Patient backup Stanback looked prepared, gave the Huskies hope

PULLMAN _ University of Washington quarterback Isaiah Stanback has had his dedication questioned and he’s been told that he’s more effective coming off the bench at this stage of his career.

Instead of reacting negatively, Stanback showed he was ready to play Saturday night when summoned to replace struggling starter Casey Paus and the Huskies facing an 18-point deficit early in the third quarter.

Stanback directed two scoring drives and made Washington State squirm to the final play of the Cougars’ 28-25 Apple Cup victory at Martin Stadium.

Paus has started seven games, including the last four, but he was completely ineffective against the Cougars, throwing three interceptions. Carl Bonnell, a transfer from WSU, started two games at midseason.

Stanback, a sophomore who started against USC on Oct. 23, said he tried to block out the uncertainty of not knowing when he would play, but it hasn’t always been easy.

“It’s been kind of uneasy not knowing what was going on until coach (Keith) Gilbertson made that statement that Casey was going to be starter for the last four games,” Stanback said. “I didn’t give up hope. I’m a competitor and I’m going to keep playing. Whether I’m starting or not I had to be prepared.”

Gilbertson considered pulling Paus at halftime, but decided to let the junior start the third quarter. But Paus was intercepted by Jeremy Bohannon at WSU’s 22 on UW’s first series, opening the door for Stanback.

After one three-and-out, Stanback hit Craig Chambers in stride for a 42-yard gain to WSU’s 1. Stanback scored on the next play to close WSU’s lead to 28-17 with 4:26 left in the third quarter.

A promising Husky possession stalled in WSU territory when Stanback was sacked by Ropati Pitoitua, but Washington regained momentum on Sean Douglas’ 78-yard punt, the second longest in school history.

Washington’s defense held and the offense took over at WSU’s 39 after the Cougars were flagged for a face-masking penalty on the punt return. On the first play, Stanback again hit Chambers, this time for a 39-yard scoring strike. The same duo connected on the two-point conversion pass and Washington trailed 28-25 with 4:04 remaining.

“I had a conversation with (Gilbertson) before and he thought at this stage it’s better for me coming off the bench because of the stress and all the pressure of being the starter,” Stanback said. “Mentally, he feels I’m not ready for that. That was his statement. I respected it and just went with it.”

Earlier this season, UW coaches questioned if Stanback and Bonnell spent enough time watching tape.

“I think coaches want you in the office all the time watching film,” Stanback said. “With the schedule I have, I get in there whenever I have a chance, but they see Casey a lot more. He’s a senior in school and his schedule is a lot lighter than ours. But I got in there. I studied.”

Stanback said he’s excited about UW’s returning players and he’s looking forward to next season. While Washington searches for Gilbertson’s replacement, Stanback plans on going to work immediately.

“I know I have a lot of stress I want to take out on some weights,” he said.