98 2.2l clutch concerns

my brother has a 1998 impreza L.. its a 2.2l h.opposed... so anyways for the past 2-3 weeks hes been driving it and while in 3rd,4th,5th gear the engine would rev up to 5k or higher on its own. Now today... he puts it in first and the car doesnt move.

So subarus arent my thing, hondas are... but from what i know ive made sum assumptions.im think its a cable transmission, and its probably 1 of 2 problems.. the clutch is fried, or the cable hookin the pedal to the tranny is loose or broken.

Has anyone else had this problem? what was wrong?

thanks for your help
-kris