3 Bold Predictions for the Apple Cup Between Washington and Washington State

If you want to see some terrific quarterback play between two hated rivals, look no further than the 2019 Apple Cup. In this matchup, Jacob Eason, who can throw a football straight through a wall, will lead Chris Petersen's Washington Huskies against the ultra-accurate Anthony Gordon and Mike Leach's Washington State Cougars. UDub might have dominated the series in recent years, but will Leach finally put his demons to rest in Seattle? Let's make three prognostications right here, right now.

3. Hunter Bryant Goes Over 150 Yards Receiving

Utah v Washington / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Hunter Bryant might be listed as a tight end, but the 239-pound pass-catcher has the speed, hands, and route-running ability of a wide receiver, and Eason has utilized him as such. Bryant's 729 yards and 15.8 yards per catch show how unique of a vertical weapon he could be in the passing game. Against a Washington State defense that lost several starters to the pros last year and hasn't replicated the success of yesteryear, Bryant could be in for a big day.

2. Anthony Gordon Throws for 500 Yards But is Picked Three Times

Colorado v Washington State / William Mancebo/Getty Images

Leach's famously pass-happy offense is a double-edged sword. While the scheme will inherently give quarterbacks gaudy passing numbers, it makes them more turnover-prone given the sheer volume of throws they make in a game. Gordon will likely be plying his trade in the NFL next year, and is currently topping LSU's Joe Burrow on the passing yards chart by a wide margin. However, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake appears to have been the one to solve the Air Raid, and is adept at forcing turnovers from these quarterbacks. Luke Falk struggled. Gardner Minshew struggled. History isn't on Gordon's side.

1. Washington Wins by 2 Touchdowns

Utah v Washington / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Leach beat the Huskies in Pullman during his first season, but has yet to either beat them or score 20 points against them since. The last four times Wazzu has faced Washington, they've come in as a ranked team and lost. If Eason doesn't turn the ball over and the Huskies can control the line of scrimmage -- which they so often do given how much bigger and more physical they are as compared to the Cougs -- Petersen should be able to shrug off another day of gaudy passing numbers from Gordon as Washington takes home a win.