Two-minute drill: Washington State's keys to victory against No. 17 Washington in the Apple Cup

In their upcoming matchup, Washington State and Washington will battle in the Apple Cup, with the Cougars favored by 23.5 points. Defensive ends Matyus McLain and Linus Zunk from Washington State, transfers from Idaho and Vanderbilt respectively, have been the biggest stories from their spring ball and fall camp. Their size and athleticism have generated consistent pass rush, but facing UW offensive tackles Kodi Greene and Drew Azzopardi will be a different challenge.

If McLain and Zunk can produce meaningful pressure on Washington QB Demond Williams Jr., the Cougars defense has a better chance of disrupting him and creating turnovers, potentially shifting the game's tide. The Cougars' game plan should involve consistent pressure on the Huskies' quarterback, while their offensive running game could help keep the clock running and keep the ball away from the potent Huskies offense.

Meanwhile, the Huskies' defense aims to give rookie quarterback Pinnick an inauspicious start, with linebacker trio Jacob Manu, Xe ree Alexander, and Zaydrius Rainey-Sale expected to form one of the nation's premier units. Pinnick will also face safety Alex McLaughlin, who picked off two passes against WSU in last year's Apple Cup.