Montana might get starting nod for Huskies

Chalk up one more ill effect from the University of Washington's 40-17 loss to USC.

Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian said that quarterback Keith Price, who reinjured his knee, will sit out practice Monday and might not start Saturday at Oregon State.

"There is a potential," Sarkisian said. "He's got some more tests to do today. I think we'll have a much better understanding of that tomorrow of where he's at, but we'll prepare ourselves for Nick Montana to make his first start Saturday."

Sarkisian also went on to say at his Monday press conference that Price will undergo an MRI and he will evaluate his quarterback as the week goes on.

Even though Montana has only completed 13 career passes for the Huskies, Sarkisian isn't worried about who will be under center against Oregon State in Corvallis.

"Regardless if it's Keith or Nick, we have to make sure we're putting our kids in the best position to be successful," Sarkisian said. "Schematically, I don't know how much (it) will really totally change. (Montana) has been running our offense since the day he stepped on campus and has a great feel for it.

"We're going to try to play to Nick's strengths," Sarkisian continued. "There are some things there that we can do to allow him to play at a high level."

Still though, no matter who is at quarterback, the Huskies (6-4 overall, 4-3 Pac-12) will simply have to be better in all facets of the game if they want to get back on track against the Beavers (2-8, 2-5).

"I think we've improved defensively," Sarkisian said. "We're just trying to find a way to bring all three phases (defense, offense and special teams) together and play a complete game."

And it's a good thing for the Huskies that defense is playing better, because they will get yet another test with the Beavers.

"I think they've been a bit unlucky at times," Sarkisian stressed.

"(Quarterback Sean Mannion) is throwing the ball around the field. He's got four good targets in (Markus) Wheaton, (James) Rodgers, (Brandon) Cooks and the tight end (Joe) Halahuni. He's throwing it all over the field."

This Huskies team has been here before. Reeling with two straight losses and heading on the road to face a dangerous team. It will be interesting to see if they can end the season on a note similar to last year.