Washington State seeking to become eligible to play in its first bowl game since 2003

Washington State's quarterback Connor Halliday throws against Arizona in the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz. Washington State won 24 - 17. (AP Photo/John MIller) (The Associated Press)

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State has not been to a bowl game in a decade, but the Cougars will become eligible if they beat Utah on Saturday.

While coaches and players are trying to downplay the significance of qualifying for a bowl, there is no doubt it would be a major sign that Washington State (5-5, 3-4 Pac-12) is done with a decade of losing.

Washington State last played in a bowl game in 2003, which also was the Cougars' last winning season. This is the first time they have won five games since 2007.

Utah (4-6, 1-6) also still has hopes of making a bowl. But those hopes suffered a blow when starting quarterback Travis Wilson was lost for the season after suffering a concussion against Arizona State on Nov. 9.