SEATTLE – Sophomore quarterback Isaiah Stanback will make his first start Saturday on the home field of the No. 1 team in the country.
University of Washington head coach Keith Gilbertson said Stanback will start against top-ranked USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Gilbertson wanted to see injured quarterbacks Carl Bonnell (groin) and Casey Paus (knee) in practice wearing pads before making the decision.
“I was 99-percent sure, anyway,” Gilbertson said. “I think he deserves it, based on how he competed last week.”
Stanback threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 11-for-29 passing against Oregon State. He also ran for 51 yards.
Stanback certainly will give the Trojans more troubles to worry about than Bonnell or Paus because of his running and athletic ability. Stanback can run away from a pass rush and gain huge yardage on the option.
Paus will be the backup, apparently because he’s less banged up than Bonnell is. Paus injured a knee while holding for a field-goal attempt. A Beaver defender ran into him.
Bonnell aggravated a groin injury two games ago, against San Jose State.
“I’m really not sure where Carl’s at,” Gilbertson said. “I’m sure he’s not 100 percent. I can’t give you a percentage, but he’s not totally well.”
All three quarterbacks probably will make the trip, Gilbertson said.
Glad it’s over: Gilbertson expressed relief that the latest NCAA investigation had concluded, although the extension of the probation by one year hurts.
The Huskies will be allowed 48 incoming recruiting visits until 2007, instead of the usual 56.
“I think 16 over two years is a significant penalty for what we supposedly did,” he said.
Gilbertson added that he hoped former coach Rick Neuheisel would now be cleared to secure another university coaching job.
“I think he’s paid quite a penalty, not being able to coach two football seasons. Hopefully, it’s a resolution for him.”
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