First look at Saturday’s Apple Cup between the Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies

When/where: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Martin Stadium, Pullman

TV: Fox Sports 1

Records: Washington (7-5, 3-5 Pac-12); Washington St. (3-8, 2-5)

Last year: UW defeated WSU 27-17 in Seattle

Line: UW by 3.5

What it means for WSU

This is WSU’s bowl game. The last game of the season comes against a hated instate rival and will be the lasting memory for the Cougars heading into the offseason. Those long winter workouts will be more fun if the Cougars are coming off a big win in front of a sea of crimson-clad fans.

What it means for UW

With a fair amount of NFL talent on the roster that won’t be around next year, much was expected of the Huskies in their first year under coach Chris Petersen. So far, it’s been a disappointing season for UW, which will have its first losing Pac-12 record since 2009. But if the Huskies can win the Apple Cup and a bowl game they can still match last year’s nine wins.

Key matchup

Joe Dahl vs. Hau’oli Kikaha

Joe Dahl has been a great player for the Cougars this season, giving up just one sack from his left tackle spot, and his efforts were recognized when he was named to Phil Steele’s first-team midseason All-Pac-12 team. Dahl will have his toughest challenge yet trying to contain UW’s Hau’oli Kikaha, who leads the nation with 17.5 sacks. The two won’t face off on every play because the Huskies like to move Kikaha around, but they will square off often. What makes Dahl’s ability to keep Kikaha at bay even more important is the fact that the other WSU offensive linemen can’t spend too much time helping him when they also have to deal with defensive tackle Danny Shelton (8.5 sacks) and defensive end Andrew Hudson (10 sacks).