- On the injury front, CB Adoree' Jackson (hip) and DE Leonard Williams (shoulder) were notably limited in practice. WR Ajene Harris is working his way back from a hamstring injury, but head coach Steve Sarkisian admitted that he is not sure who he will have available by the end of the week.
- The secondary is in flux with the injury to Jackson, and a push for playing time from freshman S John Plattenburg. At the corner spot, Rahshead Johnson, who was supposed to be redshirted, could be utilized Saturday. "We're obviously getting put in some precarious positions here with just sheer numbers," Sarkisian explained. "I like his competitive spirit. If we do play him on defense, he'll obviously help us on special teams as well."
- As for Plattenburg, he is a contender to start in front of Leon McQuay, who he displaced at times during the fourth quarter in Tucson. In general, Sarkisian wants more play-making from his secondary, which does not always trust itself. "I have to keep pushing this young secondary and their confidence because they're talented guys, but we have to play with confidence," he said.
- Offensively, it's all about Buck. Sarkisian wanted a run-first offense, and he's got it with Allen matching Bishop Sankey's productivity from his 2013 Washington team. "Buck is right there with Bishop at this point," said RB coach Johnny Nansen. "Their numbers are comparable, their yardage is really similar I believe. I'm fired up to see how Buck is going to finish out. I think he's going to have a great year. I know for a fact he's determined."
- Allen's determination matched with an improving offensive line was the key in Tucson. "Our young kids are starting to pick up the offense, and they're doing a great job, and Buck is starting to trust them and that's what you saw Saturday," said Nansen. "Obviously he's got to continue to develop that relationship with those guys, and you're going to see more big runs from him."
- Buck on the offensive line: "Every game they do a better and better job. Coach [Tim] Drevno does a great job of making sure the assignment is perfect and they are blocking the right guys and making the right calls."
- While the running game is in full flight, Sarkisian would like to see the offense go vertical in the passing game. "We need to continue to fight for explosive plays," he said. WR George Farmer "is in the mix" to stretch the field, and they "called a couple shots for him the other night," said Sarkisian, but the play was not there.
- As for the fourth quarter issues in the past two games, Sarkisian is rethinking his offensive philosophy in terms of holding a lead. In this explosive conference, there always seems to be time for a comeback. "The old traditional way of milking the clock just trying to eat up possessions, I don't know if that's exactly where we need to be. I think we need to remain aggressive," said Sarkisian.
- Here is Sarkisian's complete press conference...
