Huskies delay QB decision

SEATTLE – Sophomore quarterback Isaiah Stanback delivered a strong performance in Washington’s 29-14 loss to Oregon State, but Huskies football coach Keith Gilbertson wouldn’t say Monday whether he’ll get the nod against No. 1 Southern Cal.

Other possibilities are junior Casey Paus or redshirt freshman Carl Bonnell. A decision on Saturday’s quarterback will likely be made after practice today, Gilbertson said.

The coach praised Stanback’s three quarters at the helm against the Beavers.

“I was really impressed with what Isaiah did for us offensively, just his natural athletic ability,” Gilbertson said. “We’ve struggled throwing the ball and with the way he played, it opened up some passing game for us that we have not had.”

Stanback, an athletic, mobile quarterback with a flare for improvisation, replaced an ineffective Paus in the second quarter against the Beavers and completed 11 of 29 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns, and was the Huskies’ leading rusher, 51 yards on 12 carries.

But Washington turned over the ball seven times against Oregon State, twice inside the Beavers’ 5-yard line. Stanback also fumbled twice in the fourth quarter, leading to two field goals for Oregon State.

“Last week was tough. You can’t commit seven turnovers and think you’re going to be effective and win the game,” tight end Joe Toledo said. Toledo caught a 24-yard TD pass to give Washington a 14-9 lead in the third quarter.

If Stanback starts against the Trojans, he would become the third starter for the Huskies this season. Paus started four games and Bonnell started two for Washington (1-5, 0-3 Pacific-10).

“Everybody wants to be the guy,” Stanback said. “That’s the way it is and in our situation right now we all have to be prepared to play. It keeps you on your toes.”

Health will be a key factor. Paus injured his ankle getting hit holding a field goal attempt against the Beavers. Bonnell sustained a groin injury two weeks ago against San Jose State and did not practice last week.

Gilbertson may be leaning toward either Stanback or Bonnell and their ability to run and pass. Paus is more of a traditional drop-back passer and Gilbertson said with the defenses Washington will face in the coming weeks and injuries at receiver, UW will need a dual-threat quarterback.

“I would think we’re at the place now where whoever is back there has to be athletic and be able to make some plays on his own,” Gilbertson said.

No matter the quarterback, the Huskies’ wide receivers will be young and inexperienced. Senior Charles Frederick reaggravated a hamstring injury against Oregon State and sophomore Quintin Daniels injured his knee. Both are listed as out for the USC game. Sophomore Corey Williams is already out for the season with a wrist injury.

Sophomore Sonny Shackelford (12 receptions) and redshirt freshman Bobby Whithorne (five receptions) are listed as the starters against the Trojans.