Washington vs. Washington State 2012: Heavily-pressured Keith Price and Huskies fall in Apple Cup

The Washington Huskies had a four-game winning streak snapped on Friday by their in-state rival Washington St. Cougars. It was the first time that Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian has lost to the Cougars in his four years at Washington. The Apple Cup was the first conference win of the year for Mike Leach and Washington St.

The Cougars came from behind with 18 fourth-quarter points to force overtime and eventually beat the No. 25 Huskies, 31-28. The game-winning field goal was set up by Keith Price being pressured into throwing an interception on the Huskies first overtime possession.

On Price, Ben Knibbe from SB Nation's UW Dawg Pound wrote:

Keith Price had no time to throw ever. He took his drop, hitched and went down. He often got the ball off, but he went down quite a bit. Regardless of what was happening, there is no excuse for the final offensive play. The attempted shovel to Sankey over a defender was inexcusable.

He was erratic with his accuracy, but when given any time in the pocket at all, he generally delivered an accurate pass to an open receiver.

Despite the frustrating rivalry loss, Knibbe singled out cornerback Gregory Ducre as a bright spot, saying:

He will be relied on his Senior season with Desmond Trufant graduating, and he looks to be up to the task. He tackled well and passes were generally not completed in his direction.

The Huskies finish the 2012 regular reason 7-5 overall and 5-4 in Pac-12 play.