Washington-Washington State canceled due to COVID-19

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 29: The Washington Huskies including center Nick Henry (56) hold up the Apple Cup trophy after winning the 112th Apple Cup between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars on Friday, November 29, 2019 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA.
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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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