Apple Cup: Takeaways from UW Huskies’ win over WSU Cougars

SEATTLE – Demond Williams Jr. and the No. 17 UW Huskies prevailed in a low-scoring battle, pulling away with a pair of late touchdowns to beat the WSU Cougars 24-10 in the 118th Apple Cup on Sunday afternoon at Husky Stadium.

Recap | Box score

What stood out from the season-opening affair? Here’s a look.

Amid struggles, UW’s offense comes through late

It was a rough day for UW’s offense, which was out of sync for most of the afternoon. The Huskies mustered just 10 points through the first three quarters and struggled in the red zone, twice coming away emptyhanded after driving inside the 10-yard line.

But just when UW appeared in danger of a potential upset, Williams & Co. delivered back-to-back touchdown drives to put the game out of reach.

After WSU pulled within 10-7 with 10:15 remaining, Williams authored a quick four-play, 75-yard TD drive that was keyed by a 29-yard completion to wide receiver Chris Lawson and a 44-yard flea-flicker pass to wideout Rashid Williams.

Then, after WSU hit a field goal to trim the margin to 17-10, UW faced a pivotal third-and-9 with less than 3 minutes to play. Demond Williams Jr. rose to the occasion and unleashed one of his vintage game-breaking plays, scrambling left before eluding two defenders with a sharp cut on his way to a 21-yard gain that moved the chains.

Williams and Lawson then connected for a deep 35-yard completion, and Oregon transfer running back Jayden Limar scampered into the end zone for an 11-yard TD to make it 24-10.

This Demond Williams cutback 😮‍💨

Watch on NBC pic.twitter.com/oGVOZzHwhx

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 6, 2026

A swarming start for UW’s defense

While UW’s offense sputtered for much of the afternoon, that wasn’t the case for the Huskies’ defense. UW limited WSU to just 242 total yards and 10 points, while coming up with three takeaways, three sacks and eight tackles for loss.

And there were standouts all around for the Dawgs.

Linebacker Jacob Manu recorded a team-high 11 tackles, including a third-down sack. Edge rusher Isaiah Ward forced and recovered a fumble. Four-star freshman defensive tackle Derek Colman-Brusa had a tackle for loss, along with a quarterback pressure that resulted in an interception by four-star freshman cornerback Jeron James.

Freshman Jeron Jones comes away with the INT for Washington!

📺: Washington State at #17 Washington on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/xFpPa7ajg3

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 6, 2026

Safety Alex McLaughlin had an interception and a tackle for loss. Virginia transfer cornerback Emmanuel Karnley had two pass breakups. Edge rusher Jacob Lane chipped in two tackles for loss, while defensive lineman DeSean Watts and edge rusher Russell Davis II added a sack apiece.

It was an excellent start for second-year defensive coordinator Ryan Walters’ unit, which is looking to take another step forward after finishing 15th in the FBS last season at 18.7 points allowed per game.

WSU puts up valiant fight

The odds were heavily stacked against WSU. Unlike the Huskies, who have roster and coaching continuity as they enter Year 3 under Jedd Fisch, the Cougars are once again full of new faces as they embark on their third head coach in as many seasons.

And yet, while facing a Top 25 opponent on the road in a hostile environment, Kirby Moore’s Cougars put a scare into their cross-state rivals. WSU trimmed the deficit to 10-7 with 10:15 remaining and trailed just 17-10 in the closing minutes.

NOT ON THE COUGARS’ WATCH.
The Washington State defense closes out the half with a HUGE stop on 4th & goal!

📺 Washington State at #17 Washington on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/XihiHDMoUq

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 6, 2026

WSU quarterback Caden Pinnick, a UC Davis transfer, threw two interceptions in his first career FBS start. But he also ran for 61 yards on 14 carries and showed some mettle early in the fourth quarter, using both his arm and legs to lead the Cougars on a nine-play, 62-yard TD drive.

WSU’s defense also deserves a lot of credit for keeping Demond Williams Jr. and the Huskies’ dangerous attack in check for most of the game.

Even with all the newness and turnover, the Cougs showed they could be a contender in the new-look Pac-12.

Analyst: UW Huskies could be ‘ultimate chaos agent’ this fall

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