The Washington State Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies have been rivals for more than a century.
“This is the year, enough said, this is the year,” said Cougar fan Todd Widner.
Widner and his friends started tailgating Wednesday.
“We're committed. Committed Cougs,” he said.
Many had their Thanksgiving feast Thursday in the tailgate lot outside Martin Stadium.
For some, it's become a tradition. Bruce Swindler has been going to the Apple Cup for 40 years.
"Every Thanksgiving, we are here. My two kids have been coming since they were small, so, yeah, we try to make a tradition out of it,” he said.
Swindler is rooting for the Huskies, but his house is divided. His kids are also in Pullman, but they’re cheering on the Cougars.
"I think my wife dropped them at an early age because both of them are Cougars,” Swindler said.
"It's really interesting going to the games and stuff, it makes the Apple Cup much more interesting,” said Surrey Swindler.
Fans spent the day cooking turkeys, fixing sides and playing cornhole as they geared up for the highly anticipated 111th Apple Cup.
“Hoping the Cougs take it and run with it all the way to the Rose Bowl,” said fan Jason Monahan.
"It means everything, state pride, rivalry, we've got to take it. Let's go, Dawgs,” said Aaron VanWyk.
The Cougars are favored by 2.5 points. They haven't claimed the trophy since 2012.
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