Defensive tackle Rodney Leisle’s ankle injury meant
replacing a surefire future NFL prospect. Still, backups Asi Faoa
and C.J. Niusulu have done their share in taking turns in filling
the hole along the defensive line. “As backups, we want to
fit right in,” Niusulu said. “There are standards for
this defensive line, and we want to play up to them.” Leisle
injured the ankle two weeks ago against Cal, and while coaches hope
he will be back in time for UCLA’s Nov. 15 meeting with
Oregon, high ankle injuries tend to be uncertain. In his place,
Niusulu has racked up 12 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, while
Faoa has picked up eight tackles. Faoa and Niusulu say they have
refocused on football after having previous trouble with the law.
Both players pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges ““ Faoa for
a 2000 incident, Niusulu for a 2002 occurence. “It’s a
big relief that it’s over,” Faoa said. “I can
just focus on football and do what I do. I don’t think about
it anymore.”
INJURY UPDATE: Cornerback Matt Ware continues to experience some
pain in practice, but is still expected to play in a limited
capacity, possibly in nickel formations. “My ankle feels real
good,” Ware said. “It’s getting better. Tomorrow
should be even better.” Defensive end Mat Ball’s lower
back strain is improving. Ball suffered the injury against
Stanford, and should he be unavailable, he will likely be replaced
by David Tautofi. Running back Tyler Ebell again sat out practice
with the flu, but is expected to return today. Washington State has
injury problems of its own. Quarterback Matt Kegel was diagnosed
with a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in the right
knee, an injury incurred last week against USC. However, Cougar
coach Bill Doba fully expects Kegel to be ready. “We’re
going to plan on him playing,” Doba told reporters. Should
Kegel not be available, backup redshirt freshman Josh Swogger will
have to play. The Seattle Times reports that longsnapper Troy
Bienemann is returning from a back injury. USC capitalized on two
botched punt snaps with a safety and a touchdown last week.
WEATHER WOES: Coach Karl Dorrell believes Pullman’s cold
weather won’t be a concern, enough that he was able to joke
about it. “We need some colder weather out here,”
Dorrell said. “Maybe we can bring in those cool zones and
blow cold air onto the field.” Even with the recent
temperature drops in Southern California, it is no match for the
40-degree weather predicted for gametime in Pullman. “We know
it’s not like here,” Dorrell said. “This is still
a sunny day. But we’re ready.”