Records don’t matter in Apple Cup

SEATTLE — Steve Sarkisian wasn’t taking any of the bait on Monday afternoon.

Apple Cup jokes?

No, he hasn’t really heard any.

Washington State’s struggles in the first year under head coach Mike Leach?

“They’re in a transition year,” the University of Washington football coach said with a shrug. “I understand that.”

Well, what about the obvious discrepancy in the way these two teams are playing heading into Friday’s Apple Cup game in Pullman?

“The records don’t matter,” Sarkisian said. “This is Washington versus Washington State. Records haven’t mattered — they won’t next year, the year after and the year after.”

Ah, yes. Rivalry week. When the only thing higher than emotions is the cliche quotient.

It’s an easy fallback this week, when the high-flying Huskies, winners of four consecutive games and on their way to a bowl game for the third year in a row, face a struggling WSU program that’s just trying to get through the season without providing the national media with any more fodder.

The Cougars (2-9 overall, 0-8 in the Pacific-12 Conference) have fallen short of expectations again while reaching new lows — things that seem to have become annual rites for WSU football. Controversy has followed Leach from his previous stop at Texas Tech. Things got so bad two weeks ago that the team’s best player, receiver Marquess Wilson, accused Leach and his assistants of physical and emotional abuse after he quit the team.

As the rivalry-week cliches will remind us all, none of that matters this week.

“We’re all pretty intense about beating the Huskies,” WSU defensive back Deonne Bucannon said during a Sunday press conference in Pullman.

The Huskies are also motivated, as they always are against their cross-state rivals. Despite a 3-0 record against WSU in his three seasons at UW, and the Cougars’ obvious struggles this season, Sarkisian expects a competitive game Friday.

And he can’t wait to be standing in Martin Stadium for the nationally-televised game.

“As you guys (in the media) well know, I love the pageantry of college football, the excitement that surrounds college football,” he said. “And any time you get these in-state rivalry games at the end of the year, that’s what college football is all about. So to be part of my fourth Apple Cup and for our guys is an honor.”

WSU’s Leach will be making his Apple Cup debut. He said during a Sunday press conference that he’s excited about the rivalry game.

“I’m kind of looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ve seen it on TV for years. It’s a really impressive rivalry, and it has been for decades.”

Sarkisian said “it probably won’t take long” for Leach to realize just how big this rivalry is in the state of Washington.

“It didn’t take me long (to learn) that this is a big game,” said Sarkisian, who came to UW from USC before the 2009 season. “It’s a big game for a lot of reasons. Coach Leach has been in a lot of big games before — rivalry games at Texas Tech, when he was (an assistant) at Oklahoma and things of that nature. So I think he already knows.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.