Washington Wins 2014 Apple Cup, Beating Wash. St. 31-13

The only thing colder for the 2014 Apple Cup than the temperature at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, was the Washington State offense, thanks to the University of Washington defense.

USA Today is reporting that Washington used a steady offense and a suffocating defense to stomp Washington State 31-13. The win gives the Huskies this year’s Apple Cup. The Apple Cup is annually awarded to the winner of the Washington-Washington St. game.

Washington’s defense was the story of this game. Huskies coach Chris Petersen employed a four-man front and sent seven men into coverage, confounding and confusing Washington State quarterback Luke Falk. Falk finally hit wide receiver Dom Williams for 35-yard touchdown with 9:55 left in the fourth quarter to cancel the shutout. This also preserved Cougars head coach Mike Leach’s record; he has never coached a team that was shut out. The Cougars (3-9, 2-7) were, however, shut out in the first half for the first time in games.

Petersen gave praise to his defensive unit.

“The mindset and energy, they were all together,” Petersen said. “This game was very important to all those guys in there and they came out ready to play.”

The Huskies were intent on erasing the bitter memory of the 2012 Apple Cup, in which the Cougars came back from 18 points down to win.

The News-Tribune is reporting that the Huskies’ defense also had three interceptions, and sacked Falk four times in dominating the line. The Huskie defense dominated the line of scrimmage for most of the game. The Huskies stifled all three of the Cougars’ fourth-down tries, and caused a fumble. The Huskies held the Falk to 27 of 49 for 355 yards and just the one last touchdown.

The Huskies also used the big play to win the game. Huskies running back Dwayne Washington rushed for 135 yards, including runs of 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 60-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Both touchdowns were the first play of their respective quarters. Huskies quarterback Cyler Miles went 25 of 39 for 249 yards, including two touchdowns, effectively managing the Huskies offense.

The victory gives the Huskies consecutive 8-win seasons since 2000-01. The Huskies will once again maintain possession of the Apple Cup. The Huskies also lead the over all series, 68-32-6. The name of the award changed in 1962, from Governor’s Trophy to Apple Cup.

For the Cougars, the 2014 season is now over. The Huskies (8-5, 4-5), however, will now wait to hear which bowl game they will be offered.

[Image courtesy of Ted. S. Warren/AP]