Official Thread Re Injuries, Suspensions, and Dismissals NOT in Steele

[RJ Esq]

TheWolfpacker.com Editor
<script language="javascript">document.write("<div id=contentcontainer style='font-size: " + currentsize + "pt;'>");</script>Talk about it in The Wolves' Den


NC State's bad luck with injuries continued Tuesday when coach Tom O'Brien gave out the injury report after practice.

Star running back Jamelle Eugene has been ruled out for Thursday's season opener at South Carolina with an ankle injury. O'Brien had hoped Eugene would be ready to go, but instead senior Andre Brown and sophomore Curtis Underwood will be the new 1-2 punch in the backfield.

Eugene also handled kick and punt returns for the Wolfpack. Freshman T.J. Graham, redshirt junior Geron James and even redshirt freshman starting quarterback Russell Wilson, are some of the candidates to handle the punt return duties O'Brien said.

O'Brien said redshirt sophomore strong safetyJavon Walker will be out for the season after suffering complications from his season-ending knee injury that he suffered against Miami last November.

Senior right guard Curtis Crouch, a backup behind Meares Green, will not be traveling to Columbia at O'Brien's request. Redshirt freshman Henry Lawson will move into Crouch's backup role.

Sophomore outside linebacker Thomas Barnes and freshman defensive tackle Kyle Linney have left the team and will be looking to transfer to a new college. Neither player were on the two-deep depth chart.

Also, freshman offensive lineman Sam Jones failed to qualify academically, but hopes to get what he needs to get done and enroll next January O'Brien said.

O'Brien also said redshirt senior punter Bradley Pierson won the kickoff job. He also expects five true freshman to play Thursday — Graham, linebackers Sterling Lucas and Dwayne Maddox, cornerback Dominique Ellis and fullback Taylor Gentry.

 

[gjl02]

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said Tuesday he wants to redshirt quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and that Sean Glennon will be the Hokies' starting quarterback this season.
<!-- begin whole table -->



<!-- end sidebar table --> Taylor, who played last year as a true freshman, will dress this year and travel with the team. Cory Holt will be the No. 2 quarterback. Beamer entered this summer with the goal of heading into the season opener with one quarterback, not two."We're going to try to redshirt Tyrod Taylor," Beamer said at his weekly press conference. "I think in the long term, thinking about our football program, if we could get this done this is what we need to do. If we can stay away from injuries and play well as an offense and get this thing done, this is good for Tyrod, having a year and continuing to learn and develop. He's only going to get better and better."
"That's our plan as of today," Beamer said. "We'll see how that goes."
Glennon completed 143 of 235 passes (60.9 percent) for 1,796 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He was named the MVP of the ACC championship game after throwing three touchdown passes in the win over Boston College.
Beamer used a two-quarterback system last season in part because the Hokies' pass protection wasn't as effective as it needed to be and Taylor was able to make plays with his feet. He replaced Glennon on Sept. 8 against LSU, and Glennon was the No. 2 quarterback for the next four games until Taylor got hurt against Duke.
Heather Dinich blogs the ACC for ESPN.com.

wow im surprised i think the noles will get 9 wins this year now

 

[RJ Esq]

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<hr> God Almighty lashes out at State, again.

Published by Dogbreath <abbr class="published" title="2008-08-26T18:09:42-0700"> on 08/26/2008</abbr> in '08 Football and General. Tags: 08 NC State FBall, injuries, Jamelle Eugene.
<!-- .entry-meta -->
<!-- .entry-head -->

“They are now the objects of that very same anger and wrath of God, that is expressed in the torments of hell. And the reason why they do not go down to hell at each moment, is not because God, in whose power they are, is not then very angry with them; as he is with many miserable creatures now tormented in hell, who there feel and bear the fierceness of his wrath. Yea, God is a great deal more angry with great numbers that are now on earth: yea, doubtless, with many that are now in this congregation, who it may be are at ease, than he is with many of those who are now in the flames of hell.”
- Jonathan Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

“N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien announced that Junior tailback Jamelle Eugene, last year’s team most valuable player, will miss the South Carolina game because of an ankle injury.
“…O’Brien also listed two players who have left the program and will look to transfer elsewhere: sophomore linebacker Thomas Barnes, who played in 10 games last year as a true freshman, and freshman defensive tackle Kyle Linney, who enrolled in January after signing with the Wolfpack in the spring of 2007.
Offensive lineman Sam Jones, who signed to play with the Wolfpack in February, still has some work to do to meet NCAA qualifications and will enroll at State in January, O’Brien said.
Finally, in what O’Brien said was “his decision,” senior offensive guard Curtis Crouch, who was listed as the backup right guard, will not make the trip to South Carolina. Redshirt freshman Henry Lawson will play behind starter Meares Green at right guard.”
​

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Missouri starting LB Alexander doubtful for opener vs. Illinois

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• Alexander hurt his knee during spring drills
• Alexander will travel with the team, but coaches doubt he'll be on the field
• Sophomore Luke Lambert will likely start in Alexander's place Saturday

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- As expected, it looks like Missouri will be without one key defensive player when the sixth-ranked Tigers open the season Saturday against No. 20 Illinois in St. Louis.
Senior linebacker Van Alexander is making good progress as he recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He was hurt during spring drills.
Alexander will travel with the team to the Edward Jones Dome, but coaches doubt he'll be on the field.
Alexander says he's right on schedule with the rehab. He's been practicing, although not at full speed.
Sophomore Luke Lambert will likely start in Alexander's place Saturday. Lambert had ten tackles and forced a fumble in the Tigers' 38-7 victory over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl.

 

[RJ Esq]

Cougars' troubled DT Andy Roof expelled

By Bud Withers
Seattle Times staff reporter

Andy Roof, the troubled Washington State defensive tackle who has had multiple legal scrapes, was expelled from school Tuesday by WSU's student-conduct board, effectively ending his tenure there.
The action came a day after fall-semester classes began at WSU. Assault charges against Roof from an April incident in Pullman are still under consideration by Whitman County prosecutors.
"I was very disappointed when I heard the decision," said first-year coach Paul Wulff. "Andy's changed his life around 180 degrees, and as a coaching staff we've seen the positive impact he's made in the program."
Roof missed the 2007 season after having a third alcohol-related offense, including two DUI charges. He was back in school last spring when he got involved in an early-morning fight with six people at a party.
Police requested six assault charges, including one felony, and the case went to county prosecutors. Spokespeople have indicated a decision was imminent several times, but one said Monday no word is expected until late next week.
Wulff has disputed a police official's statement after the incident that alcohol was involved, and maintained that multiple support-staff personnel have indicated that Roof had made a dramatic turnaround in his behavior after his return from the 2007 suspension.
Roof can transfer to a lower-level school, but because of the timing of the decision, it would prevent him from taking part in fall camp.
Roof had been listed as a second-string tackle. Said Wulff, "There's going to be an impact, no question."
Another misdemeanor assault charge against Roof from a November 2006 incident in Pullman was dismissed.
Elaine Voss, director of student conduct at WSU, said the issue of criminal charges is independent of action by the board, comprised of three faculty members and two students.
Roof's hearing took place a week ago. As for the near-four-month delay from Roof's alleged assault incident to the hearing, Voss said, "Summertime is clearly more challenging. We need to have all the individuals who can add something to the case to help people make decisions."
Roof, asked if he felt he was given a fair hearing, said, "I can't answer that. I do have an opinion, but I don't want to say anything."
Note
• Dan Rowland, a fifth-year senior who started all 12 games at right guard last season, has left the team citing persistent, chronic pain in both shoulders for his departure.

