James a No-Go

Published 9:00 pm Friday, October 27, 2006

Running back Kenny James will not play today, which means that the running game will be in the hands of Louis Rankin, with Shelton Sampson as the backup. With Luke Kravitz also out, it will be interesting to see if the Husky coaching staff caves in and gives Johnie Kirton some carries in short-yardage situations. It probably depends on how Rankin does early on. Offensive coordinator Tim Lappano won’t settle for another dance-off by Rankin on third-and-short.

The Oregon State-USC game has been a stunner so far. And while some are excited to see the Trojans finally lose (as it looks like they will), OSU winning this game doesn’t do Washington any favors. I think it was kind of assumed that Oregon State might fade a bit later and fall out of the bowl picture, but that isn’t the case, apparently. Oregon State winning puts even more pressure on the Huskies to win this game.