2020 was a year many Pac-12 football fans hope to forget. With no crowd in attendance, and their historic Nov. 26th matchup canceled, Husky and Cougar fans alike had little to cheer for when both teams failed to qualify for a bowl game. Now on the tail end of yet another year full of controversy and confusion, Washington’s two biggest NCAA football programs seem to be heading in opposite directions leading up to Friday night’s game.

Head Coach Nick Rolovich Fired Over Vaccine Mandate

On Oct. 18th, the State of Washington’s highest-paid government employee was let go by the Cougars after a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine proclamation was issued by Governor Jay Inslee. Rolovich, who previously coached football at the University of Hawaii, was sent home along with four other WSU assistants following a 5-6 stint with the team.

Pat Chun, the athletic director at Washington State, addressed the media after the school decided upon Rolovich’s release.

“To be at this juncture today is unacceptable on so many levels, and is antithetical to the WSU experience our student-athletes so richly deserve.” “I take full ownership and responsibility for hiring Nick in January of 2020… Unfortunately, we stand here today having to make a transition.”

In Rolovich’s absence, defensive coordinator Jake Dickert assumed the role of interim head coach for the Cougs, hoping to reunite a Washington State football team that has experienced great tribulation over the past three years.

Huskies Relieve Jimmy Lake After Allegations Arise

The Washington Huskies experienced their own setbacks with head coach Jimmy Lake, who succeeded Chris Petersen at the beginning of the 2020 season. Lake had been seen striking redshirt freshman Ruperake Fuavai amidst the team’s 26-16 loss against Oregon, prompting the university to suspend the Spokane native for one game.

Lake’s situation would continue to deteriorate when The Seattle Times reported a similar incident that took place in 2019, where Lake had been seen shoving a player at halftime during Washington’s Oct. 12th game against Arizona. On Nov. 14th, the university cut Lake’s tenure after 13 games. 

Many will point to Lake’s subpar performances during the 2021 season, which most notably began with the team’s 13-7 upset defeat against Montana. However, in an interview published by USA Today’s Trojans Wire, Pac-12 writer Don Smalley points out Washington’s recruiting as a factor that may have influenced Washington’s decision to fire the 44-year-old. 

The recruiting has definitely dropped off,” Smalley said. “The lost out on J.T. Tuimoloau. He’s from Sammamish, the number one recruit in the nation, and he was right there in their backyard.”

Washington had cause to back up their final decision but decided against appealing Lake’s contract, which is owed upwards of $9.9 million through 2024.

Regardless of how successful either team has played during the regular season, since 2013, the Apple Cup has been a one-sided affair. Washington has compiled two eight-game win streaks in the 112 games played between the schools and is looking to add a third to their resume. Both teams have struggled in 2021, but with Washington at its weakest point in nearly a decade, the tides have begun to shift in favor of Washington State.