 

[TheGarfather]

Rowlands is the more significant loss.

 

[RJ Esq]

Costa has torn ACL, is out for the year

Posted by John Hunt, The Oregonian August 27, 2008 21:21PM

Categories: Football
Oregon quarterback Nate Costa had surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, and doctors also found another tear in his anterior cruciate ligament.
The ACL was repaired, but Costa will not play for the Ducks this season. He will be on crutches for about a month and rehab again - a familiar task for the redshirt sophomore, who tore the ACL in the same knee last October.

 

[TheGarfather]

You can usually come back from one, sometimes you're just never the same. How many folks ever make it all the way back from 2? Not many.

I think you will see a lot of this kid Harper and maybe even some Darren Thomas. Both are more athletes than QBs at this stage, but that will change. There is another JC guy (Masoli) that I know nothing about.

Roper is overall an average signal caller i think. I would expect him to be about even in terms of the number of TDs and INTs he throws.

 

[YourMomIsLovely]

VT's Macho Harris with only a "slim chance" to play against ECU

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt_harris_0828aug28,0,5525707.story?track=rss

 

[JumpOnBoard]

Kurt Coleman rolled an ankle and is OUT vs YSU...I know it's only lined at dimes and nobody cares, but something to keep eye on for Sep13..

The secondary is taking a beating...

 

[Dogdoc]

FWIW
Jorvorski Lane of Texas A&M has practiced this week and been cleared to play, Sherman has said he doesn't know how much action he will see.

 

[gjl02]

MyFanPage
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WIRE: Tavares Pressley lost for the season Reply
An MRI this morning confirmed junior running back Tavares Pressley tore the ACL in his left knee Thursday at practice. He will miss the entire 2008 season.

for the seminoles

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Tennessee LB Williams cleared to play

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• He became ineligible after problems with some of his high school credits
• Williams played at City College of San Francisco during 2007

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee linebacker Gerald Williams has been cleared by the Southeastern Conference to play for the 18th-ranked Volunteers this season, the team announced Friday.
"It's wonderful to have him out there. He's worked so hard to get himself here," coach Phillip Fulmer said.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder from Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., will travel with the team to play at UCLA on Monday. Fulmer said he may not see much playing time in the game aside from some special teams assignments.
Williams signed with the Vols in 2005, but was denied eligibility by the NCAA just before the season began after problems with some of his high school credits.
He played at Hargrave Military Academy prep school during the 2006 season and City College of San Francisco during 2007.
Williams was already cleared by the NCAA and enrolled at Tennessee. SEC rules require extra credits, and Williams had to prove that a math course he recently took met those requirements.
In a statement released by the school, Williams said, "With all I've been through to get here, it feels great."
Said Fulmer, "I'm excited for him as much as I am for us."
Williams participated in the Vols' preseason camp, but hadn't practiced with the team in several days as he awaited word on the SEC's final decision.
Coaches informed him of his eligibility during a team meeting Friday morning, and his teammates gave him a standing ovation.
"Now he's just got to prove his merit," Fulmer said.
The team announced Friday that two signees were not cleared to play this season. Montori Hughes, a defensive tackle from Murfreesboro, and Marlon Walls, a linebacker from Olive Branch, Miss., will instead attend prep school at least until January.

 

[E.T.G.]

DT Jeff Owens of UGA left game in 1st w/ knee injury.

Sure there will be an article after the game

 

[JumpOnBoard]

pray for beanie.

 

[RJ Esq]

I'm concerned about #2 RB Ogbayanna. Looks like the rumor that Horn floated on Friday was true and he reinjured his wrist or hand. He left the game early.

 

[RJ Esq]

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Beanie Wells’ foot update

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It’s totally second-hand and unofficial, but supposedly, a member of the OSU medical team used the phrase “turf toe” when questioned by a reporter about Wells’ foot. The discussion occurred in the background of Jim Tressel’s after-game press conference.
Replays of Beanie’s injury certainly support the rumor, as turf toe usually occurs when a player takes off quickly (bending his toes too far back), or stops quickly (jamming his toes against the front of his shoes). Beanie appeared to do both of those things on his final run.
It’s essentially a sprain of the capsule part of the big toe’s socket. Typically, it’s an injury that a running back can play through. OSU fans should remember Lydell ‘Turf Toe’ Ross, who played through the injury for two consecutive seasons.
However, it’s extremely painful, and the pain always affects the athlete’s performance. It’s a nagging injury that never heals until the player stops running on it (usually at the end of the season).
So, IF it’s true (again, remember this is just rumor), it’s mixed news. OSU might have Beanie, but it’s possible he might not be 100% for the rest of the season.
It’s a similar situation as what occurred in 2007. Last autumn, Wells played through an early-season knee problem; then for the rest of the season, he played with a chipped bone in his foot and a sprained wrist. Tressel counseled him about the need to play through pain, and Wells responded with a fantastic year. So at least playing through pain is not uncharted territory for Beanie.
Whatever happens, OSU fans shouldn’t get too worked up. If the worst case happens, and Beanie is sidelined for most of all of the year, then both Saine and Herron are more than adequate to get the job done. Both would start at any other school, and especially with what we saw from Pryor today, the OSU running game is in good hands. Of course, Beanie is at a different level, and we want him there, but no single game or single season should be worth risking his long-term health.

 

[RJ Esq]

UGA's Owens out for '08 with knee injury

<table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia defensive tackle Jeff Owens will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Coach Mark Richt said Sunday that Owens tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Saturday's 45-21 win over Georgia Southern.
Georgia lost offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant for the season to a knee injury before the season.
Owens, a senior, started every game last season.
Richt said Owens has been scheduled for reconstructive knee surgery on Sept. 9 and plans to return for his fifth year of eligibility in 2009.
Corvey Irvin, another senior, is expected to start in Owens' spot against Central Michigan next Saturday.

