Victory is sweet for Cougars in Apple Cup thriller

WSU’s improbable comeback win deals Dawgs a sour dose of reality

By Don Ruiz | The News Tribune • Published November 23, 2008

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PULLMAN – By traditional standards, there wasn't much at stake in the 101st Apple Cup — just ninth and 10th place a 10-team conference.

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2008 Apple Cup

But the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars played for 60 minutes and then into two overtimes Saturday as though the difference was vast.

And in the end, when the Cougars won 16-13, they celebrated with their fans on the field of Martin Stadium while wearing the same kind of dazed and happy smiles that teams wear after winning championships.

"We needed a win so bad," said freshman Jared Karstetter, whose 48-yard reception in the final minute set up the field goal that pulled the Cougars even on the final play of regulation.

"You can't describe how happy we are for the seniors, Brandon (Gibson) and all," Karstetter added. "They're great guys; you couldn't ask for better teammates. I'm so happy for them and everyone. This has been such a rough year; it feels great to win this one."

While the Cougars might find it hard to imagine, this season may have been even rougher for the winless Huskies. And many of them said that this loss hit them hardest of all.

"I'm speechless," UW senior Donald Butler said. "Right down to the wire, seconds left to go in the game, we had them. We had them beat. But they found a way to get it done, and we didn't."

For most of the way, both teams used game plans so conservative the sport bordered on becoming rugby. Washington ran 58 times for a season-high 224 yards; WSU 37 times for 171 yards, their season-high against Football Bowl Subdivision opposition. Both teams average less than 10 yards per pass competition.

The Huskies (0-11 overall, 0-8 Pacific-10 Conference) jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first half, and for most of the way they had seemed positioned for their first win of the season and their first win in more than a calendar year.

However, Washington State (2-10, 1-8) inched closer when Logwone Mitz broke loose for a 57-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter.

Washington was still nursing a precarious 10-7 lead into the final minute of regulation, when the Huskies punted the ball to the Cougars, who took over on their own 20.

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