Demond Williams Jr. Leads Washington to Commanding Apple Cup Victory Over Washington State, 59-24

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PULLMAN, Wash. — Demond Williams Jr. put on a masterclass performance as the Washington Huskies reclaimed the Apple Cup with a 59-24 thrashing of the Washington State Cougars on Saturday night. Williams accounted for four touchdown passes and added a rushing score, finishing with 298 passing yards and 88 rushing yards in a commanding display of offensive dominance.

“Demond is sensational,” said Washington coach Jedd Fisch. “A lot of the country saw what he can do today on a national stage. He’s super special, and I can’t wait to see him keep getting better.” The Huskies’ offensive attack was balanced and relentless. Running back Jonah Coleman added 59 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while Denzel Boston led all receivers with 107 yards and two scores. Washington’s offense struck on nearly every possession, extending its season-opening scoring streak to 21 consecutive drives and recording touchdowns on seven of eight scoring drives.

Washington struck first in the 117th Apple Cup with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Boston. Washington State, grappling with quarterback uncertainty, saw senior Zevi Eckhaus start in place of redshirt sophomore Jaxon Potter. Eckhaus threw an interception on the Cougars’ first drive, setting up back-to-back Husky touchdowns by Williams and Coleman. The Cougars managed a brief response late in the first half when Eckhaus connected with redshirt freshman tight end Bo Baker for a touchdown, marking Baker’s first collegiate catch. However, Washington dominated the second half, highlighted by Boston’s second touchdown reception and a pivotal interception returned for a touchdown by safety Alex McLaughlin, a Northern Arizona transfer who recorded his first Husky interceptions.

“Seeing one-on-one with Denzel, nine times out of 10 he’s winning those,” Williams said. Washington capitalized on Washington State’s turnovers, including a fumble immediately following McLaughlin’s pick-six, effectively sealing the game. Coleman added another rushing touchdown, and senior Omari Evans capped the scoring with a 59-yard reception.

The victory marked Washington’s first road win since November 2023 against Oregon State, snapping a five-game road losing streak under Fisch while maintaining an undefeated home record. Conversely, Washington State’s ground game remains in shambles, with only 33 rushing yards on the night, continuing a troubling trend from earlier in the season.

“Our defense has to execute the basic fundamentals of wrapping up and making plays, and tonight we failed at that,” said Washington State coach Jimmy Rogers. The Cougars have now turned the ball over nine times in four games, surrendering 59 points for a second straight week after a strong start to the season.