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Maclin's injury not serious

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• Missouri's All-American has an ankle sprain but could play this weekend
• Maclin was carted off the field Saturday after injuring his left ankle
• The sophomore wideout is expected to try to practice Tuesday

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri All-American Jeremy Maclin could play this weekend despite being carted off the field during Saturday's win over Illinois with a sprained left ankle.
An MRI exam revealed a slight injury to the tendon in the ankle, school spokesman Chad Moller said Monday. Maclin is probable for Saturday's game against Southeast Missouri State.
Maclin, a sophomore who had a 99-yard kickoff return and 234 yards in all-purpose yards for the No. 6 Tigers, is expected to try to practice on Tuesday.
Maclin was injured away from the play early in the fourth quarter, pulling up after taking a few steps on a pass pattern. He covered his face with a towel while being carted off the field from the Missouri sideline, but returned a few minutes later with crutches and his foot wrapped in ice.
Maclin missed the 2006 season with a knee injury.

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Auburn's offense banged-up

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• Auburn has three injured wide receivers and an injured QB
• Promising freshman receiver Philip Pierre-Louis is out for the year
• QB Kodi Burns will miss practice but should play Saturday

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Auburn's offensive tally through one game: three injured receivers, one hurt quarterback and quite a few bruised egos.
Promising freshman receiver Philip Pierre-Louis tore a knee ligament returning the opening kickoff of the 10th-ranked Tigers' 34-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe and is lost for the season, coach Tommy Tuberville said Sunday.
Quarterback Kodi Burns is expected to miss Monday's practice after a large gash was opened on his shin by a facemask in the third quarter, but will play Saturday against Southern Mississippi. Tuberville said Burns had no swelling on the leg at all Sunday.
Starting receiver James Swinton hyperextended his knee on the next play and didn't return but shouldn't miss a game. Montez Billings (hamstring) missed the opener and is questionable again, Tuberville said.
Despite an ineffective passing game, Tuberville said the Tigers will stick with rotating Burns and Chris Todd at quarterback at least for one more game before the Southeastern Conference season starts.
The Tigers got 321 yards rushing but most of their 85 yards through the air came in the fourth quarter in the debut of Tony Franklin's spread offense. Only three of their 19 first downs came through the air.
Burns, Todd and the remaining receivers struggled. Tuberville said the quarterbacks never found their rhythm and the receivers need to improve on running their routes.
"I looked up and we've got 28 yards passing in the first three quarters, as much as we've worked on the passing game," Tuberville said. "That obviously wasn't what we were looking for. It will definitely get better. When you've got a good running game, it gives you a good start."
Franklin said Pierre-Louis had made the most plays of all the receivers during fall camp and Swinton had been the most consistent.
Franklin said both quarterbacks would play against Southern Miss, but wouldn't necessarily alternate every series again. Burns passed for just 15 yards while running for 69; Todd threw for 70 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
"The quarterbacks were both just blah," Franklin said. "They were average. I did a poor job of coaching them and it showed.
"Probably the biggest thing was that neither one of them ever got into a rhythm and that's my fault, the way I rotated them. We're going to play them both again, but I'll probably have a different way of rotating them. If one guy goes good, then he may stay in forever."
Franklin said he felt both quarterbacks were nervous thinking that one mistake could end their night. This platoon situation is as new to him as it is to the players.
"I've never done this before," he said. "I've always said you're stupid if you do it. It's funny how the world works. Be careful what you say, because one day it'll come back to you."
Franklin said a number of downfield routes were called but either the receivers didn't get open or the quarterback didn't pull the trigger.
"I don't think either one of them felt that trust factor, and probably because of (the fear that), 'If I make the bad throw or the bad decision, it might be my last one,"' he said. "I've got to get that out of their heads."

 

[RJ Esq]

Mississippi State linebacker Jamar Chaney out for season with broken leg

By Staff Reports
<!-- End .byline --> Originally published 10:49 a.m., September 1, 2008
Updated 10:49 a.m., September 1, 2008
<!-- End dates -->
<!-- End story_meta --> Mississippi State football coach Sylvester Croom said this morning that All-SEC linebacker Jamar Chaney is out for the season after sustaining broken leg in Saturday’s season opening 22-14 loss at Louisiana Tech.
“That’s a devastating blow for us,” Croom said. “Jamar is a fine football player.”
Chaney, a senior, had a team-high 12 tackles vs. Tech. He led the Bulldogs last year with 89 tackles, and had started 27 of the last 29 games.
State plays at home on Saturday against Division 1-AA Southeastern Louisiana.

 

[RJ Esq]

Auburn notebook: Injured receiver Philip Pierre-Louis will miss season with knee injury

Monday, September 01, 2008
AUBURN — True freshman Philip Pierre-Louis will miss the rest of the season after injuring his right knee while returning the first kickoff of the 2008 season.
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Pierre-Louis would undergo surgery this week. He should have no problem getting a hardship waiver and will retain all four years of his eligibility.
On the very next play, Auburn's first from scrimmage, senior receiver James Swinton injured his knee.
Tuberville said Swinton's knee was hyper-extended, but an MRI was negative. The starter could return to action as early as this week.
--OTHER INJURIES: Quarterback Kodi Burns (cut shin), fullback John Douglas (knee) and linebacker Merrill Johnson (hamstring) were injured Saturday. Burns and Johnson are expected to return to practice this week, while Tuberville was less optimistic about Douglas.
Receiver Montez Billings (hamstring) missed Saturday's game, and his return for Game 2 is questionable.
--MOVING AROUND: Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin said the Tigers would make a couple of moves in response to the injuries to Pierre-Louis, Swinton and Billings.
Inside receivers Tim Hawthorne and Darvin Adams will also start playing on the outside.
"We need to get (Hawthorne) more snaps," Franklin said.
--WHERE'S MARIO? Running back Mario Fannin had an impressive 19-yard end-around, but was largely quiet for most of the opener. Franklin said the onus is on Fannin to get better.
"He's got to learn to be a good receiver, run routes and learn how to play when he doesn't have the ball," Franklin said. "It can't be that every time we put him in he gets the ball. He's got to do better without the ball, and he's not very good without the ball right now. He's going to have to do the other stuff, too, and he hasn't done that."
--RUMORS, DOGHOUSES: Tuberville said that defensive end Raven Gray has not left the football team. A highly recruited junior college transfer, Gray is redshirting this year after a slow recovery from knee surgery.
Meanwhile, senior receiver Robert Dunn is almost out of Tuberville's "doghouse" after returning a punt for a touchdown Saturday.
"We'll take it day by day," Tuberville said. "He's got a big pen. We'll let him roam around in it."
--HURRICANE WATCH: Southern Mississippi, Auburn's next opponent, will shut down campus Tuesday. Classes were already canceled today for Labor Day. It's not clear how, or if, the closure will affect the Golden Eagles' game preparation.
--UP NEXT: Auburn had Sunday off, but will practice today at 3 p.m. while the campus is quiet for the holiday. Normal game-week mode resumes Tuesday.
--CLUB NEWS: Tickets are running out for the Mobile Auburn Club's bus trip to the Mississippi State game Sept. 13. The bus departs from Colonial Bank at Dauphin Street and Interstate 65 at 10:30 a.m. A game ticket, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages will be provided for $95 per person. Only about 30 seats are left on the third bus. Send a check to the club at P.O. Box 851295, Mobile, 36685. For more information call Laura Megginson at (251) 633-4812.

