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SEATTLE -- There is always a balance in a game like the Apple Cup on Sunday. On one hand, the result is what the score says: A loss for Washington State. On the other hand, a 14-point loss in a game the Cougars were 23.5-point underdogs in? There are positives in that. WSU was within one score twice in the fourth quarter. And while a loss is never the desired outcome, teams like Washington aren't going to be on the schedule every week both from a talent and budget standpoint. "Our players' confidence shouldn't waver from this game," Kirby Moore said after the game. "We were right there. Offense had the opportunity to make a play. Defense had an opportunity there at the end. Special teams had an opportunity. Our confidence shouldn't waver. I'm excited about next week." That's not to say, however, the offense was good enough. It wasn't. Facing a good defense or not, three turnovers and 0-for-11 on third down isn't going to beat anyone, no matter how good. Still, there was a silver lining. The offense got better as the game went on and while it doesn't change the overall body of work, Caden Pinnick played a much better second half, as did the offensive line. Three turnovers was way too many.  "Caden did a good job responding throughout the game," Moore said. "Obviously throwing the ball, and then was a huge part of the run game there, extending plays, had the touchdown run there in the fourth quarter. There's definitely going to be some learning moments from the game. Some of those third and (extra long) ... have to make sure we take care of the football. But looking forward to going back to work with him this next week." The other big letdown was the rushing attack. Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods and Leo Pulalasi carried just 16 times for 38 yards, a mere 2.4 per carry. That will hopefully change with lesser opponents, but Pinnick leading the team with 61 yards on 14 carries isn't the most ideal of situations. Especially considering the RB trio were players the new staff were able to keep in the Palouse. "I know those guys had a few carries there," Moore said. "I don't think it was great earlier in the game. There were some opportunities there for Caden. He did a good job with those carries. I think that's going to be dictated game to game." Related: 3 takeaways after Wazzu loses the Apple Cup for second straight year ON HIS FIRST GAME AS A HEAD COACH: "Embracing my role, obviously helping on offense, defense, and special teams, picking guys up, and just very appreciative of the players' fight throughout the game." ON HOW TRENT BRAY CALLED THE GAME AS DC: "They were aggressive and challenged Washington offensively. They have a lot of really good players, got in some difficult situations, and their response throughout the game was really good to see." ON AN UPDATE ON TONY FREEMAN: "Very unfortunate for Tony. We will be getting an MRI and we'll get that to you as soon as we can." The Cougars' star receiver went down early and was seen on crutches later on. Moore's update didn't have any true info, but it didn't sound promising either. ON JACK STEVENS' STRUGGLES AND RESPONSE: "Great job responding there by Jack. I have to evaluate the film and look at it. That was unexpected there in the first half." Stevens made a 42-yard kick in the fourth quarter, but also missed wildly from 52 yards and missed right from 32 yards. WSU head coach Kirby Moore (Photo: Cougfan.com/Whittney Thornton)