College Bowls 2000

Arnold's status still questionable
Associated Press

SEATTLE -- Except for Paul Arnold, whose status is questionable, the Washington Huskies expect to have their injured players back for the Rose Bowl.

Arnold, a sophomore who began the season as the Huskies' starting tailback, missed the final four games because of a sore back.

Coach Rick Neuheisel said Friday that Arnold's back was still sore.

"He probably is the most questionable of the three tailbacks who have been hurt," Neuheisel said. "We'll just have to wait and see how that goes."

Freshman Rich Alexis, Washington's leading rusher this season, is expected to start at tailback against Purdue.

He suffered a sprained left shoulder in the first half of the Huskies' next-to-last regular season game against UCLA, but returned in the second half.

Alexis had 134 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in Washington's 51-3 victory over Washington State to wrap up its regular season.

"Rich Alexis has got a sore shoulder, but we feel like he'll be ready to play," Neuheisel said.

Junior tailback Willie Hurst broke his right collarbone against UCLA and missed the Washington State game. But he is expected to be ready for Purdue on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif.

Hurst's collarbone will be X-rayed next week.

"You'd have to amputate Willie's arm to keep him from playing in this game," Neuheisel said. "He's going to play. How soon he will be ready to practice is the issue."

Junior cornerback Anthony Vontoure sat out the Washington State game after having an operation on his thumb, but should be ready to play in the Rose Bowl with a cast on his wrist.

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