Last night was the Apple Cup. Sadly the game didn’t turn out how I wanted it to. The Huskies beat the Cougs 28-15. There was a lot riding on this game for the Cougs going into it. A trip to the Pac-12 Championship, a trip to the Rose Bowl and a possible trip to the College Football Playoffs if the stars somehow magically aligned. Unfortunately, none of these things will be happening after last night’s loss.
However, as I look back on the 2018 season I can do so with a smile. I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me that the Cougs would be 10-2 at the end of the season. Especially after losing several seniors, a large portion of the coaching staff and the suicide of Tyler Hilinski. Each week the Cougs continued to surprise me with a win. To be honest, I thought it would’ve been more realistic for Washington State to be 7-5.
There were a ton of fun moments during the 2018 season, but the one that stands out was when Ol’ Crimson finally made it to Pullman after nearly 15 years and 216 consecutive ESPN College Gameday shows. The display of Cougar pride was truly unreal. Thousands of people showed up for Gameday creating a sea of WSU flags. The day got even better with the Cougs beating Oregon in front of a sold out crowd at Martin Stadium.
These are the sort of seasons you live for as a Cougar football fan. The 2018 season far exceeded my expectations and I have a hard time believing that the 2019 season will be able to live up to this one. However, I felt this same way at the end of last season. If I have learned one thing watching WSU over the past few years is that the Cougs have a way of surprising you when all hope is lost. I don’t know if next season will be anything like this one but I can’t wait to find out.
See you in September! Go Cougs!