 

[RJ Esq]

Andre Smith questionable for home opener

<!-- /HEADLINE --> <!-- BYLINE --> Christopher Walsh Sports Writer <!-- /BYLINE --> <!-- PUBDATE --> Published: Monday, September 1, 2008 at 1:35 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, September 1, 2008 at 1:35 p.m.
<!-- /PUBDATE --> By Christopher Walsh

<!-- GRAY BOX ARTICLE CONTENT--> <!-- /GRAY BOX ARTICLE CONTENT--> Sports Writer
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama junior left tackle Andre Smith, considered a preseason All-American by numerous publications and organizations, is expected to miss a 8uifew days of practice and might not play in the home opener against Tulane.
During his Monday press conference, coach Nick Saban said that Smith’s status for the game is unknown.
Smith sustained a sprained knee Saturday night while blocking a Clemson linebacker during true freshman Mark Ingram’s 3-yard carry in the third quarter, during which the running back and his tackler appeared to hit the back of Smith’s legs as they descended.
Smith has started every game since arriving on the Capstone in 2006.
After his injury, sophomore David Ross came in for one play at left tackle, then swapped placed with junior left guard Mike Johnson.
“That was the plan going into the game,” Saban said about Ross. “He did very well, he did well in camp.”
Saban also called Johnson’s performance probably his best since the coach arrived.
“With a week to prepare I’m sure he’ll do even better,” Saban said.
Should Smith be unavailable Saturday, Johnson would likely start at left tackle.

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Clemson OG Humphries out at least one game, will have surgery

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• Barry Humphries will have surgery this week and miss Saturday's game
• How long he remains out following surgery is unknown
• Freshman Mason Cloy will start in his place at offensive guard

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Clemson starting offensive guard Barry Humphries will miss at least one game with a knee injury.
The school says the junior will have surgery this week and miss Saturday's game against The Citadel. How long he remains out won't be known until his surgery is complete.
Humphries hurt his knee in the first half of the Tigers loss to Alabama.
Coach Tommy Bowden says freshman Mason Cloy will start in Humphries place.
The school says starting defensive end Ricky Sapp is questionable for Saturday's game with a bruised knee.
No. 9 Clemson will likely plunge in the polls after a 34-10 loss to the Crimson Tide last weekend.

 

[JumpOnBoard]

The latest on Beanie from staff to tOSU insiders is:

The latest from Tressel is that Beanie is doubtful for OU, even though he said that Beanie told him he felt good this morning. Tressel suggested it's a day-to-day thing and wouldn't elaborate on the exact medical condition.


From everything I read it's not turf toe, per se, but it's in that vicinity...basically a soft tissue injury in the first metacarpal...first degree sprain...first degree is the least worrisome...some are speculating that he's got a slight tear in the tendon area on the very back of the toe..it's basically going to be a pain management thing as it's not going to get better.

 

[RJ Esq]

Defensive end leaves Sooners; freshman returns to Louisiana

Senior defensive end John Williams’ playing career appears to have ended at OU. Monday, coach Bob Stoops said he doesn’t expect Williams to return to the team.


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OU Pregame Show Mike Koehler, Berry Tramel and Jake Trotter talk OU football, presented by...
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“John’s mentally having a hard time staying with it,” Stoops said. “Right now, we don’t anticipate him rejoining the team. In the end, you have to want to play, to do the things necessary to play and do well. It’s unfortunate.”
Williams received a hardship waiver for a sixth season of eligibility after tearing his Achilles in the fourth game last year.
But after sitting out the spring recovering from the injury, Williams was not listed on OU’s opening week depth chart, falling behind sophomore Jeremy Beal, senior Alan Davis and redshirt freshman Frank Alexander.
Williams was not in uniform during Saturday’s win over Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Alex Williams heads home: Stoops said that redshirt freshman guard Alex Williams has gone back home to Louisiana to help his family evacuate from New Orleans, which is battling Hurricane Gustav. Williams is expected to be back with the team before Saturday’s game with Cincinnati, Stoops said.
Cincy coach says Bearcats excited about visit: When Cincinnati steps on Owen Field Saturday, the experience might be unlike any back home in the Big East Conference, where the two largest stadiums – West Virginia and Pittsburgh – top out at just over 65,000.
Still, Bearcats coach Brian Kelly said he isn't concerned about the experience.
“I've coached at Penn State, taken a team in front of 106,000 at Michigan and been into some environments of that nature,” Kelly said. “I really think after the first few series, everything kind of comes back to where it's just football players and it's execution.
“We've been on the road and had some good wins on the road. At South Florida (last year) was a great crowd, about 60,000. Rutgers last year. So I think there's enough experience within our group that we're not going to go in there and wilt under the 87,000.”
If anything, Kelly said, this is what the Bearcats aspire to.
“We are really excited about going and playing in this environ, because it's what college football is all about,” he said. “We want to be in these kinds of games, and that's why we decided to play Oklahoma.”
Kicking change: Cincinnati might be hoping the game doesn't come down to a kick.
Jake Rogers, who entered the season as the Bearcats kicker, missed on both of his extra-point tries against Eastern Kentucky. He's being replaced by Brandon Yingling, who went 4-for-4 on his PAT attempts.
Rogers, who had outperformed Yingling in the preseason, will continue to kick off.
“Jake has got to get into a game situation and calm down and settle down,” Kelly said. “I'm not ready to put him back into the situation he was in this weekend, until he comes up with a plan to handle the anxiety he seems to have during the game.”
Pressure play: Granted, the opposition was overmatched, yet OU's defensive front applied consistent pressure on Chattanooga quarterbacks throughout Saturday night's 57-2 win.
Officially, the Sooners produced five sacks — all by defensive linemen.
Auston English, last year's Big 12 sack leader, finished with 2 1/2 sacks, while Pryce Macon had one and Gerald McCoy, Adrian Taylor and Alan Davis each contributed 1/2.
“The biggest thing is getting those guys up front to play with the relentless manner that they did,” said OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables. “And I think we have the right group of guys that love to play and compete up front.”
· Fond memories: Sooners offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson needs no cheat sheet to get acquainted with the Bearcats.
Wilson formed many memories as an assistant coach at Miami of Ohio.
“I know their coaches really well because I coached at Miami of Ohio for nine years,” Wilson said. “I have a big bucket of Skyline chili in my freezer. I met my wife at Flanagan's, right by where Paul Brown Stadium is. I know all about Clifton Avenue and the Bearcats and (former) coach (Mark) Dantonio and the type of kids he recruited.”
By Jake Trotter and John Helsley

