Throughout Washington, the Apple Cup stands as more than just a football game; it is a yearly cultural phenomenon that is deeply embedded with tradition and sparks one of the biggest rivalries of the region.

As the annual day-after-Thanksgiving matchup between the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars, the Apple Cup has evolved into an event that is both highly anticipated and beloved in the Pacific Northwest.

What sets the Apple Cup apart is the fierce rivalry between the Huskies and the Cougars. The matchup is a clash of two Washington universities that run deep with pride in their institutions. The clash pits the urban academics of Seattle against the agricultural scholars of Pullman. Fans, families, alumni, and locals passionately support their respective teams.

The Apple Cup’s origins date back to Nov. 30, 1900, when the two schools first faced off, ending in a 5-5 tie, setting the scene for the century-plus storied competition. Originally fighting for the Governor’s Trophy, it wasn’t until the 1963 that the name “Apple Cup” was officially adopted. The name representing both school’s home state of Washington’s widely-known production of apples.

Over the years, the Apple Cup has been the stage for numerous iconic moments and memorable games that have recorded themselves into the collective memory of fans, every year adding a chapter to the historic rivalry.

The Apple Cup is more than a football game; it’s a tradition. The game provides an opportunity for communities to come together, united by a shared love for their teams and the region they call home.

The Apple Cup 2023 lived up to its reputation as one of college football’s most anticipated and intense rivalries. The matchup between the Huskies and the Cougars unfolded at Martin Stadium in Pullman, and as unevenly matched as the game seemed like it may be (with the Huskies coming into the match with an 11-0 record while the Cougars held a record of 5-6) the outcome was uncertain and both teams were in contention until the final moments.

As is often the case in the Apple Cup, the game was defined by a few pivotal moments. A crucial interception by the Huskies in the third quarter seemed to swing the momentum in their favor, but the Cougars responded with a stunning goal-line stand that kept them in contention.

As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, the tension reached its peak. And in a heart-stopping finale, the Huskies managed to secure a field goal in the closing seconds, securing a narrow victory and sparking celebrations among their supporters. The final score, 24-21.

With the 2023 edition now in the books, anticipation already begins to build for the next chapter of the Apple Cup, which will unfold in 2024 in Husky Stadium.