It should be the Apple of WSU's eye

I’m wracking what’s left of my brain trying to figure out the last time Washington State was supposed to win the Apple Cup — and actually did.

Maybe 1997, when Ryan Leaf and the Cougs won in Seattle to send WSU to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1931.

They’ve won some since, but in part because, well, somebody had to win the game.

So many factors are pointing in WSU’s direction this year — the Cougs are almost unstoppable on offense, and can actually play a little defense. And the Huskies, at least by recent Husky standards, seem to have slipped a little.

Still ...

The Huskies have owned the Cougars in this game of late. Washington has won the last five, the last three by beatdowns. Since WSU’s win in ’97, U-Dub has won 15 of the last 20.

Friday’s game is in Pullman — late afternoon, should be cold, maybe some precipitation ...

We’ll see this time.

As for the picks, .... there was no change last week. Jason and I picked the same team in all four college games, and we went 4-0.

For the season, I am 35-7 on the college picks, 83-26 overall. Jason is 32-10 on college picks, 78-31 overall.

COLLEGE

Washington at Washington State

Friday, 5:30 p.m.

NELKE: We’re not supposed to use the phrase anymore, but if WSU doesn’t win this one, the Cougs really would have ... well, you know what we’re getting at.

WSU, 42-20

ELLIOTT: This Cougar team seems pretty special this year. In 2002, Washington State nearly made a run to the national title game before the Huskies came into Pullman and stole the Cup in triple overtime. It would be a shame if the Huskies did it to them again wouldn’t it?

Washington, 38-35, 2OT

Utah State at Boise State

Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

NELKE: Again, like we said a couple weeks ago, it would be bigger news if Utah State won this game. But the game is in Boise, and the Broncos (usually) seem to find a way.

BSU, 31-16

ELLIOTT: Boise State might blow them out.

BSU, 34-17