Washington State-Washington Preview Capsule

Posted November 25, 2015 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

No. 20 Washington State (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12, No. 20 CFP) at Washington (5-6, 3-5), 3:30 p.m. (FOX)

Line: Off.

Series record: Washington leads 69-32-6.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

For the first time in more than a decade there is some serious relevance to the Apple Cup. Washington State can plant itself into one of the top-tier Pac-12 bowl games with a victory and keep alive hopes for a 10-win season. Washington needs a win to reach six victories and become bowl eligible. The Huskies might fall into a bowl at 5-7.

KEY MATCHUP

Washington State WRs vs. Washington DB. The top passing offense in the country against the second-best pass defense in the Pac-12. The Cougars receivers, led by Gabe Marks and Dom Williams, have gotten the best of nearly everyone in the Pac-12 this season. But Washington has allowed more than 300 yards passing only once this season and is second in the conference in both yards passing allowed and pass efficiency defense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Washington State: QB Peyton Bender. The status of starting QB Luke Falk is unknown after he was taken off the field on a backboard last Saturday against Colorado with an apparent concussion. Bender could end up making his first career start against the Huskies. Bender has stepped in for Falk and thrown a touchdown in each of the past two games.

Washington: RB Myles Gaskin. The freshman has already set a bevy of freshman records during a breakout season, but Gaskin needs just 17 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Gaskin has six 100-yard games and is about to face a Washington State defense that is giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.

FACTS & FIGURES

First time either team is ranked headed into the Apple Cup since 2003. Last time both teams were ranked in the Apple Cup was 2001. ... Washington State RB Gerard Wicks became the Cougars first 100-yard rusher since 2010 running for 123 yards last week against Colorado. ... Washington has won three straight Apple Cups and the past three played in Seattle. Cougars last win in Seattle came in 2007.

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