History shows that the Apple Cup doesn't need two quality teams (or even one, for that matter) to produce epic games. Part of the event's lore — as with all rivalry games — is when the more downtrodden of the two teams rises up when least expected to wreak havoc on the other's sky-high aspirations.
Think 1982, when a 2-7-1 Washington State squad stunned 9-1 Washington, denying the Huskies a third consecutive trip to the Rose Bowl. Or 2003, when a 5-6 Husky team coming off a 54-7 loss to Cal shocked the 9-2, eighth-ranked Cougars 27-19 to end their Rose Bowl hopes.
Other examples abound, with satisfying and agonizing memories on each side, depending on the year. Yet I'd maintain that the very best Apple Cups are those in which both teams are good and have a considerable amount to play for beyond the annual standards, such as pride and statewide bragging rights.
