2

1 One thing you never see in an Apple Cup: lethargy. Even in Tyrone Willingham’s last year, the intensity on both sides was, well, intense. WSU has turned into a competitive team the last half of the season by becoming more physical and showed that in the 31-14 beatdown of Oregon State. Washington has the chance to go to a bowl game for the first time in nearly forever, so there is little chance the Huskies won’t come ready to play. However, with so much at stake, there is a danger of coming out overamped, with too much emotion leading to critical mistakes. The team that can harness its passion quickest will have a big edge.

2 Got something left in the playbook? Something special you have yet to use? A double pass, a fake field goal, a triple reverse? There’s no holding back now. The last game, the rivalry game, what better time to dump everything out on the field and see what works? Expect the unexpected today from both teams, as trick plays have played a role in deciding Apple Cups in the past. There is a downside, of course. Trying to pull something off in a big game that you’ve only used in practice can be tricky and lead to a crucial turnover. What’s the risk, what’s the reward? It’s time to decide.

3 When Jake Locker came out of Ferndale High in 2006, the athletic quarterback seemed destined to lead Willingham’s Huskies out of the depths and into a bowl. It didn’t happen, not his redshirt freshman year, not his injury-shortened sophomore year and not last season, Steve Sarkisian’s first. But this year, that’s different. Locker’s senior season was going to be the one. Yet three weeks ago UW was 3-6 and its bowl chances seemed all but dead. Then Locker led them to a win over UCLA. Last week it was a last-minute drive leading to a last-play, game-winning touchdown at Cal. And now comes the Apple Cup, a chance for Locker to cement his legacy. Win and go bowling. Lose and miss the final opportunity.

4 Both coaches have been downplaying the significance of the weather. But with the remains of recent snowfalls sure to be visible around Martin Stadium and a temperature somewhere south of 25 degrees at kickoff, there has to be some sort of effect. The Cougars put in two practices in the cold, one in a steady snow shower. The Huskies were able to get a taste of cold weather, but nothing like they’ll see today. The biggest advantage WSU may have is understanding the effect the slick surface will have on the ability to cut and push off. It’s something the Huskies will have to learn. The first lesson came in Friday night’s walk-through. The next will come before the game. Are they fast learners?