 

[JumpOnBoard]

At least he left before he got shot.

 

[RJ Esq]

Knee injury ends season for Virginia LB Clark

Associated Press


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<!-- end story header --><!-- begin left column --> <!-- begin page tools --> Updated: September 1, 2008, 6:07 PM ET

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<!-- end page tools --> <!-- begin story body --> CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Virginia starting linebacker Aaron Clark will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
The Cavaliers said Monday that the 6-foot-5, 250-pound senior will have season-ending surgery after spraining his knee in his first college start.
Clark made five tackles in Virginia's 52-7 loss to Southern California before he was hurt in the third quarter.
Denzel Burrell, a 6-4, 230-pound junior, will take Clark's place at one of the outside spots in Virginia's 3-4 defense.

 

[JumpOnBoard]

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD class=storytitle colSpan=3>Wells Continuing To Recover </TD></TR><TR><TD class=primaryimage vAlign=top>

Beanie is attended to by trainers.
</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="60%" bgColor=#f5f5f5 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=center noWrap>By Adam Jardy
Staff Writer
Posted Sep 2, 2008
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Ever since he hit the ground and clutched his ankle, Chris "Beanie" Wells has been the topic of conversation among Ohio State football fans. Head coach Jim Tressel gave an update on his injured star tailback today, so read on for the latest.
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Jim Tressel does not need any more advice on how to treat injured running back Chris Wells, so please stop calling.

At his weekly press luncheon, the Ohio State head football coach was subjected to a deluge of questions relating to his star tailback who goes by the moniker “Beanie.” After suffering what appeared to be a serious injury to his right foot during the third quarter of the Buckeyes’ season-opening victory against I-AA foe Youngstown State, the status of Wells has been looming over all things OSU-related – to the point where people have been offering Tressel unsolicited advice on the star tailback.

However, the head coach has been drawing his own conclusions from what he is hearing from the trainers and the injured player himself – and those are looking better and better as each day goes by.

Tressel did not disclose exactly what sort of injury Wells suffered during the YSU game, but he did not rule him out of the team’s contest this Saturday against visiting Ohio. Furthermore, Tressel said he would not be saving Beanie to ensure that he is fully healthy for the team’s prime-time showdown with USC the following week.

“I think every time, to give it to the trainers who see him every time, is that every time they see him, he seems better,” Tressel said. “Now I haven’t seen him that much, I happened to see him in the training room and he was saying how wonderful he feels. Now, that was a lot different than when I saw him on the field that day. He wasn’t expressing how good he felt, so, yeah, there’s been a big change.”

That alone should come as a sigh of relief to the OSU faithful who could only look on in silent horror as Wells writhed in pain on the YSU 5-yard line. After being helped off the field and carted to the locker room, he returned during the fourth quarter to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines with his right foot in a protective boot.

In the aftermath of the YSU game, Tressel said he would have labeled Wells as “doubtful” for the game against the Bobcats (noon, ESPN). Since then, Tressel said Beanie told him Tuesday morning that he felt “great” while in the training room at around 10:30 a.m.

The key dates this week will be Wednesday and Thursday, according to Tressel. Owing to Wells’ veteran status, he could miss Monday and Tuesday’s practice (he did not practice Monday) and still be fine for the game if he can go the following two days.

Senior linebacker Marcus Freeman expressed confidence that his fallen teammate would be ready to go come game time.

“Knowing Beanie, he’ll be out there even if he’s only at 50 percent, and Beanie at 50 percent is better than most backs in the country,” he said.

Wells will have the first vote as to whether or not he feels he can play, and from there the medical staff will render their opinion as well. The third vote rests with Tressel, he said.

After the YSU game, Wells said he thought he heard a pop in his foot a few plays earlier. Tressel said postgame x-rays were negative and that Beanie was due to receive an MRI. However, the head coach was coy when asked what he saw on the readout.

“I remember sitting in staff meetings occasionally where (former OSU head coach Earle Bruce) summoned the x-rays and said, ‘Let me look at that,’ ” Tressel said, gesturing to the former coach sitting in the audience. “I do not have that ability, so I have no idea what the MRI said. I wouldn’t know an MRI if it was here.”

However, Tressel said he would not describe the injury as “debilitating” although he claimed to not know exactly what it was – or how to pronounce it.

“I can’t even think of the word,” he said. “His foot’s hurting. A lot of times you hear like ‘brachial plexus’ and all this stuff. It used to be, you know, ‘My shoulder’s hurting me,’ now then it became a brachial plexus. I’m still back in the ‘his foot hurts’ era.”

Wells battled injuries throughout his sophomore season. An ankle injury slowed him early during the year, and a battered wrist that he said felt like it might fall off against Illinois hampered him late during the season.

As such, Tressel said Wells has a high pain threshold – but that will not keep him in a game if he shouldn’t be playing, he said.

“Chris Wells loves to play the game,” Tressel said. “When you’re a big back like he is, you’re going to get whacked around a lot and your wheels have a big load on them. He’s a 240-pound load on those feet, so he’s going to – he’s passionate about playing the game, but we’re also going to be smart and medically sound and understand the need for practice and all the things.”

For fans that are worried about the status of Wells, his head coach offered a piece of advice. “Tell them to worry more about (hurricanes) Gustav and Rita and those kinds of things,” he said. “Beanie’s going to be fine.”

