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Running back's sore back worries Doba
WSU notebook
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Carter Strickland
Staff writer

PULLMAN -- Jermaine Green has the ability to cause some worry in opposing coaches.

This week, in a change of pace, the Washington State running back has struck some fear in the Cougars' coaching staff as well. Not because of what he can do. But because of what the senior might not be able to do.

Washington State coach Bill Doba has labeled the leading returning rusher day to day because of a tight back. Those back problems have forced Green to miss close to half of fall camp and could mean limited playing time against Idaho Saturday.

" (His back) is scary to me." Doba said. "Every once in a while it just tightens up and when it does he's done."

Still the 6-foot, 228-pound Green is expected to start the game. But Doba won't be at all hesitant to go with backup Jonathan Smith.

"It could be just about a 50-50 deal," Doba said about playing time.

Smith has been the most productive back this fall. The 5-10, 190-pound senior has not missed a practice and has led WSU in rushing in each of the last two scrimmages.

" (Smith) is more elusive," Doba said. "He has got great lateral movement. He will get through and throw a head fake to the right and bounce to the left. And when he finds a crease he can accelerate."

Green is the better blocking back of the two. Both have better than average hands.

A third running back, Chris Bruhn, could also see some action against Idaho. Bruhn struggled early but has appeared to pick up his assignments better as of late.

"The light is coming on," Doba said of Bruhn. "I don't know maybe he smelled some popcorn or something, but he is making less assignment errors and is starting to get his pads down."

Rivalry future

This Saturday is the 86th battle of the Palouse and Doba wouldn't mind it so much if it were the last. At least in his tenure.

"If it were up to me I wouldn't play them," Doba said. "It was so much fun when we didn't play each other. They would come to our spring practice on their day off or we would go to theirs. We would share ideas back in the day when John Smith was there. It was a great relationship.

"Now, they are so darn close, it is like we have secrets or something, and we can't talk to each other," he continued. "It's not as much fun, put it that way."

Notes

Doba singled out freshman Steve Dildine as the one to watch on kick off coverage. "He has been a wild man coming down the field in practice on those things," Doba said. . . Don Jackson is slated to start at middle linebacker. He is about 85 percent, Doba said. Three other players -- Aaron Wagner, Brian Hall and Scott Davis -- could all see time in the middle. . . . Nick Mihlhauser is scheduled to start at guard. Keola Loo will be the backup. . . . The only true freshman that will see playing time (barring injuries) will be wide receiver Jason Hill.

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