Prior to 2000, Washington was consistently a football powerhouse.
The Huskies’ cross-state rival, Washington State, was ranked as a top-10 team three years in a row (2001-2003). The Cougars had one of the program’s best seasons in 2003.
In the late 2000s, Oregon replaced Washington as the dominant football state in the Pacific Northwest.
Now, for the first time in 15 years, both Washington schools are ranked in the top 25, the Huskies at No. 4 and the Cougars at No. 25.
Perhaps impressive seasons from the Huskies and Cougars will spark a renewed excitement in football in the Evergreen state.
The probability of a national championship for Washington and a Rose Bowl for Washington State is becoming a reality.
Washington earned a 66-27 win over California Saturday. If the Huskies manage to win out the season, a berth to the College Football Playoff is certain.
One problem in the plan could be the impending Apple Cup game against Washington State Nov. 25 in Pullman.
Washington State (7-2) is undefeated in Pac-12 play after a 69-7 win over Arizona Saturday. If the Cougars defeat California and No. 14 Colorado in the next two weeks, they could break the top 15. This would make the Apple Cup one of the most important college football games of the season.
If the Huskies go undefeated, as they should, there is a very realistic possibility that Washington could earn its third national championship.
Even with a Pac-12 loss to Washington, Washington State could remain the leading contender to play in the Rose Bowl.
Many Idaho students grew up watching Washington schools. Anyone under the age of 25 probably cannot remember the last time the Huskies and Cougars were receiving attention on a national level.
Oregon schools have been the heart of Northwest college football in the 2000s. Even lowly Oregon State has had more football success than both Washington schools in the last 15 seasons. The Beavers went 111-88 in fifteen years with seven bowl victories. Washington is 92-107 since 2000 with only four bowl wins. Washington State is 84-110 with three bowl victories.
The Huskies were not eligible for postseason play from 2003-2009, the Cougars missed eligibility between 2004-2012.
The numbers tell the story. Oregon schools were simply too good for Washington schools to compete with in the mid-2000s. The Beaver state produced National Football League talents Marcus Mariota, Chad Johnson and Steven Jackson. Since 2000, Oregon only had one losing season, 5-6 in 2004. The Ducks finished every other season with a bowl berth and ended as a top 25 team in 12 of the last 15 seasons.
The Oregon schools’ dominance of the Pac-12 by Oregon schools kept Washington schools from playing on a national stage.
Both Washington schools defeated Oregon and Oregon State this season, the first time since 2003.
On the flip side, Oregon (3-6) must win out to be eligible for the postseason. Oregon State (2-7) already is eliminated from bowl contention. If Oregon ends up losing another game, this will be the first postseason without Oregon since 1996.
If Washington finishes 12-0 and Washington State ends 9-3, this will be the first postseason featuring two ranked Washington teams since 2001 and the rebirth of Washington football prominence.
Colton Clark can be reached at [email protected]