SEATTLE (AP) — The night before the strangest Apple Cup in recent memory was contested at a neutral site and as a non-conference meeting for the first time in more than 60 years, Kingston Fernandez was given a task.
Washington State head coach Jake Dickert wanted cigars for the coaching staff to celebrate should the Cougars prevail. And he tasked his assistant director of operations with making sure they were on hand.
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Washington State wide receiver Josh Meredith (18) leaps for a touchdown against Washington defensive back Dyson McCutcheon (21) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. Washington State won 24-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A Washington State fan holds up a sign during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. Washington State won 24-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) greets head coach Jake Dickert, right, as they celebrate a 24-19 win over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State defensive tackle Bryson Lamb (99) holds up the Apple Cup Trophy while celebrating with offensive lineman Noah Dunham (75) and running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker (15) after beating Washington 24-19 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State head coach Jake Dickert holds up the Apple Cup trophy as Governor Jay Inslee, right, and wife Trudi Inslee, second from right, clap after Washington State won 24-19 over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer holds up the Apple Cup trophy to celebrate a 24-19 win over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State head coach Jake Dickert looks over at the Apple Cup trophy as Governor Jay Inslee, right, and wife Trudi Inslee, center, present him with the trophy to celebrate a 24-19 win over Washington after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A general view of Lumen Field as Washington State plays Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) throws against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington head coach Jedd Fisch looks down at a play sheet during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) runs for a touchdown against Washington defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez (50) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington quarterback Will Rogers (7) throws against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson, right, celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson (5) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State running back Wayshawn Parker (21) reacts to making a catch against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A general view of Lumen Field as Washington State plays Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer reacts after running for a touchdown as wide receiver Kris Hutson (1) runs to greet him during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
“I texted him yesterday and said, ‘don’t tell any of the coaches, but be ready,'” Dickert said, with his celebratory cigar sitting on the table in front of him.
The Apple Cup was reclaimed by Washington State on Saturday behind three total touchdowns from quarterback John Mateer and a late goal-line stand in a 24-19 win over rival Washington.
Mateer ran for two scores and threw for another, and the Cougars stopped Washington on a fourth-and-goal running play from the 1 with 1:07 remaining to take home the Apple Cup trophy for just the third time since 2008.
It will be housed on the third floor of the Washington State football complex. Dickert would like to keep it there permanently.
“I think we might retire this trophy. I think it's a Pac-12 trophy. I think that might stay in our place a long time and we'll bring a new one next year,” Dickert said.
The realignment chaos of the past year threatened to end the rivalry game with Washington now in the Big Ten and Washington State's Pac-12 uncertainty. The Cougars did find some future security this week with news that the Pac-12 is starting to rebuild thanks to the addition of four schools in 2026.
But winning the game felt more meaningful to the Cougars after being left out in the reshuffling of schools, conferences and allegiances. And while purple may have outnumbered crimson in the crowd for the game played at Lumen Field, the Cougars were the ones celebrating on the field at the end.
“Coach kept saying we worked 9 1/2 months for this moment, just trust our preparation and everything," Mateer said referencing last November's 24-21 loss to the Huskies. “Looking back on those 9 1/2 months to come out here and perform, and it wasn't our best, and we still got it done.”
Mateer ran for touchdowns of 23 and 25 yards and threw a 16-yard touchdown to Josh Meredith in the third quarter that gave the Cougars (3-0) a 24-16 lead. Mateer finished 17 of 34 passing for 245 yards and added 62 yards rushing.
The 25-yard touchdown run came on third-and-20 in the final seconds of the first half and was a significant momentum swing that gave the Cougars a 17-13 halftime lead. The TD capped a 91-yard touchdown drive and Washington State never trailed again.
“End of the half and end of the game, we let up seven points on third-and-20 and we didn't score on fourth-and-1 one the 1. That's the story,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said.
The fourth-and-1 play Fisch referred to will be debated for a long time in Apple Cup lore. The Huskies reached the Washington State 10 and on third-and-goal, Denzel Boston was forced out at the 1, setting up the final play.
Following a time out, the Huskies called an option play to the short-side of the field and Jonah Coleman had nowhere to go, getting stopped for a 2-yard loss.
“(Washington's) not really a speed option team, for them to run that I was kind of surprised," Washington State defensive lineman Andrew Edson said. "But, you know, we stopped it.”
Coleman, who topped 100 yards rushing in the first two games of the season, was limited to 75 yards on 14 carries. Will Rogers threw for 314 yards and a touchdown for Washington (2-1) and Giles Jackson had eight catches for 162 yards, including a 31-yard TD in the first quarter. But the Huskies were forced to settle for field goals on three trips inside the Washington State 25 and that proved the difference.
“It's never fun losing, especially to a rival, and just kind of feeling the pressure of the success some of my other teammates have had," Rogers said. "I want to win, that's all I really care about.”
Washington State: The Cougars will lament some of their fourth-quarter execution on offense. Mateer threw one interception, nearly threw another, and the Cougars threw incomplete on third-and-10 with 3:46 left. Not only did Washington State not get a first down, but the clock stopped.
Washington: After being fairly clean with penalties the first two games, Washington’s discipline was awful. The Huskies were called for 16 penalties — third-most in school history — for 135 yards. Several were critical calls that kept drives alive for the Cougars.
Washington State: The Cougars will host San Jose State on Friday.
Washington: The Huskies open Big Ten play hosting Northwestern next Saturday.
