PULLMAN, Wash. — The Apple Cup is a bit different this year.
Different venue.
Different part of the schedule.
Different conference.
But the rivalry between the Cougars and Huskies remains the same.
“Nobody likes each other from both sides,” WSU running back and Bellingham native Djouvensky Schlenbaker said.
Despite the differences of this year’s game, there is still no love lost between the Cougars and Huskies.
The 116th Apple Cup will be the first as nonconference foes.
UW joined the Big Ten this season, leaving WSU and the Pac-12 in the rearview mirror.
“We don’t like that school on the west side,” WSU EDGE Nusi Malani.
The Huskies had the upper hand last year winning on a game-winning field goal, 24-21.
The victory propelled the Huskies to a Pac-12 title and a national championship game appearance.
It’s a loss the Cougars haven’t forgotten.
“Knowing what happened last year that wasn’t the way we wanted it to go for us,” Schlenbaker said. “I think it’s going to be a lot different this year.”
The Cougars and Huskies have been going head to head for more than 100 years.
For Schlenbaker, the rivalry has already given him a lifetime of memories.
“First grade I would always watch it at my house because my parents watched it every year,” Schlenbaker said. “My grandpa at the time was a Husky fan because that’s when he was born and raised. Since I’ve been here he switched over.
For the newest Cougar players, they hope to leave their mark on this game and leave Seattle with the Apple Cup trophy.
“It’s all the guys have talked about since I even got here,” WSU defensive back Tyson Durant said. “It’s early this year. I know it’s usually been later in the year. But it’s right here. It’s for the taking.”
Kickoff is at 12:30 on Saturday from Lumen Field in Seattle.
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