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WSU vs. UCLA: Jeff Tuel Cleared To Practice, Could Play Saturday

The Washington State Cougars have a critical issue at quarterback when they play the UCLA Bruins. If Jeff Tuel is ready to go on Saturday, should he start at quarterback for WSU over Marshall Lobbestael?

The Washington St. Cougars might have a quarterback controversy on their hands right as Marshall Lobbestael seems to finally be getting into the groove as the starter. 

Vince Grippi of The Spokesman-Review reports via his Twitter account.

Paul Wulff says Jeff Tuel is cleared to practice in full pads this week. As for timetable on his return, he says Saturday is possible.

"I think we'll leave that open," Wulff says on conference call. Decision will come later, depends on how Tuel practices, medical issues.

This doesn't mean Tuel will play on Saturday. But it looks like he'll be back in the mix to play every week from this point on.

Tuel's return could pose a tough problem for Washington State's head coach. Paul Wulff has to be pleased with his backup QB. Lobbestael has completed 63% of his passes at an average of 9.4 yards per attempt, and threw for 376 yards at 7.7 YPA against Colorado. It seems that he's finally gotten into a rhythm and should be ready.

But it's clear Wulff has hitched his wagons to Tuel as the guy that's expected to leap Washington State to bowl eligibility. So expect his return to come on any given week.

For more discussion of WSU football, go to CougCenter.