Stanford understands WSU's woes

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) - Having navigated through the toughest portion of its schedule leading into a week off, Stanford opens the second half of the season with a far easier test.

The 12th-ranked Cardinal host a Washington State team today that is looking for its first conference win in nearly two years.

But for a Stanford team that has had one winning season the past eight years, there's no overlooking any opponent.

"We have to make sure we get to work," coach Jim Harbaugh said. "There has not been enough winning at Stanford yet to have it ingrained in our team to know just how hard you have to work."

The Cardinal (5-1, 2-1 Pac-10) are looking to start a season 6-1 for the first time in 40 years.

Washington State (1-6, 0-4) has lost 15 straight games against Football Bowl Subdivision teams and 13 straight in the Pac-10.

"People don't give them a lot of credit," Stanford offensive lineman Andrew Phillips said. "You look at their record and think, 'Oh it's just another win.' But when you turn on the film that's not it at all. They get after people and they hit hard. That program is destined for big things. You can see it in their play."