Pac-12
Pac-12 on Wazzu: a running collection of 3 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on pac-12 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 pac-12, 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.
Will the Apple Cup survive? It’s complicated for Washington, WSU
## Will the Apple Cup Survive? It's Complicated. The future of the Apple Cup, a rivalry steeped in over a century of tradition between the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars, hangs in the balance. While the immediate future appears secure—both teams recently signed a five-year agreement to continue the series—beyond 2029, uncertainty reigns. This situation stems directly from Washington’s departure for the Big Ten and Washington State’s subsequent inability to secure a comparable conference home. Currently, there’s no contract guaranteeing the game’s continuation after this initial five-year window. Negotiations between the universities and the incoming Pac-12 members (Oregon State and Utah) have proven challenging, with key sticking points revolving around revenue sharing and conference affiliation. The lack of a binding agreement means the Apple Cup’s fate rests on ongoing discussions and a willingness from all parties to prioritize the historic rivalry. **Here's a breakdown of the key factors influencing the Apple Cup's survival:** 1. **Conference Stability:** The Pac-12’s ongoing restructuring is paramount. A stable, financially viable conference would provide a stronger foundation for maintaining the series. 2. **Negotiating Power:** Washington State's bargaining position is weaker without a conference affiliation. 3. **Fan Demand:** The enduring passion for the Apple Cup provides significant leverage, though it alone cannot guarantee its future. 4. **Institutional Commitment:** Ultimately, the universities must prioritize the game and be willing to compromise. For deeper insight into the broader landscape of the former Pac-12, check out our article, "Where Washington Huskies, WSU Cougars are projected to go bowling.
Where Washington Huskies, WSU Cougars are projected to go bowling
## Where Will Washington and WSU Bowl? Jon Wilner’s Projections are In. The Pac-12 may be gone, but the bowl game hopes for Washington and Washington State remain very much alive. Veteran college football insider Jon Wilner has released his projections for where each of the former Pac-12 teams will land this postseason, and the outlook for the Huskies and Cougars is solid. Here’s a quick rundown: Wilner currently projects Washington to the Cotton Bowl, a significant and prestigious destination reflecting their strong season. Washington State, meanwhile, is slated for the Liberty Bowl. While not as high-profile as the Cotton Bowl, the Liberty Bowl remains a valuable opportunity for the Cougars to showcase their program. Beyond Washington and WSU, Wilner’s projections place Oregon State in the Holiday Bowl, UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl, and Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. Colorado faces a tougher road, currently projected for the Pinstripe Bowl. Utah rounds out the projections, headed to the Alamo Bowl. These projections, of course, are subject to change based on ongoing team performance and conference tie-ins. It's worth noting the meticulous work that goes into these predictions; for instance, astronomers at the University of Washington recently employed complex simulations to narrow the search for dark matter, showcasing the institution’s commitment to rigorous analysis—a quality Wilner applies to his bowl projections. Ultimately, the path to a bowl game requires consistent effort and focus, a lesson Caden Pinnick, WSU’s newly named starting quarterback, clearly understands.
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!