UW notebook: Stanback may be unleashed against Cal

By Bob Condotta

Seattle Times staff reporter

Isaiah Stanback answered one question last week only to raise another. The junior quarterback for the Huskies was nearly flawless throwing the ball in UW's opening 20-17 loss to Air Force, completing 19 of 27 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. UW offensive coordinator Tim Lappano marveled at the improvement in Stanback's passing — he completed just 35.7 percent of his passes as a sophomore — and said that Stanback had proven he can play quarterback. But many observers immediately latched on to another set of numbers, five carries for 12 yards, and wondered: How come Stanback didn't run more?  It was partially by design and partially due to circumstance. Stanback says one of his biggest problems in previous seasons was trying to do too much on his own, so he has concentrated in fall camp on getting everyone in the offense involved. Coaches also implemented a fairly conservative game plan that didn't call on Stanback to do much with his legs — unofficially, he had just one designed run all game.

But Stanback said UW also figured that Air Force's defensive philosophy would be to keep him in the pocket. "I think teams might be making me prove to them that I can sit in the pocket and throw," Stanback said. "And I like being in the pocket now, truthfully. I feel comfortable. I feel I can pick the defense apart. But if teams force me out, that's going to be problems, too."  Stanback could get more chances to run tomorrow against Cal.  UW coach Tyrone Willingham said this week it is "important" for the Huskies "to create opportunities for him to advance the football" with his feet.

And Stanback said he knows he needs to "keep defenses honest" by running at times, as well.  The entire playbook, however, could be more wide open this week.

Notes

After a breakout game in his first start last week, Louis Rankin likely will have to share the spotlight against Cal.  That's because injured tailback Kenny James (shoulder) has looked good in practice and is expected to play in tomorrow's game.

"He's doing well, he should get time this week," said Willingham, adding that he hasn't yet determined James' role in the rotation. Last year, James led UW with 702 rushing yards and 172 carries. The health of Washington's secondary remains a concern as C.J. Wallace and Roy Lewis continue to recover from injuries suffered on the same play against Air Force. Wallace (concussion) has not been ruled out to play, but Willingham said he expects backup Darin Harris to see more playing time. Lewis (arm), on the other hand, has been practicing and should be ready for the game. After piling up 189 yards on eight receptions against Cal last year, it would figure that Craig Chambers would see more time tomorrow than he did last week. According to Willingham, Chambers might be more involved in the game plan, but not necessarily. Coaching his first home game at Washington, Willingham has a simple goal: "Let's get a win," he said. "That's a pretty basic thought, but God, that's nice and important. That would round out everything for me, let's get a win in Husky Stadium and start it off."