UW Football | Bonnell likely to start, but just not in any bowl

The only thing certain for the Washington Huskies today is the only thing they didn't want settled quite this quickly.

No matter what happens — whether it's Carl Bonnell or Jake Locker at quarterback when Washington kicks off at 12:30 p.m. against California; whether they see the Bears who once were ranked No. 2 in the nation, or the Bears who have lost four of their past five — one thing the Huskies know for sure is they will have no bowl game this season.

That jarring realization was the second-hardest hit the Huskies took last Saturday night in Corvallis when Locker was knocked out of the Oregon State game and suffered a strained neck that has his services in doubt today.

Bonnell finished up for Locker in a 29-23 defeat against the Beavers that ensured a fourth consecutive losing season for the Huskies. Bonnell also took most of the snaps in practice this week, and while Locker has recovered quickly enough to make the starting job a game-time decision, most signs point to Bonnell getting the nod.

Bonnell is one of 18 scholarship players on UW's roster who have no eligibility remaining after this season (14 other players listed as seniors could return next season) and know their careers will end in two weeks.

They know they will leave UW without playing in a bowl game, something they admit seemed unfathomable when they decided to become Huskies four or five years ago. From 1979-2002, the Huskies played in a bowl all but one season when not on probation.

"I remember watching the 2001 Rose Bowl and seeing that and saying I want to be a part of it," said defensive end Greyson Gunheim, from Sebastopol, Calif. "All through the recruiting process that always stuck in my mind. And when it came down to it, that's why I came here, to be in those big games and win Rose Bowls and things like that. It's really tough on the seniors."

Defensive tackle Jordan Reffett grew up in Moses Lake, often driving over to attend UW games. He came to UW knowing the tradition well, and called not going to a bowl game during his career "devastating."

"Obviously it's a surprise," Reffett said. "My redshirt year [in 2003] we were 6-6 and it was outrageous. It should have been 10-2, and everybody was up in arms. It's just kind of been a roller- coaster ride since then. So it's been disappointing not to go to a bowl game. But I wouldn't change any of that for the world."

No, what he says he will do is make sure that the loss of the bowl game won't result in the Huskies packing it in the last three games.

"We want to end this thing on a good note," Reffett said.

Indeed, the difference between 6-7 and 3-10 figures to be significant not only in creating a legacy for the seniors but in determining the level of heat on coach Tyrone Willingham and his staff heading into the offseason.

California coach Jeff Tedford is battling some of the same issues this week. A month ago, the Bears had national-title hopes. But four defeats in five games means the Bears are playing for the Sun Bowl, at best.

A nagging injury to QB Nate Longshore has contributed to the struggles, as have 14 turnovers in the past five games. But Cal still has a veteran offensive line, and running back Justin Forsett, and might just try to bludgeon a UW defense that is last in the Pac-10 against the run, allowing 204.5 yards a game.

Offensively, the Huskies might emphasize the passing game if Bonnell starts. While Bonnell is a good runner, he's not to the level of Locker, and is regarded as a more accurate passer.

He also has experience against Cal. A year ago, he took over when Isaiah Stanback was injured against Oregon State and started against Cal the next week.

Note

• Today is UW's 28th annual Husky Food Drive. UW police and law enforcement Explorers will accept donations of nonperishable food and cash outside the stadium.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com.