No verdict on which QB starts

Robert Henry Becker Arizona Daily Wildcat Redshirt sophomore Keith Smith (above) throws a pass against Ohio State earlier this season. Smith, who had the best completion percentage in the conference last season, hasn't thrown any passes in a game and a half and still has problems with mobility in his right throwing shoulder that was crunched in the UCLA game.

"We are going to take a look at both Ortege (Jenkins) and Keith (Smith) as the week goes on an we will see what happens," Tomey said. "There is definitely something to talk about."

What there is to talk about is that Jenkins provided the Wildcats with their first sign of offensive life in five games, leading his team to their biggest output of the season in both points and total yards.

Arizona's 31 points are the most it has scored since their 35-17 victory over UCLA on Nov. 16 of last year. The 495 yards of total offense are the most since the memorable 56-55, quadruple-overtime loss at California last season.

The doubt of who will start lies mostly in the physical readiness of Smith, who was able to throw some passes Saturday night in full pads, but is only probable for this week's game.

"We don't know if Keith can play," Tomey said. "But it wasn't a matter of throwing, it was taking a hit.

"The good thing is that we have two guys who look like they can play. That will work to our advantage."

The pain in Smith's shoulder still lingers and his self-prognosis is not good.

"I am improving but I can't go through my normal motion," Smith said. "It just isn't feeling right."

Although both appear to have the talent it takes, it appears the Wildcats' current quarterback is still loyal to his predecessor.

"Those are big games coming up," Jenkins said when asked about upcoming contests against Stanford and Washington. "We've got to get Keith ready."

Whether or not Smith will be ready remains to be seen, and as far as Smith is concerned Jenkins is the man for now.

"I get to help him out as much as I can." Smith said. "I am real happy for him, he played unbelievable."

Cardinal present toughest test yet

When Stanford comes to town this Saturday it will bring with it the most balanced attack the Wildcats have seen so far this season.

Stanford is 4-1 on the year including a sweep of the Oregon schools in conference play, and the Cardinal handily defeated Notre Dame over the weekend, 33-15.

Ian C. Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat Starting in his first game Saturday, redshirt freshman Ortege Jenkins tucks the ball under his arm and takes off past a diving San Diego State defender. Jenkins has said that quarterback is still Keith SmithÍs job, but with SmithÍs shoulder still ailing and a winning performance under his belt, Jenkins could be the man.

The Cardinal's lone loss came on the road against No. 5-ranked North Carolina 28-17.

"When you start looking at Stanford, they are a very good group," Tomey said Sunday at his weekly meeting with the press. "I believe that they are the best team we have played; overall they are more complete."

The Cardinal present a potent running attack led by seniors Anthony Bookman and Mike Mitchell, a Phoenix product.

Bookman and Mitchell combined for 277 yards on 43 carries and four touchdowns against a Fighting Irish defensive that is considered one of the nation's best.

"The offensive line did a great job," Bookman said after Saturday's win. "You could see it in the second half. This is a big win for the program."

Bookman was chosen as the Pacific 10 Conference's offensive player of the week for his 143 yards and two touchdowns, the first one was 58 yards down the right sideline and came two plays after Notre Dame brought the game back within 10 points.

Arizona Infirmary

The walking wounded that is the Arizona football team can only hope that it will be 100 percent healthy before kickoff which is less than five days away.

"We have a lot of guys hurt right now," Tomey said. "That game was a war of two very frustrated teams hitting and beating each other up. It was the hardest hitting game we've played this year."

Arizona played most of the second half without starting tailback Trung Canidate (right ankle), tight end Mike Lucky (thigh bruise), and fullback Kelvin Eafon (left shoulder), all of whom are questionable for Saturday's game.

Canidate, who did not practice last week, aggravated the injury he suffered in the UCLA game and sat out the entire fourth quarter.

He hobbled off the field on crutches after the game with his ankle heavily wrapped in ice and is listed as questionable but is expected to be ready.

Lucky and Eafon are also listed as questionable and will continue to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Junior college transfer Jay Hinton had 12 carries against San Diego State (for 34 yards) and should fill in for Canidate, as for the Eafon, Charles Myles started at fullback last season but has a banged up ankle himself. Former walk-on Adam Schwartz, who spent some time at nose tackle last season, could also fill the blocking back position.

Starting defensive end Mike Szlauko missed his second straight game with a torn calf muscle and wide receiver Brad Brennan, who has a sore shoulder from a hit he took in the UCLA game, watched the game in shorts and tennis shoes.

Both players are listed as probable for this week.

Key UA players that are banged up this season

RB Trung Canidate,Right ankle,Questionable

TE Mike Lucky,Thigh bruise,Questionable

RB Kelvin Eafon,Left shoulder,Questionable

DE Mike Szlauko ,Torn calf muscle,Questionable

QB Keith Smith,Sprained shoulder,Probable

QB Brady Batten,Fractured collarbone,Out 4-5 weeks

WR Brad Brennan,Sore shoulder,Probable

FB Charles Myles,Ankle injury,Probable

DT Steve Tafua,Concussion,Probable

WR Jeremy McDaniel,Deep hamstring pull,Possible redshirt

RB Leon Callen,Knee surgery,Medical redshirt	

Pac 10 Conference Standings

	Pac 10 Games   All Games

	     W	L	W     L	

Wash. St.     3	0	5      0	

Stanford       2	0	4      1	

Wash. 	      1	0	3      1	

Arizona St.   1	1	3      2	

UCLA	      1 	1	3      2	

USC	      1	1	2      2	

Oregon	      1	2	3      2	

California     0	1	2      2	

Oregon St.   0	2	2      2	

Arizona        0	2	2      3		

This Week's Games

USC at Arizona St., 11:30 p.m. (ABC)

Washington at California, 12:30 p.m.

Utah St. at Oregon St., 1:00 p.m.

UCLA at Oregon, 3:30 p.m. (FX)

Stanford at Arizona, 7:15 p.m. (Fox)