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[RJ Esq]

Transfer Update

from mgoblog by Brian
Via Sam Webb on WTKA this morning: Cox has decided to stay, but freshman LB Taylor Hill has decided to go. This latter news can also be creepily stalked out of Facebook if you like.
Hill’s departure is a negative. He was a fringe 4-star guy, top 250 to Rivals but three-star-ish to Scout, and played a position (OLB) at which Michigan isn’t particularly deep.
It’s also kind of weird, because, like, seriously, they’ve played one game. Maybe Hill just changes his mind a lot: he was originally committed to Oklahoma, then West Virginia—though that decommit is understandable—before picking Michigan. Or maybe he just wasn’t going to hack it. Some guys, like Cobrani Mixon, are clear non-contributors as soon as they show up. If he ends up at a MAC school or something that may be it.

 

[RJ Esq]

Colorado offensive lineman Ethan Adkins was indefinitely suspended by Dan Hawkins after being cited for driving under the influence early Monday. Starting guard Devin Head was suspended for one game for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

 

[JumpOnBoard]

Transfer Update

from mgoblog by Brian
Via Sam Webb on WTKA this morning: Cox has decided to stay, but freshman LB Taylor Hill has decided to go. This latter news can also be creepily stalked out of Facebook if you like.
Hill’s departure is a negative. He was a fringe 4-star guy, top 250 to Rivals but three-star-ish to Scout, and played a position (OLB) at which Michigan isn’t particularly deep.
It’s also kind of weird, because, like, seriously, they’ve played one game. Maybe Hill just changes his mind a lot: he was originally committed to Oklahoma, then West Virginia—though that decommit is understandable—before picking Michigan. Or maybe he just wasn’t going to hack it. Some guys, like Cobrani Mixon, are clear non-contributors as soon as they show up. If he ends up at a MAC school or something that may be it.

Word is he has "responsabilities" at home....Pitt is a possiblity too as it's about 45 mins from youngstown.

 

[RJ Esq]

Running back Kevin Grady will play against Miami (Ohio)

September 3, 2008

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Rich Rodriguez updated a few team issues for the Wolverines this afternoon before practice.

While he hasn't chosen a starting quarterback - he said he has an idea but won't say - he did say tailback Kevin Grady will play after being suspended last week for his summer drunk driving arrest and is at an even level with the other tailbacks on the depth chart.

He said freshman linebacker Taylor Hill decided in the past few days to transfer and another freshman linebacker, Marcus Witherspoon, did not qualify academically and won't be joining Michigan.

As far as injuries, both receiver Greg Mathews and defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen are doubtful for Saturday's game with injuries.

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Pittsburgh LB Gunn may miss season with broken neck

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• Gunn collided with teammate Scott McKillop during a season-opening loss
• A broken vertebrae showed up during a post-game MRI exam
• Gunn is expected to be replaced by Greg Williams

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pitt outside linebacker Adam Gunn may miss the rest of his senior season with a broken neck caused when he collided with teammate Scott McKillop during a season-opening loss.
Gunn, who became a starter last season, played every down on defense and also was on the kickoff team before sustaining a concussion during the third quarter of the 27-17 loss to Bowling Green on Saturday.
A broken vertebrae, which occurred during the helmet-to-helmet hit with McKillop that also resulted in the concussion, showed up during a post-game MRI exam.
"(It) could be the year. We're not going to say it's the year, but ... it's going to be a while," coach Dave Wannstedt said Wednesday.
Just as it did a season ago when quarterback Bill Stull broke his thumb and didn't play the rest of the season, Pitt may have lost an important starter in its season opener.
Pitt (0-1) plays another Mid-American Conference school, Buffalo (1-0), on Saturday. Gunn is expected to be replaced by Greg Williams, but Wannstedt said Nate Nix and Brandon Lindsey may also play.
Pitt's other outside linebacker, Shane Murray, was held out of the Bowling Green game by a right knee injury and may be replaced again by Austin Ransom.

 

[gjl02]

The long, long wait is finally over. After months of speculation, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden finally ended the suspense following Wednesday's practice and named Christian Ponder as the starting quarterback for the 'Noles' season opener this Saturday versus Western Carolina. [details]

 

[RJ Esq]

Pitt LB to miss rest of season
Thursday, September 04, 2008
By Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
<!-- end story_image_box_size_1 --> Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said yesterday that starting outside linebacker Adam Gunn is likely out for the remainder of the season after an MRI revealed a fracture in one of the vertebrae in his neck. Gunn was injured during a helmet-to-helmet collision with teammate Scott McKillop in the third quarter of the Panthers' 27-17 loss to Bowling Green Saturday.
"He met with the doctor this morning and he does have a small fracture in one of his vertebrae," Wannstedt said. "He is out indefinitely and it could be the year."
Gunn, a fifth-year senior from Kiski Area, who had been listed as "day-to-day" because of a concussion he suffered on the same hit, will be replaced in the starting lineup by redshirt freshman Greg Williams, with redshirt sophomore Nate Nix and redshirt freshman Brandon Lindsey competing for playing time at that spot as well.
Wannstedt said the loss of Gunn will be difficult, particularly since the status of Pitt's other starting outside linebacker, Shane Murray (knee), is still questionable for Saturday's game against Buffalo.
Wannstedt said he is more concerned with Gunn's health than anything football-related.
"He is one of our leaders; he was as good as a leader and role model off the field as he was on the field," Wannstedt said. "Adam is a heck of a guy, a heck of a player and hopefully we can get him back here at some point. But we've been rotating the three guys behind him and they all do some things differently and we'll probably play all three to see who gets a hot hand and then stick with him, to be honest with you."

 

[RJ Esq]

Three Nits to Sit on Sat.; One Backup Back Told to Pack; Somebody Call Supernanny

from The FanHouse - NCAAfootball
Filed under: Oregon State, Penn State, NCAA FB Police Blotter

Just two days before a big game with Oregon State, Joe Paterno announced tonight that three Penn State football players have been suspended for this weekend's game (he didn't say why, but you can connect the dots yourself), while another has been kicked off the team for that all too familiar "undisclosed violation of team rules." I'm pretty sure this makes Penn State your early season Fulmer Cup leader, in case you're keeping track at home.

Backup DB Willie Harriott is now an ex-Lion. While no official reason was given, his departure may be related to a November arrest for DUI and speeding. No team wants to lose depth at any position, but the overall impact of Harriott's departure should be minimal.

Of far more concern, at least for this week, is the suspension of defensive linemen Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma, both key contributors to the Lions defense, as well as tight end Andrew Quarless (pictured above right). All three are significant contributors to the team, though only Evans and Koroma are starters. But how much will the Nits miss these three guys?

Evans is one of PSU's leading pass rushers, responsible for 12.5 sacks last season. Without him, the Lions might not be able to get as much pressure on Oregon State's quarterback Lyle Moevao. That could be a problem, as Moevao smacked up Stanford to the tune of 404 yards and 3 touchdowns with a 63.5% completion rate. Certainly Penn State's secondary is better than Stanford's, but Moevao could make them pay if the front seven can't get a consistent pass rush going.

