The historical record of the Apple Cup points to the Washington Huskies having the better of Washington State with a record of 76-34-6, but not all wins are the same. 

Just one year after a game losing field goal, and heartbreak in what could have been the final Apple Cup ever, the Cougs found a way to win. 

In 2023, the Cougars went to Husky Stadium where they had a back and forward clash that came down to the end. Cougar fans in the stands and at home saw how close the game was and how close it was for a Cougar win. 

With only one minute left in the game the Huskies converted a fourth down with a big play. Later in the same drive a roughing the passer call moved the Huskies into field goal range, where they burned the clock and won off a game-winning field goal.

For some former players, that loss hits different.

“Being that close, especially with that 2023 team was a tough loss. Getting that close and just falling  short definitely left a mark on a lot of people that came back,” said former linebacker Kyle Thornton. 

Those same people who came back the next year, brought glory back home to the Palouse.

In the 116 Apple Cups that have taken place, the 2024 season was a special one for WSU faithful. 

“We were confident going in, we knew we could get it done,” quarterback John Mateer said. 

Mateer, who got the starting job after Cam Ward transferred to the University of Miami, led the WSU offense via the run in the first half. Mateer scored two 20-yard touchdowns to help build a lead as well as a passing touchdown to Josh Meredith. 

Mateer felt the support of the WSU fans throughout the game. 

“It seemed pretty even, it was basically a home game for them but the fans made it fun for us,” he said. 

Going into the end of the fourth quarter, WSU held a five point lead and UW was making a drive to the end of the game. Fourth-down and goal, two yards from the end zone in Seattle. The Huskies, who had just recently joined the Big 10, and left WSU behind, were losing by five. With one play that can determine the game, Thornton and the defense knew what to do.

“You just blackout. You gun it for the ball, and you take the glory,” Thornton said. 

Thornton knew that tackle would cement the 2024 Cougars football team in remarkable status, calling it the “definition of a Coug story.” 

On a run to the outside, Thornton along with defensive lineman Adrew Edson forced running back Jonah Coleman out of bounds, giving the offense the ball to run out the clock and win the game. 

The Cougars alone in the Pac-12 with Oregon State had just beaten the Huskies who abandoned the Cougs. Media speculation pointed to the Huskies having better players, more money, and an all-around better chance to win. Thornton and this Coug team understood how much that win felt for everyone affiliated with WSU.

“It doesn’t get written much better than that,” Thornton said. 

Thornton was not alone in that sentiment. 

“There was no better feeling, that game means so much for so many people. Everyone who lives for this stuff that’s what makes it so special,” Mateer said. 

Going back about 45 years, WSU Hall of Famer defensive back Paul Sorensen remembers the two Apple Cups he played in. 

In 1981, the Apple Cup was the deciding factor for who played in the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately, WSU lost to the Huskies. Although there was a loss, there were still good relationships to be built from the games. 

On a kick attempt, Sorensen told Husky offensive lineman Rob Kuharski he was going to jump on his back and block the kick. Kuharski warned him if he were to attempt this, Sorensen would be body slammed into the grass. 

Sorensen, ignoring his warning, attempted to jump off of the lineman’s back, where he promptly got slammed by the 6 ‘4 lineman.

“As I lay on the ground wheezing, he picked me up and patted me on the helmet and we ended up becoming friends,” Sorensen said. 

One year later in 1982, although Sorensen was drafted into the NFL he kept track of the Cougars, as he watched them upset the 5th in the nation Huskies 24-20 in Pullman.

It was the first game that was played in Pullman in 28 years, and was led by a second-half comeback after trailing 17-7 early in the game. In the third quarter WSU hall of famer Keith Millard recovered a fumble to spark the offense.

Coming down to the end of the game, Chuck Nelson who was regarded as one of the best kickers in Huskies history missed a game leading field goal, and an interception in the final minutes secured a win for WSU. The 1982 Apple Cup was one of the biggest upsets in school history, ruining the Huskies chances at a Rose Bowl opportunity. 

In the post game, the city had a massive celebration, with Martin Stadium’s goalpost being taken off of the field and thrown into the Palouse River. 

With this upcoming 2025 game, the Cougars are massive underdogs going into an early season Apple Cup. WSU will be looking to make waves similar to the 1982 squad and beat the Huskies for the second year in a row. 

Former Athletes Score Predictions:

Kyle Thornton – WSU Wins 31-28 from a game winning field goal similar to 2023 but reversed. 

Paul Sorensen – WSU Wins 24-20 which was the same score as the 1982 Apple Cup. 

John Mateer – WSU Wins 25-22 On a goal line stand because UW is soft.