QB situation doesn’t look any better for Huskies

By TIM KORTEAP Sports Writer SEATTLE (AP) – It appears Casey Paus is still Washington’s starting quarterback. And there’s no doubt that coach Keith Gilbertson still doesn’t want to discuss it at length. The Washington coach was short on answers and vague Monday when pressed about an ankle sprain to quarterback Isaiah Stanback, who hasn’t practiced since a season-opening loss to Fresno State on Sept. 5. Gilbertson wouldn’t say when Stanback might be return as the Huskies (0-1) prepared for Saturday’s game against UCLA (1-1). His work in practice has gone to freshman Carl Bonnell, who performed mop-up duties against Fresno State. “We’ll probably start Casey and see what happens,” he said. “Casey is probably still No. 1, but Carl got a lot of work last week.” That was about as much as Gilbertson would say in detail. Asked if Stanback’s injury would simplify or complicate the situation, he rolled his eyes and said: “I don’t know. I just don’t know.” Paus started against the Bulldogs but Stanback played significant minutes. The Huskies say it makes no difference who takes the snaps. “They all throw the ball real well,” receiver Charles Frederick said. “They can run. They just need to go out and play, just have fun. The only difference is hearing their voice, that simple.” One week ago, Gilbertson became frustrated with questions about the quarterback situation and finally refused to answer more. The team is shaky at that position, however, so it’s undeniably a big issue for Washington. Paus threw three interceptions and Stanback had a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, one of three defensive TDs by Fresno State. The Huskies didn’t play last weekend, though Gilbertson wasn’t sure if the break would make a difference against the Bruins. Washington is inexperienced at many positions and for that reason it might have been better to play. “You never know,” Gilbertson said. Stanback’s injury has been a bonus for the Huskies in just one small way: Gilbertson said the extra work in practice has helped Bonnell. Washington scrimmaged over the past week to stay sharp. “Being the newest guy, he probably had the farthest to go,” Gilbertson said. “He got a lot of work. He got a lot of throws. It was a good week.” Bonnell might be the rawest talent of the bunch, but he’s so young that his inexperience could turn into even more of a liability. Gilbertson said Bonnell is still learning the basics. “The quarterback thing is so pivotal in what you’re trying to do,” he said. “Run, pass _ you’ve got to be balanced. You’ve got to know where to go with the ball. If he’s confused with the basics of your offense, he’s probably not ready to assume total control.”