The 118th Apple Cup is hitting different this year, kicking off on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend for the first time ever. This isn’t just a new date for our cross-state rivalry, it’s Jedd Fisch going up against a brand-new face across the field, Kirby Moore, who’s stepping in as WSU’s head coach after Jimmy Rogers dipped out for Iowa State.
“Surreal” Opportunity for the New Guy
Moore, the first-year Cougars coach, is ready for the spotlight. He told the Big Ten Network’s Yogi Roth that opening his first season against UW feels “surreal.” He’s hyped about the grand stage, recognizing it’s the first and *only* time the Apple Cup will be on a Sunday. “I can’t wait to attack it with the guys,” he said. You gotta love that energy from a first-year guy, stepping into such a heated rivalry. This game is huge for setting his team’s tone, but it’s also a chance for Fisch to take control of his Apple Cup narrative.
Caden Pinnick’s Redemption Arc in Seattle
Here’s where it gets spicy: WSU’s expected starting quarterback, Caden Pinnick, has some unfinished business at Husky Stadium. He made his second career start for UC Davis last September against the Huskies, which turned into a brutal 70-10 beatdown for UW. Pinnick only managed 8-of-16 for 50 yards, with a touchdown and an interception, marking his lowest yardage output of 2025. But don’t sleep on him, because he finished last season as one of the best FCS quarterbacks, throwing 32 touchdown passes and 3,206 yards over 12 games before transferring to WSU. He’s got something massive to prove in Seattle. And get this: former UW offensive lineman Maximus McCree, who made seven starts for Fisch while battling injuries, is now among WSU’s 28 new additions and could be protecting Pinnick’s blindside. Talk about a twisted reunion!
Huskies Ready to Make a Statement
Fisch, in his third season at the helm, holds a 1-1 record against our cross-state rival. He took a tough 24-19 loss to WSU at Lumen Field in 2024, but then totally rolled them 59-24 in Pullman last season. Now he’s got a chance to take the lead in his Apple Cup rivalry record at home, something he hasn’t done yet as head coach. The Huskies haven’t faced the Cougars at Husky Stadium under Fisch, making this season opener even more critical. The stakes are clear: the Huskies are currently favored by as many as three touchdowns. This isn’t just a game; it’s a statement. Kicking off the season at home, against a rival with a new coach and a QB seeking redemption, the Huskies need to set the tone for the entire season right here. Let’s get this W, Emerald City!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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