In a weekend of college rivalry games, University of Washington v Washington State is a pretty good one to watch.

This is the rugby version of the Apple Cup, and has been the site of many a dramatic and close-run game. This year the game has some weird overtones, in that no matter what happens Saturday, these two will play again next week in the NCRC Conference semis. However, there’s more than just pride on the line - the winner gets to host next week.

Washington State gets to host this time, kickoff 1pm Saturday at the Valley Road fields. The Cougars have played well, especially after a rough start. Only three weeks ago they were concerned about making the playoffs, and now could reach their goal of finishing 2nd.

Flanker Kyle Vermeulen has been a revelation, and their entire backline has been especially dangerous. 

But it’s the grit up front that will decide things.

“They are big and physical and they have played together now under their coach for a few seasons and they show it,” said Washington Head Coach Mike Alfstad. That coach, by the way, is Jacob Bates, who will earn his Master’s Degree this year, and will move on, so the Cougars are trying to finish strong for him, too.

For the Huskies, Senior and captain Josh Rayburn has been a four-year starter at flanker. He has an outstanding work rate and a nose for the ball, and can truck it up pretty nicely, too. Flyhalf is another four-year starter, and while he is a gifted creator in the backline, he also has the added benefit of being a staunch defender.

And back, finally, is Peter Harrison, another four-year starter, who is healthy after so many injuries and will line up at scrumhalf.

Alfstad said he expects the tight five, namely props Nate Lungstrom and QueVeon Jenkins # to set the tone, and with center Nick Gadbaw playing well and fullback Derek Pleasants back from studying abroad, they have a few new wrinkles.

“As a unit we will need to be solid in defense around the breakdowns as well as cover well when they spin it out to their backs,” said Alfstad. “Our best defense will be to deny them possession; easier said than done. Our attack will need to be effective in ball distribution and as i mentioned we must have sustained periods of possession. We have a lot of lads who know how to score tries and that is what we will need to do to bring home the Apple Cup again this year.”

Notes: WSU has played much better at home, going 3-0 with 139 points scored and 38 allowed, while on the road they are 1-1-1 78-81. For UW, the road hasn't held too much mystery. The Huskies are 2-1, 88-74 away from Seattle, and 3-0 at home. For both teams, their only loss has been to NCRC leaders Western Washington.