ It is unlucky historical past. John Martel’s landing run earlier than halftime gave WSU a 17-13 lead, however was unable to increase the lead past eight factors within the second half.
A scoreless fourth quarter with the Cougars up by 5 set the stage for an ideal recreation: Washington had the ball with 3:40 remaining. Will Rogers related with Giles Jackson for a 45-yard acquire on the primary play from scrimmage.
A methodical Huskies group burst into the purple zone, burning up yards and clocks concurrently towards the purpose line. The underdog story is fascinating because it continues, however that is Massive Ten soccer.
As an alternative, Washington State’s protection was strong on the purpose line. Andrew Edson’s hit to Rogers compelled an choice pitch to Jonah Coleman, who had nowhere to go however to the Cougars’ different excessive. Senior participant Kyle Thornton.
The Pac-12 defeated the Massive Ten. How about it?
“Coming from Washington, I can not inform you how a lot this win means to me,” stated Edson, a senior and Snoqualmie native. “Rising up, I all the time wished to play this recreation. You all the time suppose it may very well be your time. This play made me consider it, and it is superior.
WSU final gained the Apple Cup in 2021, the Cougars’ first victory over the Huskies in 9 years, and the veteran’s game-winning efficiency underscored Dickert’s message concerning the significance of this recreation.
“We’re at a crucial second in Washington state soccer,” he stated. “If you cannot assist this group at this second, I simply do not know what else we are able to do. These guys are right here for this, for this second.
The 2024 Apple Cup doesn’t erase the heartache the Washington State soccer group has skilled earlier than. Nevertheless, this victory does open a brand new chapter in a constructive gentle.
Washington State has been shrouded in some uncertainty because the summer season of 2023, and earlier this week Mountain West Convention members Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State introduced they might be becoming a member of the Cougars in 2026 group and Oregon State.
The highway to full rebuilding is lengthy, however these are necessary steps. Every win Washington State provides to its argument towards a strong convention opponent provides credibility to the century-old, fledgling league’s argument for an automated playoff qualifier.
Whereas the playoff fates of each WSU and the Pac-12 are extraordinarily unclear, the Cougars can take solace in competing for at the least one trophy they might by no means need to return.
