There’s still nostalgia for the Pacific Northwest’s former Pac-12 rivalries, even if the realities of college football mean the gap between the teams involved is growing wider.
Washington visits Washington State in the 117th Apple Cup matchup Saturday, when Oregon State visits Oregon in a rivalry — at one point known as the Civil War — that dates back to 1894.
The rivalries used to be the highlight of the year for many fans in both states, and the games were played on the last weekend of the regular season, adding to the sport’s tradition — and in many cases, delivering the drama as the teams fought for bowl position.
Realignment changed everything, and NIL money and the ease of transferring and becoming immediately eligible added to the divide between programs.
Oregon State coach Trent Bray pointed to some of those things ahead of his Beavers’ game Saturday against the sixth-ranked Ducks at Autzen Stadium, even while saying it was still a growth opportunity for his players.