Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. at Husky Stadium.
TV: none.
Radio: KJR radio (950 AM).
Washington: 3-2.
Nevada: 3-2.
Washington: Keith Gilbertson (51-39 in his eighth year overall, 3-2 in his first year at Washington).
Nevada: Chris Tormey (46-50 in nine years overall, 13-27 in his fourth year at Nevada).
Washington: Wideout Reggie Williams says he wants the ball every play. That won’t happen, but this will: He’ll get it even more than he has, and that’s a lot. Cody Pickett has yet to cut loose, and although he denies it, the speculation is that the pectoral muscle injury is either lingering or worse than anyone’s letting on. Rich Alexis is making a solid contribution as both a runner and receiver. Terry Johnson is emerging as one of the conference’s best defensive tackles. Greg Carothers is making a successful transition to outside linebacker.
Nevada: Chance Kretschmer averages 113 yards a game at running back and has scored five touchdowns. The Wolf Pack will start quarterback Andy Heiser, who completes less than half his passes and has five TD throws to four interceptions. Favorite target is Nichiren Flowers, a 6-foot-3 receiver who has 21 catches. Leading tackler is defensive end Jorge Cordova, with 47, 8 1/2 for loss.
Washington: TB Chris Singleton (foot) is out. ILB Joe Lobendahn (knee) is out. OT Rob Meadow (knee) is out. TE Joe Toledo (back) is out. OG Tusi Sa’au (back) is doubtful. WR Charles Frederick (flu) is questionable. CB Roc Alexander (shoulder) is questionable.
Nevada: LB Carl Lagrone (ankle) is questionable. RB Chance Kretschmer (shoulder) is probable. DB Leandre Lewis (knee) is out. QB Jeff Rowe (shoulder) is out. DB Ronnie Hardiman (knee) is out.
Washington: The earlier the team does something positive on either side of the ball, the sooner it’ll wash the UCLA debacle out of its system. As always, the goal is a balanced offense. Watch for Williams to make something happen after sounding off last week. On defense, if the Huskies can shut down Kretschmer early, it’s doubtful that Heiser can win it alone with his arm.
Nevada: Shock Washington early. Force a fumble or an interception. Put some doubt in the Huskies’ minds. As UCLA demonstrated, Washington doesn’t deal well when a few things fall against it. An uprising by a 17-point-plus underdog as home may rattle the Huskies.
Gilbertson says the practices have been spirited and positive. Washington should get back on track, but it won’t be easy.
Pick: Washington, 28-21.
By John Sleeper, Herald Writer
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