HOT COUGAR ACTION: Morning Links, Thanksgiving Style

The 2011 Apple Cup is a mere two days away, but we have plenty to cover before then. First, it's Thanksgiving so happy Thanksgiving everyone. Second, the men's basketball team plays Oklahoma in the opening round of the 76 Classic tonight.

The game doesn't tip off until 8:30 p.m. which may provide an unique challenge as that is prime after dinner nap time. To be safe, I've gone ahead and planned out an eating/napping schedule, I suggest you do the same.

12:00 p.m. - Lunch

12:30 p.m. - Nap

5:00 p.m. - Dinner

6:00 p.m - Nap

7:00 p.m - Second Dinner

7:30 p.m. - Nap

8:30 p.m, - Streamin' and Threadin'

11:00 p.m. - Victory Celebration Dinner

Our last WSU football practice report - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Nov. 23, 2011
'm tearing up a little here. This afternoon marked the last football practice for yours truly. Though WSU practices tomorrow, we're going to be in Spokane with the family. So today was the last time I had to stand out on that turf. The last time I had to brave either searing heat or teeth-rattling cold. The last time I had to deal with sun or rain or snow. They are, if you want to know, tears of joy. Read on.

Cougars | Washington State senior linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis took an unusual route to success | Seattle Times Newspaper
PULLMAN — Even as a baby, Alex Hoffman-Ellis was strong. He'd hoist himself out of his crib, and soon, his parents would hear a thump.

Hoffman-Ellis’ looks can deceive | WSU Cougars - The News Tribune
PULLMAN – With his bulging biceps, wild hair, colorful language and plentiful tattoos, Washington State linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis will never be confused with the local librarian.

Time for Washington State quarterback Marshall Lobbestael to step up -- again | HeraldNet.com - Sports
SEATTLE -- For Washington State senior quarterback Marshall Lobbestael, the art of second chances has become second nature.

Huskies wary about WSU, Lobbestael | UW Huskies - The News Tribune
Seattle – Under other circumstances, Washington State probably wouldn’t be going with Marshall Lobbestael as its starting quarterback Saturday in the Apple Cup.

Cougars’ Rankin gives thanks to ‘Miss Gail’ - Spokesman.com - Nov. 24, 2011
PULLMAN – The tunnel the players use to walk into Martin Stadium is dark. Such was the case Saturday afternoon, not too long before the Cougars’ final home football game of the 2011 season.

Howie Stalwick: Call could go either way on Wulff's future " Kitsap Sun
Bill Moos, marketing mastermind that he is, may have outdone himself this time.

Off to Disneyland: An Oklahoma-Washington State Preview
Following wins against two of college basketball’s "nobodies" the Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) will head to Disneyland inAnaheim,Californiafor the 76 Classic where they will take on the Washington State Cougars (2-1).  Tip-off will be at 10:30 PM CST Thursday.   This will likely serve as the first real test for the Sooners, and will answer many of the question marks surrounding the team this season.  Here’s a preview of Thursday night’s contest.

Fantastic Apple Cup Plays For WSU Rooters | UW Football
Over the course of 103 meetings, the Washington-Washington State rivalry has produced scads of memorable, remarkable plays. For Washington State fans, no Apple Cup play remains as vivid as Drew Bledsoe’s 44-yard rainbow touchdown to Philip Bobo in a Pullman snow storm in 1992. Or maybe it was UW kicker Chuck Nelson’s infamous miss in 1982.

Fullington grew up a Husky fan, but he's a Cougar now " Kitsap Sun
PULLMAN — The question caught John Fullington off guard more than any safety blitz ever had.

Apple Cup 1982: Pleis Interception (via WSUCougarAthletics)