I had already picked Oregon State to win this game, so these suspensions make me feel a little bit less out on a limb. This is just one more bit of nastiness Penn State doesn't need, though. This is also Quarless's second suspension, so here's to hoping he gets his act together. I doubt he'll get a third chance.

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Kentucky starting LT Williams will miss 2-to-3 weeks

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• Williams had surgery Thursday morning to repair the tear
• Williams is easily the most experienced member of the offensive line
• He had started 26 consecutive games

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky left tackle Garry Williams will miss the next two to three weeks because of a cartilage tear in his knee.
Coach Rich Brooks made the announcement after the team's practice Thursday. Williams had surgery Thursday morning to repair the tear.
Williams is easily the most experienced member of the offensive line. He had started 26 consecutive games. Brooks said he will likely be replaced by either redshirt freshman Billy Joe Murphy or junior James Alexander.
Kentucky opens its home season Saturday night against Norfolk State.

 

[RJ Esq]

Jerome Hayes tears other ACL

from Zombie Nation by Mike 2
This is interesting. ESPN cut out of the Penn State game before this happened, so most of us didn't even know about it. Jerome Hayes was illegally clipped by an OSU player on a punt play in the fourth quarter. Sure, the Beavers ass was flagged, but he cost Hayes yet another season of his career, tearing his ACL. Yeah, maybe all the starters should have been taken out of the game at that point, but I didn't trust Oregon State either. They had a lot of good players made for come-back mode. This royally sucks, and I really hope Evans and Koroma can come back ASAP.

 

[E.T.G.]

KENNY MCKINNLEY: Hamstring injury


They have not released anything, but imo, no way is he playing versus UGA, prob even longer

 

[cubsker]

Barry Turner, Nebraska's top DE, broke his leg. Looks like he's out for the season and will seek a medical redshirt to play his 5th year.

 

[RJ Esq]

Utah loses second defensive lineman

<table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah defensive lineman Lei Talamaivao had surgery to repair his broken right fibula Monday and will miss the remainder of the season.
Talamaivao broke the leg in the first quarter Saturday in No. 22 Utah's 42-21 win over UNLV, leaving the Utes even more shorthanded at their thinnest spot in the defense. Talamaivao took over for Kenape Eliapo, who broke his left foot in the season opener at Michigan and is out for another 6-8 weeks.
Coach Kyle Whittingham said Talamaivao can take the year as a redshirt and have three years of eligibility, but the Utes need to find some depth on the defensive line quickly. Whittingham says Utah may have to shuffle defensive end Koa Misi back to tackle, where he played last year, and bring freshman Dave Kruger out of his redshirt season.

 

[RetroVK]

RENO — Nevada head football coach Chris Ault has said time and again that Luke Lippincott typifies a Wolf Pack running back.
Ault & Co. will be without Lippincott for the rest of the season after the senior tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in the second quarter of Saturday’s 35-19 loss to Texas Tech at Mackay Stadium.
“Luke is devastated,” Ault said. “Forget about a football player, we’re talking about a great person here. He’s a very special kid, and he’s important to this team.”
Ault said he will petition the NCAA to get Lippincott a sixth year. Lippincott missed a season with an injury, and many times when that happens, the athlete will get the year back. If the injury had happened after the third game, Nevada would have been unable to apply.
“He’s a great player,” Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. “He’s a great leader, our captain. Losing somebody like that is hard to overcome, but this team can do it.”
Lippincott’s injury leaves the position to Vai Taua, Brandon Fragger and redshirt freshman Lampford Mark, who has yet to play in a college game.
Taua gained 63 yards while Fragger gained 44 rushing and another 32 on four receptions.
“I’m excited (about the bigger role),” Taua. “It will be more focusing for me. I have to be a lot more focused.”
JAEKLE’S BIG NIGHT
Ault has touted Brett Jaekle as one of the best kickers in the country.
On Saturday, Jaekle tied a career best with four field goals in the Nevada loss. Jaekle converted from 27, 43, 26 and 31 yards, respectively. He missed two, each from over 40 yards.
The four field goals matched the four that he kicked against Miami at the 2006 MPC Computers Bowl in Boise.
“The two I missed, I should have made,” he said. “One I didn’t hit well at all and the other sailed left on me.”
Ault was upset that Jaekle missed twice, but without his four successful kicks, Nevada never would have stayed in the game.
BIG HOOK-UP
When Graham Harrell tossed an 82-yard scoring pass to Michael Crabtree in the fourth quarter, it was the longest career play for both players.
Crabtree previously had a 75-yard reception against Oklahoma State last season, while Harrell had a 76-yard completion against Baylor in 2006.
NEXT WEEK
Nevada will play its second ranked team in consecutive weeks when it travels to 7th-ranked Missouri next week.
The Tigers are led by talented quarterback Chase Daniel.
“We have to feed off this loss,” said Pack safety Uche Anywanu. “We’re going to watch film and get better. It’s all about getting better.”
Nevada’s pass defense was solid, allowing 297 yards. A week ago, the Red Raiders passed for more than 500 yards.
ETC...
Dominic Green started at guard in place of Brad Eskew and Josh Catapano started at center ...Bront Bird had 14 tackles for Texas Tech and Fallon’s Joshua Mauga led Nevada with eight ... Tech won the toss and received ... Nevada is 20-6 at home since the 2004 season.

 

[pags11]

did anyone ask Ault why he went for one down 10 with 10 mins. left?...what a moron he is...

 

[RJ Esq]

