If the last-place Washington State Cougars need inspiration, all they have to do is look across the Arizona Stadium field on Saturday.

Not long ago, the Arizona Wildcats were every bit as bad as the Cougars.

Arizona went 2-10 and finished last in the Pac-10 in 2003. Six rocky years later, the 21st-ranked Wildcats (5-2, 3-1 Pac-10) are in the hunt for their first Rose Bowl appearance.

Patience has been a watchword for both programs.

The Cougars have had 19 players make their first college start this year, and coach Paul Wulff hopes his team will eventually be able to develop as much depth as the Wildcats, who were thin when Mike Stoops took over after the 2003 season.