Stanford tries to stay focused vs. Cougars

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) - A power running game and a dominant defense against an Air Raid offense that has yet to take flight.

The styles of Stanford and Washington State couldn't be more different. As of now, neither are their places in the Pac-12 North Division race.

The No. 19 Cardinal (5-2, 3-1) look to stay in control of their league title hopes when they host the Cougars today, beginning two straight games against far inferior opponents than they've faced in recent weeks.Washington State (2-5, 0-4) is still winless in Pac-12 play under new coach Mike Leach and has four lousy losses in a row.

With no margin for error in the conference, that's all the motivation Stanford needs starting a stretch against cellar dwellers Washington State and Colorado (1-6, 1-3) before matchups with seventh-ranked Oregon State and at No. 2 Oregon.

"We're still able to meet all our goals," Stanford quarterback Josh Nunes said. "We just need to keep winning. Every game is going to be a big game."