Washington-Washington State canceled due to COVID-19
There won't be a 2020 rendition of the Apple Cup.
The Pac-12 announced that Friday's game between Washington and Washington State is canceled and declared a no-contest.
Washington State doesn't have the minimum required number of scholarship players available due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. The school was forced to cancel this week's game against Stanford for the same reason.
There was a strong desire by both programs to play the game, sources told Yahoo Sports' Pete Thamel.
"Not contesting this game is very disappointing to our student-athletes and our fans," the Pac-12 said in a statement. "While all of us want to see our football student-athletes on the field competing, our No. 1 priority must continue to be the health and safety of all those connected to Pac-12 football programs."
Washington has reached out to BYU about scheduling a potential game this week but the undefeated Cougars have resisted thus far, sources told ESPN's Kyle Bonagura.
No. 8 BYU turned down an opportunity to square off against Washington, according to Bruce Feldman of the Athletic.
Washington State has been dealing with COVID-19 issues, with quarterback Jayden de Laura reportedly testing positive.
The Huskies are riding a seven-game winning streak in the Apple Cup series, topping their rivals 31-13 last year.
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