It's been a different kind of practice week for the Huskies as they prepare for the Apple Cup.

For the second straight day, the team was in shorts or sweats along with helmets and shoulder pads, the first time I can remember them not being in full pads for either Tuesday or Wednesday. It's usually both, though it's not uncommon to go light on one of the days. Teams rarely go in full pads on Thursday, which is usually a light day set aside for a lot of special teams and other more specialized work.

It's usually an indication that the coaches are trying to avoid as much hitting as possible to let the players recover from injuries and keep them fresh, though we didn't ask coach Tyrone Willingham about it ahead of time to get his response and he didn't mention it.

Also interesting --- after a brief warmup period, the team got straight to running plays, with the No. 1 offense against the scout team defense, and vice versa. It seemed another way of potentially cutting down on the workload for the players. So maybe the coaches feel the players have been wearing down physically and are trying to get them revived for the Apple Cup.

In terms of personnel, Ben Ossai was again in red and not taking part in the drills we saw, so he may be out this week. The starting line consisted of Cody Habben at left tackle and Skyler Fancher at right tackle along with the usuals in the middle. It would be the first start for Fancher if it comes to pass.

As for the TB situation, both Terrance Dailey and Willie Griffin were in pads and were alternating in drills with the No. 1 offense. So they look like they'll be ready to go. And assuming Brandon Johnson makes it back, UW may be all right depth-wise at that spot for Saturday.

The coaches also appeared in good spirits. At one point Tim Lappano appeared to be somewhat playfully exhorting the offense on how to celebrate after scoring touchdowns.