The Washington Huskies continued their dominance and mastery over the cross State rivals Washington State Cougars with a textbook 31-13 win Saturday afternoon at Husky Stadium. It was the Huskies seventh consecutive win over the Cougars in the Apple Cup.
Going into the game many believed this was the year the Cougars would break the Husky stronghold on the series. WSU had reason to believe after consecutive wins over Stanford ( 49-22) and Oregon State (54-53). The Huskies were coming off a disappointing 14-20 loss at Colorado which created a twinge of doubt in Husky Nation regarding the teams state of mind.
When the fur stopped flying and the dust settled the Huskies were once again victorious over their cross state rivals due to dominating defense and an efficient offense led by quarterback Jacob Eason and Richard Newton who rushed for two touchdowns.
HUSKIES ABILITY TO APPLY PRESSURE WITH THREE WAS THE GAME CHANGER
The Huskies ability to rush three down line on defense and drop eight players made it a difficult day for WSU quarterback Anthony Gordon who was chased , hit and harassed into throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns for the first time this season. Gordon had thrown 11 in the last two games .
The Husky defense recorded five sacks all coming from the linebacker positions who rotated rushing the Gordon with defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike and Josiah Bronson. Husky Linebacker Brandon Wellington led the team with 16 tackles 12 of which were solo. Joe Tryon led the linebacking unit with two sacks while Ryan Bowman and Edefuan Ulofoshio were recorded with a sack and a half.
EFFECTIVE JACOB EASON
Husky quarterback Jacob Eason was efficient in his play calling, and execution of the Husky offense. For the first time since the opening game against Eastern Washington on August 31st , Eason was in full command of the offense. Eason threw for 244 yards one touchdown and ran for another. With the Cougar defense able to clamp down on the Husky Wide outs Eason went to tight ends Hunter Bryant and Cade Otton combined for nine receptions for 142 yards. Receiver Terrell Bynum had three receptions for 77 yards and an over the shoulder Touchdown catch.
BEATING THE COUGARS MATTERS
With the Colorado loss behind them the Husky defensive was dedicated to stopping the hyped Air Raid and continue it’s physical dominance over the Cougars. No Husky defender wanted to be responsible for losing to the Cougars,
