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game on Wazzu: a running collection of 4 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on game in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Washington State University (WSU) is a leading public land-grant research university in Pullman, WA, known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science,… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around game, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Wazzu is covering right now.

College football picks: No. 1 Ohio State should win a close one against No. 4 Longhorns
The Seattle Times The Seattle Times

College football picks: No. 1 Ohio State should win a close one against No. 4 Longhorns

## Week 2 Showdown: Ohio State vs. Texas – The Pick College football's Week 2 delivers a heavyweight bout: No. 1 Ohio State travels to Austin to face No. 4 Texas. This is the first regular-season top-five matchup since last year's tightly contested game where the Buckeyes edged out the Longhorns 14-7 in Columbus. Expect another nail-biter. **The Verdict: Ohio State Wins (But It’ll Be Close)** Our analysis points to a narrow Ohio State victory. Here's the breakdown: 1. **Quarterback Play:** While both teams boast talented signal-callers, Ohio State’s Kyle McCord appears to have a slight edge in experience and decision-making under pressure. 2. **Defensive Line Strength:** Ohio State’s defensive line possesses a depth and power that Texas will struggle to contain. This will disrupt Texas’s running game and pressure Quinn Ewers. 3. **Coaching Advantage:** Ryan Day’s experience navigating high-stakes games gives him a marginal advantage over Steve Sarkisian. 4. **Turnover Margin:** Historically, Ohio State demonstrates a better ability to protect the ball and capitalize on opponent mistakes. This won’t be a blowout. Texas is a formidable opponent playing at home, and their offense has the potential to exploit weaknesses. However, Ohio State's overall team strength and coaching experience are the deciding factors. For deeper coverage on the Pac-12 landscape, check out our piece, "Where Washington Huskies rank in this week’s AP poll," which examines the Huskies' recent Apple Cup victory and subsequent poll movement.

Washington Huskies survive Apple Cup scare, top WSU Cougars
The Seattle Times The Seattle Times

Washington Huskies survive Apple Cup scare, top WSU Cougars

## Huskies Hold On: Washington Edges WSU in Nail-Biting Apple Cup Seattle – The Washington Huskies emerged victorious in the 118th Apple Cup, securing an 11-7 win over the Washington State Cougars after a tense, back-and-forth contest. While the Huskies ultimately prevailed, the game wasn’t without its challenges, as a series of unforced errors threatened to derail their victory. Ultimately, a decisive touchdown from Jayden Limar proved to be the difference, solidifying Washington’s win and extending their Apple Cup dominance. The game underscored a narrative of resilience for the Huskies, who leaned heavily on a strong defensive showing to contain the Cougar offense. Both teams struggled to consistently move the ball, leading to a low-scoring affair characterized by tight margins and crucial stops. Washington’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly Limar’s game-winning score, proved pivotal in securing the win. This victory marks another chapter in the storied Apple Cup rivalry, and sets the stage for continued competition between the two Washington universities. For Washington, the focus now shifts toward preparing for their upcoming bowl game and building momentum for the future. For WSU, the loss provides an opportunity for reflection and a renewed commitment to improvement as they look ahead to the 2024 season. Want to know who else on the Huskies roster is poised for a big leap? Check out our article, "Three Washington Huskies poised to take big strides in 2026 season," for a look at the future of UW football.

How WSU’s Kaden Beatty and Nylan Brown could factor into Apple Cup No. 118
The Seattle Times The Seattle Times

How WSU’s Kaden Beatty and Nylan Brown could factor into Apple Cup No. 118

## Kaden Beatty and Nylan Brown: Kent State Teammates Poised to Impact Apple Cup No. 118 This weekend's Apple Cup pits Washington State against Washington, marking the 118th edition of a storied rivalry. While much attention focuses on established stars, keep an eye on a compelling subplot: the potential impact of defensive teammates Kaden Beatty and Nylan Brown. These two, who anchored the Kent State Golden Flashes defense just two years ago, now find themselves on the same side – the Washington State Cougars – and could be key contributors in a crucial matchup. Beatty, a linebacker, brings proven tackling ability and a physical presence. Brown, a safety, offers versatility and range in the secondary. Their familiarity with each other, forged during their time at Kent State, provides a level of comfort and communication that can translate to immediate on-field synergy. While they’ve been integrating into the WSU system this season, expect increased playing time and responsibility as the Cougars look to bolster their defense against a potent Washington offense. The Apple Cup’s future remains uncertain, as detailed in our recent piece, "Will the Apple Cup survive? It’s complicated for Washington, WSU," but for now, the focus is on this year’s contest. Beatty and Brown’s performance could be a significant factor in determining the outcome. Their journey from Kent State to Pullman offers a compelling story of opportunity and the chance to make a real impact in a high-stakes rivalry game.

Washington vs. Baylor men headline inaugural Seattle Holiday Classic
The Seattle Times The Seattle Times

Washington vs. Baylor men headline inaugural Seattle Holiday Classic

## Seattle Holiday Classic: Washington and Washington State Headline New Basketball Showcase Get ready for some serious Cougar and Husky hoops action! Washington and Washington State will be the headliners of the inaugural Seattle Holiday Classic, a new basketball showcase set to tip off in December. Joining the Pac-12 rivals will be Seattle University, creating a compelling three-team tournament that promises exciting matchups and a festive atmosphere in Seattle. The Seattle Holiday Classic aims to provide a high-quality, in-season tournament experience for fans in the Puget Sound region, offering a chance to see top collegiate talent in a competitive setting. Details regarding the exact dates, game times, and venue are still being finalized, but anticipation is already building for what promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. This event underscores the growing prominence of Seattle as a hub for Pacific Northwest college basketball. It’s a solid opportunity for both Washington and Washington State to test their teams against quality opponents and gain valuable experience heading into conference play. For those closely following the Cougar program, recent scrimmage performances—as detailed in our "WSU notebook" article—showcase the potential of players like quarterback Julian Dugger and highlight areas for continued development. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the Seattle Holiday Classic and prepare for some thrilling basketball!