The Apple Cup trophy is going back to Montlake after UW’s 59-24 thrashing of Washington State.
Typically, a road game against a non-Power Four conference foe, seven days before facing the nation’s top-ranked team, is a recipe for a trap game. That is, unless that foe is a bitter rival that beat you last season in your own area code. There was no looking past Washington State for the Dawgs.
The story of the game was Demond Williams Jr. He finished with 298 passing yards on 16-of-19 attempts with four touchdowns. He also rushed for 88 yards and a score.
The game’s opening touchdown came via his arm, connecting with Denzel Boston for a 29-yard score. After UW defensive back Alex McLaughlin ended Wazzu’s ensuing drive early with an interception, Williams added his second score of the game, racing for an electric 23-yard touchdown.
It was hard to ask for a better start from the Huskies. Marching into enemy territory and taking a commanding 14-0 lead removed any concerns regarding a sleepy start.
Washington State’s first score of the Apple Cup was early in the second quarter when quarterback Zevi Eckhaus threw a 12-yard score to Beau Baker. The Huskies responded with a four-play, 75-yard drive, with a bulk of it coming on a 45-yard completion from Williams to Jonah Coleman. Two plays later, Coleman powered in a 12-yard rushing touchdown to give UW a 21-7 cushion.
The Huskies and Cougars exchanged field goals during the remainder of the half and went into the break with UW leading 24-10.
The second half was trending toward a shootout after several scoring drives were exchanged between the bitter rivals. Then, with a 38-24 lead, McLaughlin recorded his second interception of the game and took it 47 yards for a touchdown. The Huskies poured on more points on their next drive when Williams connected with Coleman for a 34-yard touchdown to take a 51-24 lead.
Williams added another score for good measure, connecting with Omari Evans, who notched his first Husky touchdown with the grab.
Saturday marked another big game for Coleman, who rushed for 59 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 104 yards and another score. Denzel Boston was the leading receiver with 107 yards on six catches and two scores.
Up next: Washington hosts #1 Ohio State.