Cougs, Beavers meet in Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) - It's the unspoken number that will remain over the head of Washington State coach Paul Wulff throughout this season.

Just how many wins will be enough for Wulff to retain his job in 2012?

Only getting to three wins probably means a change. Six likely equals an extension for Wulff and four or five probably means continued uncertainty.

With an upcoming schedule that still features games against No. 9 Oregon, No. 24 Arizona State and rival No. 22 Washington, the Cougars (3-3, 1-2) can't afford a slip up tonight against slumping Oregon State at CenturyLink Field.

It's the resurrection of the Cougars' annual game in Seattle. Future plans are for the Cougars to sacrifice a game on campus in Pullman and play in Seattle instead when either Oregon school is scheduled to visit.

If the improving Cougars can't take care of the Beavers (1-5, 1-2) this time around then getting to the five- or even six-win mark will be a difficult proposition considering what lies ahead.

"Our football team is drastically improved. From a year ago to today, we have come a long, long ways," Wulff said. "We want to continue to find ways to win games."