Cougars celebrate being not the worst in Pac 10

The Cougars are not the worst team in college football history, or even Pacific 10 history.

Saturday's dramatic Apple Cup win over Washington did a lot for this downtrodden program, but perhaps the most significant thing was keeping the Cougars from joining the ranks of "worst-evers."

In the days leading up to the game, plausible arguments had been raised that the Cougars might be the worst major college football team of all time, based mostly on their margins of defeat and the fact they had not beaten a BCS team all season.

That's over now.

Washington State (2-10, 1-8 Pacific 10) still has a good chance to breaking the all-time record for most points allowed in a season. They need to hold Hawaii to 19 points or fewer to avoid the record 566 points allowed by Eastern Michigan in 2002.

They could also set a team record with 11 losses if they lose at Hawaii.

But no way is a team with two wins worse than teams that finished winless in a season, a small group that Washington (0-11, 0-8) could join if they lose to heavily-favored California in two weeks.

Washington State coach Paul Wulff made no secret of the importance of this win, even though the game featured two of the nation's poorest teams.

"There's a level of relief and excitement," Wulff said Sunday. "Because all the things we've been working for and trying to establish, there was a reward for that, for the hard work these players have put in."

Wulff had a meeting with retired WSU basketball coach Dick Bennett before the game, and came away with the belief that his rebuilding program is on the right track. Bennett rebuilt the basketball program, which has since been taken to new heights by his son Tony.

Wulff also has taken plenty of ribbing over his vertically-challenged victory leap after the win, which was captured by television cameras. The 41-year-old former offensive lineman is no candidate for the track team.

"I listened to a lot of people give me a bunch of guff on my lack of vertical jump," Wulff said Sunday. "I didn't think it was that bad in the moment."

One major bright spot was the play of freshmen like Louis Bland (three tackles for loss), Tyree Toomer (seven tackles), Jared Karstetter (the 48-yard pass reception that set up the tying field goal) and Kevin Norrell (three catches and kick returns).

"You watch all the freshmen in this game have the major impact," Wulff said. "For the future of Cougar football, I think that's very promising."

Wulff wasn't sure if Jeshua Anderson would play at Hawaii after he suffered a chest contusion in the Apple Cup. There is also concern about tight end Tony Thompson, son of former WSU quarterback Jack Thompson. He suffered a second concussion in recent weeks.

"I would say there is always a concern whenever you're dealing with multiple concussions," Wulff said.

Hawaii (6-5, 5-3 WAC) needs one more win to become bowl eligible because they are playing a 13-game season. They are 29-point favorites.

On Monday, WAC commissioner Karl Benson confirmed the Warriors will get a berth at home in the Hawaii Bowl if they beat the Cougars.