In the wake of its 33-30 win over Utah Saturday night, Washington rose one spot to No. 15 in the Associated Press college football rankings released Sunday, while idle Washington State also advanced a notch to No. 14. This marks the first year since the Apple Cup officially began in 1962 that both schools are in the top 15 heading into the rivalry game.
The Huskies (9-2, 6-2) collected 613 points, up from 575 a week ago, while WSU (9-2, 6-2) garnered 697.
The Huskies were eliminated from a spot in the Pac-12 championship game as they played Utah Saturday because Stanford (8-3, 7-2) defeated California.
Washington State can advance to the title contest against South winner USC if it beats the Huskies Saturday. But if the Cougars lose, Stanford will represent the North against the Trojans. The Cardinal lost to Washington State 24-21, but defeated the Huskies 30-22.
The Pac-12 title game is Dec. 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
In the coaches poll, Washington rose from 15th to 14th while Washington State also climbed a notch to No. 15.
USC (10-2, 8-1), the preseason favorite to win the title, remained the highest-ranked team in the conference after defeating UCLA 28-23. The Bruins (5-6, 3-5) Sunday fired coach Jim Mora, a former UW defensive back under Don James and head coach of the Seahawks in 2009.
The Trojans are No. 11 in the AP poll, up one from last week. Stanford is the only other Pac-12 school ranked. The Cardinal climbed three spots to No. 20 after beating the Bears 20-17.
Alabama remained No. 1 in the AP poll with 1,522 points. The Tide is followed by No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Clemson and No. 5 Wisconsin.
The Apple Cup start time was finally announced Saturday night as 5 p.m., on Fox.
