Connect with us

Published

1 year ago

on

  • Kyle Bonagura, ESPN Staff WriterSep 14, 2024, 09:34 PM ET

    Close

    • Covers college football.
    • Joined ESPN in 2014.
    • Attended Washington State University.

SEATTLE — After an on-field trophy celebration at Lumen Field following Washington State‘s 24-19 win against Washington in the Apple Cup, Cougars coach Jake Dickert burst into the postgame news conference room with a cigar in hand.

“Who’s got a lighter?” he asked.

In the rivalry game’s first nonconference version after UW’s departure for the Big Ten, it was a memorable win for the program and school left behind.

“I think we might retire this trophy. I think it is a Pac-12 trophy,” Dickert said. “I think that might stay in our place for a long time and we’ll bring a new one next year — a little Big Ten- Pac-12 on.”

Dickert’s comments appeared to come in jest, but there was no denying how meaningful the win was to him and the program.

“It’s 1A and 1B,” said Dickert, comparing it to the team’s Apple Cup win in 2021, when he was the interim coach. Dickert was made the permanent coach the next day by then-athletic director Pat Chun, who left for the same job with the Huskies in March.

“Just to see these guys and the celebrations and the relationships that have been built and then go out there and do it,” Dickert said. “In our time here, we’re 3-0 against the Big Ten. That’s a big deal.”

Dickert added: “The best thing I said to these guys after in the locker room is that now that this is Week 3, this isn’t the end of the season. Normally [after the Apple Cup], you’re getting ready for a bowl game and whatever else, but we’re just getting started, so we’re going to have to really wash this quick.”

The game’s outcome was in question until the end. Trailing 24-19, Washington moved the ball to the WSU 9-yard line with two minutes to play, setting up four chances at the end zone to take the lead.

Facing fourth-and-goal from the 1, Huskies coach Jedd Fisch initially called for a handoff to running back Jonah Coleman but didn’t like the WSU defensive front he saw and called timeout. Fisch changed the playcall to an option to the right — the short side of the field — which called for quarterback Will Rogers to pitch the ball to Coleman.

It was doomed from the start. The UW offensive line didn’t get any push and WSU linebacker Kyle Thornton had a clear shot to make a play behind the line of scrimmage to preserve the lead.

“That’s on me. I made a bad call,” Fisch said. “We didn’t execute the call. We lost the game, so I’ll take that. I’m the playcaller, I’m responsible and we didn’t get it done.”

Fisch said they had practiced that play all week and the plan coming into the game was for it to be the “got-to-have-it call” if the Huskies needed a yard.

Instead, it will be a decision that will be second-guessed for years in a rare neutral site playing of the rivalry.

WSU quarterback John Mateer had another electric performance for the Cougars, rushing for 62 yards and two first-half touchdowns, including a 25-yard designed run on third-and 20 to give the Cougars a 17-13 lead with 21 seconds left in the first half. He completed 17 of 34 passes for 245 yards with another score.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Sports

Follow live: Phiilies, Dodgers

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 7, 2025

By

null

Continue Reading

Sports

Phillies’ 2025 ballpark bite to beat: the ‘Fall Classic Shake’

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 6, 2025

By

Phillies' 2025 ballpark bite to beat: the 'Fall Classic Shake'

Move aside, hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jack. Baseball teams are becoming more innovative and stepping up their food game in 2025.

One of those creations is the Philadelphia Phillies‘ limited-edition “Fall Classic Shake,” which includes a vanilla soft serve, blended with dulce de leche. If that wasn’t enough, an apple cider donut tops it off. Philadelphia has been on a heater in the kitchen recently — it also unveiled a postseason 9-9-9 challenge box last Friday.

Here are more ballpark innovations that can be found at MLB concession stands this season:

Houston Astros: Fried chicken waffle sandwich

Washington Nationals: Jake and Jake’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich

In collaboration with Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, the Royals will offer a new item this season: the Z-Man Sandwich. It includes slow-smoked beef brisket and provolone cheese on a toasted kaiser roll, topped with two onion rings.

Continue Reading

Sports

Braves GM: No candidate list yet for manager

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 6, 2025

By

Braves GM: No candidate list yet for manager

  • Associated Press

Oct 4, 2025, 01:22 PM ET

ATLANTA — Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Saturday that he hopes to move quickly as he begins his search for a successor to Brian Snitker as manager but that he has not conducted any interviews.

Snitker, 69, announced Wednesday that he won’t return after 10 seasons as the Braves’ manager.

Even though Snitker’s decision wasn’t a surprise, Anthopoulos insisted he wasn’t going to begin compiling a list of candidates before giving the manager time to finalize his plans.

Asked what the Braves would have done if Snitker wanted to return for the 2026 season, Anthopoulos said: “He would have been back. That’s why we were going to wait and give him the time he needed.”

Former Braves catcher and Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross told The Associated Press on Thursday that he wants to manage again. Ross said an opportunity to manage the Braves “would be amazing.”

Anthopoulos insisted “we do not currently have a list” and said “I wanted to get some things done internally” before beginning his search.

“I will now turn my attention to the manager,” Anthopoulos said. “… We have not spoken with anybody.”

Snitker led the Braves to the 2021 World Series championship as the highlight of almost a half-century with the organization. He will remain in an advisory role and will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame next season.

Anthopoulos said he and Snitker have an agreement on a five-year term as senior adviser but added that could change.

Two coaches on Snitker’s staff have experience as a manager. Bench coach Walt Weiss is the Colorado Rockies‘ former manager. Third base coach Fredi González is a former manager with the Braves and Miami Marlins.

There has been speculation that other possible candidates are former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa and Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty. Former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker was named the Texas Rangers‘ skipper Friday night.

“Before Skip Schumaker was named, there were eight openings,” Anthopoulos said. “That’s a lot of openings. … That makes it incredibly challenging.”

Anthopoulos said his timeline to make a hire could be impacted if he focuses on a candidate who is also of interest to another team.

“Of course as soon as possible with so many openings,” Anthopoulos said when asked how soon he hopes to make a hire. “You can’t just rush it or force it. … You’d love to be able to do it sooner than later.”

Snitker posted a record of 811-688 as manager. He ranks third in franchise history in wins, trailing Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004). He led the Braves to seven postseasons, including six National League East titles.

Continue Reading

Trending