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Washington State wide receiver Josh Meredith (18) leaps for a touchdown against Washington defensive back Dyson McCutcheon (21) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. Washington State won 24-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A Washington State fan holds up a sign during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. Washington State won 24-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) greets head coach Jake Dickert, right, as they celebrate a 24-19 win over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State defensive tackle Bryson Lamb (99) holds up the Apple Cup Trophy while celebrating with offensive lineman Noah Dunham (75) and running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker (15) after beating Washington 24-19 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State head coach Jake Dickert holds up the Apple Cup trophy as Governor Jay Inslee, right, and wife Trudi Inslee, second from right, clap after Washington State won 24-19 over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer holds up the Apple Cup trophy to celebrate a 24-19 win over Washington in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State head coach Jake Dickert looks over at the Apple Cup trophy as Governor Jay Inslee, right, and wife Trudi Inslee, center, present him with the trophy to celebrate a 24-19 win over Washington after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A general view of Lumen Field as Washington State plays Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) throws against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington head coach Jedd Fisch looks down at a play sheet during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) runs for a touchdown against Washington defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez (50) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington quarterback Will Rogers (7) throws against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson, right, celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson (5) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State running back Wayshawn Parker (21) reacts to making a catch against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A general view of Lumen Field as Washington State plays Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State quarterback John Mateer reacts after running for a touchdown as wide receiver Kris Hutson (1) runs to greet him during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The price of bitcoin surged to over $109,000 early Monday, just hours ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, as a pumped up cryptocurrency industry bets he'll take action soon after returning to the White House.
Once a skeptic who said a few years ago that bitcoin “ seems like a scam,” Trump has embraced digital currencies with a convert’s zeal. He's launched a new cryptocurrency venture and vowed on the campaign trail to take steps early in his presidency to make the U.S. into the “crypto capital” of the world.
His promises including creating a U.S. crypto stockpile, enacting industry-friendly regulation and event appointing a crypto “czar” for his administration.
“You’re going to be very happy with me,” Trump told crypto-enthusiasts at a bitcoin conference last summer.
Bitcoin is the world’s most popular cryptocurrency and was created in 2009 as a kind of electronic cash uncontrolled by banks or governments. It and newer forms of cryptocurrencies have moved from the financial fringes to the mainstream in wild fits and starts.
The highly volatile nature of cryptocurrencies as well as their use by criminals, scammers and rogue nations, has attracted plenty of critics, who say the digital currencies have limited utility and often are just Ponzi schemes.
But crypto has so far defied naysayers and survived multiple prolonged price drops in its short lifespan. Wealthy players in the crypto industry, which felt unfairly targeted by the Biden administration, spent heavily to help Trump win November’s election. Bitcoin has surged in price since Trump's victory, topping $100,000 for the first time last month before briefly sliding down to about $90,000. On Friday, it rose about 5%. It jumped more than $9,000 early Monday, according to CoinDesk.
Two years ago, bitcoin was trading at about $20,000.
Trump’s picks for key cabinet and regulatory positions are stocked with crypto supporters, including his choice to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments and the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Key industry players held a first ever "Crypto Ball” on Friday to celebrate the first “crypto president." The event was sold out, with tickets costing several thousand dollars.
Here’s a look at some detailed action Trump might take in the early days of his administration:
As a candidate Trump promised that he would create a special advisory council to provide guidance on creating “clear” and “straightforward” regulations on crypto within the first 100 days of his presidency.
Details about the council and its membership are still unclear, but after winning November’s election, Trump named tech executive and venture capitalist David Sacks to be the administration’s crypto “czar.” Trump also announced in late December that former North Carolina congressional candidate Bo Hines will be the executive director of the “Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets.”
At last year’s bitcoin conference, Trump told crypto supporters that new regulations “will be written by people who love your industry, not hate your industry.” Trump's pick to lead the SEC, Paul Atkins, has been a strong advocate for cryptocurrencies.
Crypto investors and companies chafed as what they said was a hostile Biden administration that went overboard in unfair enforcement actions and accounting policies that have stifled innovation in the industry — particularly at the hands of outgoing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.
“As far as general expectations from the Trump Administration, I think one of the best things to bet on is a tone change at the SEC,” said Peter Van Valkenburgh, the executive director of the advocacy group Coin Center.
Gensler, who is set to leave as Trump takes office, said in a recent interview with Bloomberg that he’s proud of his office’s actions to police the crypto industry, which he said is “rife with bad actors.”
Trump also promised that as president he’ll ensure the U.S. government stockpiles bitcoin, much like it already does with gold. At the bitcoin conference earlier this summer, Trump said it the U.S. government would keep, rather than auction off, the billions of dollars in bitcoin it has seized through law enforcement actions.
Crypto advocates have posted a draft executive order online that would establish a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” as a “permanent national asset” to be administered by the Treasury Department through its Exchange Stabilization Fund. The draft order calls for the Treasury Department to eventually hold at least $21 billion in bitcoin.
Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming has proposed legislation mandating the U.S. government stockpile bitcoin, which advocates said would help diversify government holdings and hedge against financial risks. Critics say bitcoin’s volatility make it a poor choice as a reserve asset.
Creating such a stockpile would also be a “giant step in the direction of bitcoin becoming normalized, becoming legitimatized in the eyes of people who don’t yet see it as legitimate,” said Zack Shapiro, an attorney who is head of policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute.
At the bitcoin conference earlier this year, Trump received loud cheers when he reiterated a promise to commute the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the convicted founder of the drug-selling website Silk Road that used crypto for payments.
Ulbricht’s case has energized some crypto advocates and Libertarian activists, who believe government investigators overreached in building their case against Silk Road.
FILE - Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference July 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)