Three in-state rivalry games are occurring this week, so if you are looking for fire on the field, these are the games to watch.
Apple Cup: Washington and Washington State, 12:30 p.m. on Peacock
After Washington’s move to the Big 10, the Apple Cup is coming early this year, happening in September instead of November. Being so early in the season, this rivalry game will determine which Washington team will remain undefeated after both teams went 2–0 in the first two weeks. In the battle to win the third game of the season, fans from both sides will be showing up at the neutral site to help cheer on their team.
Last year, Washington’s three-point win in the Apple Cup was the determining factor in the team making the College Football Playoffs. In 2022, Washington State won 40-33. Washington may have won 12 of the last 14 Apple Cups, but Washington State can’t be counted out, especially with their running game starting to pick up. In week two, Washington State’s redshirt sophomore quarterback John Mateer rushed for a program record of 197 yards for a quarterback.
No. 9 Oregon and Oregon State, 3:30 p.m. on Fox
Just like Washington and Washington State, both Oregon teams are looking to expand their undefeated record. The game will likely be a test of offensive strength, with two strong quarterbacks on both teams.
Although Oregon State’s redshirt junior quarterback Gevani McCoy had an impressive 21-0 game against San Diego State, throwing 181 yards for one touchdown, McCoy and the Oregon State offense have not yet been put under heavy pressure. The Duck defense will be ready to test the Beaver offensive line.
Meanwhile, the Ducks barely pulled away with a 37-34 victory over Boise State after struggling with Idaho in week one, despite quarterback Dillon Gabriel throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon is only slightly favored to win the matchup against Oregon State, making for an interesting rivalry game.
Battle of the Brothers: No. 12 Utah at Utah State, 4:30 p.m. on CBS Sports
If Utah State’s 48-0 loss against No. 11 USC last week was any indication, this rivalry game might seem like it’s going to be a blowout.
However, in last week’s win against Baylor, Utah’s senior quarterback Cameron Rising was tackled into a Gatorade cooler on the sidelines before the end of the first half and injured his throwing hand.
After Rising went out, the team began to struggle, with the offense unable to score again. The team managed to hold off the Bears enough to pull away with a 23-12 win. While freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson is one of the highest-rated quarterbacks that Utah has signed, he lacks the experience that Rising has gained in his six years of college football. So, with uncertainty on the Utah offense, the game may be closer than expected.
