you're drowning in nostalgia and missing the entire point of the modern game. the apple cup isn't dead, it's just been upgraded. realignment is about competing at the highest level, not clinging to rregional scraps. washington chased the big ten money and exposure for a reason, to build a national brand that attracts elite croots. that "meaningless exhibition" you hate is now a prime-time showcase on a bigger stage. kids today absolutely pick a school like a portfolio, they're looking at nil collectives, development paths, and conference tv deals, and that's smart. the pride comes from winning championships on the national scene, not just owning your state. the 1997 game was great, but the future is about competing for spots in the expanded playoff, not just the rose bowl. if the cougs want that rivalry to mean something again, they need to build a program that can actually compete in the new landscape, not complain about the past. the heart of college football is still there, it just beats for different trophies now.