Washington State edges Washington 24-19 in thrilling Apple Cup finish

In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Washington State edged out Washington 24-19 in Seattle, reclaiming the coveted Apple Cup. John Mateer was instrumental for the Cougars, running for two touchdowns and throwing for another, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. His performance included a crucial 16-yard touchdown pass to Josh Meredith, which helped Washington State establish a lead in the third quarter. Washington's offense, led by quarterback Will Rogers, managed to accumulate 314 passing yards, with Giles Jackson contributing significantly with eight receptions for 162 yards, including a touchdown. However, the Huskies struggled to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, settling for field goals on three separate trips inside the Cougars' 25-yard line, which ultimately proved to be a critical factor in the game's outcome. As the game neared its conclusion, Washington had a chance to tie or win, advancing to the Washington State 10-yard line. However, a failed fourth-and-goal attempt, where the Huskies were stopped for a loss, sealed their fate. The Cougars' defense, particularly their goal line stand, was pivotal in securing the victory. This win not only marked a significant achievement for Washington State but also raised questions about Washington's discipline, as they were penalized 16 times for 135 yards. The rivalry's future was uncertain following last year's conference realignment, making this victory even sweeter for the Cougars.