Notre Dame tailback Armando Allen likely out vs. Washington State

By Brian Hamilton

SAN ANTONIO -- If pregame activity -- or lack thereof -- is any indication, Notre Dame will be without starting tailback Armando Allen on Saturday against Washington State.

As the rest of his Irish teammates warmed up full-speed in shorts on the Alamodome turf, Allen stood idly at midfield in a set of warmups and a Notre Dame hat, hands in pockets.

Irish coach Charlie Weis suggested Thursday night that lingering ankle issues might prevent Allen, who has 514 yards rushing and three touchdowns this year, from playing.

Also apparently out -- as expected -- is receiver Robby Parris, who is standing on the sideline in his jersey and sweats instead of warming up with his teammates.

Darrin Walls, who battled the flu all week, made the trip but still might not play.