Dt Meier To Start For Injured Holmes

Washington State defensive tackle Rob Meier will start in place of Gary Holmes when the 13th-ranked Cougars play California, coach Mike Price announced Thursday.

Holmes, who missed several practices after his chronically sore back stiffened up during a car ride from Seattle last weekend, will see limited duty in Saturday’s 2 p.m. home game.

Meier, a sophomore, started the first two games this season when Holmes was still recovering from off-season back surgery. Price said junior end Jonathan Nance will be the first defensive lineman off the bench, followed by Holmes.

Dorian Boose, Leon Bender and Shane Doyle are the other starters.

“Meier and Nance have earned the chance to play more because they’ve made all the practices and done everything that it takes,” Price said.

The 250-pound Meier gives WSU a different look up front. He is quicker than the 315-pound Holmes, but probably less effective against the run.

, DataTimes