As the college football season begins, most teams will be taking the field on Saturday, September 5. However, the Washington Huskies are set to enjoy a day of preparation before their highly anticipated matchup against the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup on Sunday. This unique scheduling allows the Huskies to stand out as the only college football game on national television at that time, with the NFL season not starting until September 9.
The Apple Cup is not just any game; it is the first of three nationally televised college football contests on Sunday, followed by matchups featuring Wisconsin against Notre Dame and Louisville facing Ole Miss. The Huskies will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET on NBC, providing them with a prime opportunity to showcase their talents to a nationwide audience. Head coach Jedd Fisch expressed his enthusiasm about the scheduling, stating, "I thought it was awesome. I’m all for it. I told our team today we’re the only game at 1:00; we’re on NBC. It’s an opportunity; everybody that turns on the TV on Sunday in the fall is looking for football. So, it just happens to be, surprise, it’s college. And it’s us, and that’s our hope that they all benefit from that."
Fisch's excitement about the Sunday kickoff reflects the potential impact this game could have on the Huskies' season. The decision to play a day later than most teams was met with immediate support from Fisch, who mentioned he "couldn’t say yes fast enough" when athletic director Pat Chun proposed the idea. This willingness to embrace the unusual scheduling speaks to the team's readiness to seize the moment.
The Huskies are set to face a challenging season, with five opponents ranked in the preseason top 25. A strong performance against Washington State could not only secure a victory but also elevate Washington into the top 15 rankings, especially as several top-ranked teams are engaged in tough matchups this weekend. The opportunity to defend their home turf adds an extra layer of motivation for the Huskies.
On the other side, the Washington State Cougars, under first-year head coach Kirby Moore and transfer quarterback Caden Pinnick, are also looking to make their mark. After two consecutive winning seasons, the Cougars are in contention for a conference championship. They are not scheduled to face any other ranked teams for the remainder of the season, making this game crucial for their aspirations.
While some may view the Sunday kickoff as an oddity, Fisch encourages his team to embrace the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on viewers who may not be familiar with the Huskies' program. With a chance to shine on a national stage, both teams are poised to deliver an exciting contest that could set the tone for the rest of their seasons.
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