WSU at Washington

When/Where: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Husky Stadium, Seattle

TV: FOX

Records: WSU (6-5, 4-4 in Pac-12); Washington (7-4, 4-4 in Pac-12)

Last time: Washington State defeated Washington 31-28 in overtime in Pullman (2012)

The line: Washington by 14.5

What it means for WSU

An Apple Cup win would give the Cougars seven wins and ensure them of a spot in a bowl game. While WSU could still get invited to play in a bowl with a loss, seven wins would eliminate any doubt. It would also gives the Cougars wins in both Apple Cups under coach Mike Leach, asserting that they are the premiere football program in the state.

What it means for UW

The Huskies have been treading water, finishing with seven wins in each of the last three seasons. With a win in the Apple Cup, the Huskies can finally secure that elusive eighth victory and show that the program is still making progress under coach Steve Sarkisian.

Key matchup

Bishop Sankey vs. WSU defense: Huskies running back from Gonzaga Prep is one of the nation’s premiere ball carries. Not only does Sankey lead the conference with 1,575 rushing yards this season, his 5.79 yards per carry are the highest of any Pac-12 running back with more than 1,000 rushing yards. The Cougars have struggled against the run this year, but held Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey in check. If they can do the same to Sankey, the UW offense could struggle to move the ball.

Jacob Thorpe