Suspensions, injuries to key players deplete Washington State lines
Alaska players may earn more playing time
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State coach Mike Price has suspended two key players indefinitely for breaking unspecified team rules, which could mean more playing time for a pair of linemen from Alaska.
Price said Sunday he suspended defensive tackle Rien Long and offensive tackle Billy Knotts for an incident that occurred after No. 16 Washington State's 25-7 loss at sixth-ranked Ohio State.
Price refused to disclose details.
"Nobody got hurt but it was a selfish, disrespectful breaking of the team rule," Price said.
The suspensions came after three other linemen were injured in the Ohio State game, depleting the Cougars once-deep corps of linemen. The Cougars (2-1) play Division I-AA Montana State (2-1) Saturday in Pullman.
In addition to Long and Knotts, the Cougars will be without starting left tackle Josh Parrish, who broke a leg and is expected to be out at least six weeks.
Parrish was replaced by Knotts.
Jeremey Williams, who starts at defensive tackle with Long, suffered a thumb fracture at Ohio State but played with it.
Sam Lightbody is a candidate to replace Knotts, but Lightbody is playing with a broken bone in a hand and his play didn't impress coaches Saturday. Another possibility is Riley Fitt-Chappell, the backup at right tackle who attended Chugiak High School and is also a tight end.
Another option would be moving All-Pac-10 right guard Derrick Roche to left tackle. The left tackle spot is critical because it protects quarterback Jason Gesser's blind side.
Starting left guard Phil Locker, who attended Chugiak, suffered a severe leg bruise against the Buckeyes and is questionable for Saturday. Knotts usually is Locker's backup.
Options include moving either starting center Tyler Hunt or backup Mike Shelford to guard. Norvell Holmes, a backup guard, should see more action.
The Cougars have more depth at defensive tackle than offensive tackle. Tai Tupai and former West Anchorage High School player Tomasi Kongaika are likely starters Saturday, with Steve Cook a key reserve.
Price said yesterday that wide receiver Jerome Riley is expected to miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. It isn't known if linebacker Will Derting, who injured an ankle, will be available.
There is another Alaska player on the Washington State roster, backup wide receiver Jevon Miller who attended East Anchorage High School.