[SIZE=+1]Corner's torn ACL prompts switch: Thomas done for season; Hicks will return from safety[/SIZE]
By MARK TUPPER - H&R Executive Sports EditorCHAMPAIGN - The news was exactly as feared: Sophomore Miami Thomas tore the ACL in his right knee Saturday and will be lost for the season.
Coach Ron Zook confirmed the prognosis Sunday and said Thomas will undergo surgery after the swelling in his knee subsides, perhaps in a couple of weeks.
The injury, which occurred on a freakish play during a punt, means there will be some shuffling in Illinois' defensive backfield.
"It is kind of like what happened with Sirod (Williams)," Zook said Sunday, referring to his defensive tackle who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Rantoul. "It's just one of those things that happens. It was non-contact related. He got pushed, he twisted and then got overextended."
Thomas was on the punt return team in the second quarter when his knee buckled and he collapsed to the turf. The ball then hit him in the back, creating a fumble that was recovered by Eastern Illinois.
Thomas had just been promoted to the starting lineup in a move designed to strengthen two positions - cornerback and safety.
Now, with Thomas out, Zook said it's likely Dere Hicks will be moved back to corner. He was the starter in the Missouri game but was shifted to safety against Eastern Illinois.
The secondary is already thin as junior college transfer Donsay Hardeman, projected to be a starter at safety, bounces back from a knee injury. He should return for the Penn State game on Sept. 27, one week after Illinois' bye week.
"We have a guy in Dere who can play both spots," Zook said. "And Travon (Bellamy) can play both spots. I hate to see anybody get hurt, but we have guys who can play."
What Illinois does not have is quite as much depth.
"If no one else gets hurt, we're OK," Zook said. "But we're beginning to get guys nicked up at some positions. We're not real plentiful at any position � but we're a lot better than we were a year ago."
Thomas will get a medical redshirt this season and will still have three years of eligibility remaining.
"He didn't play in the first half of the Missouri game, but he's a guy who is going to be a good football player. He just has to wait until next year now," Zook said.
"He was going to have to get his shoulder fixed anyway, so we'll get that done as well this year. That will give him a chance to get bigger and stronger."
Zook said moving Hicks back to corner might be the answer to replace Thomas, but it doesn't help the safety position.
"We still have to get that position solidified," he said. "Bo Flowers played much better (against Eastern). Nate (Bussey) played better at times. I would have said it would take some time to get things sorted out there. Contrary to what some people thought, we didn't have great safety play the last couple years."
After Saturday's 47-21 victory over Eastern Illinois, Zook said he dropped the Illini from his top 25 ballot in the coaches' poll.
"I don't think right now we're playing the way we're capable of playing," he said. "We're still giving up too many big plays on defense. We're not tackling the way we can tackle. And we're not putting the ball where we need to on kickoff coverage. Those are things we need to get shored up.
"But (the national ranking) is as far from my mind as anything right now. Right now, it means nothing."
Illinois fell just out of the top 25 in the coaches' poll but remains No. 24 in the Associated Press media poll.
Little known on Brent
Zook said he could not shed new light on what's happened with sophomore defensive tackle Josh Brent of Bloomington.
Brent, who was moved into the starting lineup before the season, has not played in either of the first two games and was not in uniform on the sideline Saturday.
"I'd rather you not ask me about Josh," Zook said Sunday. "He has some issues with an illness. I'm not in any position to be able to talk about it. Hopefully things will get worked out. I really can't comment on it."
With Brent out, freshman defensive tackle Corey Liuget is getting some extended playing time. Zook praised his performance against Eastern.
"He had 20 snaps or so and as you can tell, he's going to be a pretty good player. He's an athlete. He can chase the ball. He's explosive and powerful."
Extra points
Zook said he should know by Tuesday whether wide receiver Jeff Cumberland will return to action this week.
Cumberland, who has been recovering from a stress fracture, will have a bone scan to determine his condition.
"He is ready to go, but that will be the doctor's call," Zook said. "He was running on the trampoline thing today."

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Minnesota's leading rusher out for season with knee injury

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• The Gophers' leading rusher tore a ligament in Saturday's win over Bowling Green
• Tim Brewster did not specify which knee was injured
• Junior Jay Thomas and freshmen Shady Salamon and DeLeon Eskridge will fill in

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota running back Duane Bennett will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
The Gophers' leading rusher and second-leading receiver tore a ligament in Saturday's victory over Bowling Green, though coach Tim Brewster did not specify which knee was injured.
Bennett led the Gophers (2-0) with 140 yards rushing and also had 12 catches for 125 in the first two games of the season, both victories.
Junior Jay Thomas and freshmen Shady Salamon and DeLeon Eskridge will fill in for Bennett.

 

[RJ Esq]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="col0">Washington releases Savannah

</td><td class="col1">Story Highlights

• E.J. Savannah has been released from his scholarship
• The star linebacker may transfer to a school outside the Pac-10
• Savannah led Washington in tackles last year as a junior

</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="cnninlineright" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>SEATTLE (AP) -- E.J. Savannah's football career at Washington is over.
The Huskies' leading tackler and defensive MVP from a season ago has been granted a release from his scholarship, Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said Tuesday. The school said it has granted Savannah's request to be released from his scholarship, provided he transfers to a school outside the Pac-10 Conference.
"Our top priority is to help E.J. earn a college degree, whether that is at the University of Washington or at another institution," Willingham said in a statement. "We have provided him with a tremendous support system during the last three years. I hope he is able to learn from his experience at Washington and become successful in whatever he chooses to do in life."
Savannah's release concludes a turbulent career at Washington after the Bellevue, Wash., native was one of the top prospects in Willingham's first recruiting class.
Savannah was expected to anchor a solid group of linebackers for the 2008 season, believed to be the strength of the Huskies defense. Last year, he led Washington with 111 tackles and ranked sixth in the Pac-10 with 8.5 tackles per game.
But before fall camp started, Willingham announced that Savannah was academically ineligible. This after he broke a bone in his left arm during the spring in a non-football-related incident. Savannah was also held out from the start of spring practice in April. At that time, he was academically eligible but had not "lived up to all the responsibilities of the football team," Willingham said.
Savannah becomes the third significant name to be leaving the Huskies program in the last few months. Over the summer, running back J.R. Hasty and defensive back Jordan Murchison were both informed their scholarships would not be renewed for the 2008 season.
Hasty was the showcase signing in Willingham's first recruiting class at Washington, but never fulfilled his potential. Both Hasty and Murchison transferred to Division II Central Washington and each is starting for the Wildcats, who are ranked No. 8 in this week's Division II top 25.
Savannah could transfer to a Division II school and avoid having to sit out a season, pending resolution of academic issues. He would have to sit out a year if he transferred to another Division I program, because of NCAA transfer rules.

 

[RJ Esq]

C.J. Peake leaving U of L

from Card Chronicle by Mike Rutherford
Not the biggest surprise.

Sophomore safety C.J. Peake of the University of Louisville football team has decided to leave the Cardinals and transfer to another institution, according to head coach Steve Kragthorpe.

Peake, 6 feet 2 and 221 pounds played in one game as a true freshman in 2007, recording one tackle. He is from Trotwood-Madison High School in Ohio.
​

As mentioned in the diary section, rumors have been circulating for the past couple of weeks that Peake refused a move to linebacker, and also refused to play on special teams. If true, then this is definitely a loss I can live with.
Either way, best of luck to CJ. wherever he lands.

 

[JumpOnBoard]

did anyone ask Ault why he went for one down 9 with 10 mins. left?...what a moron he is...

that would make it 8, a one possession game..you wouldn't risk two there and stay a two possession game..

going for one is the right move if they were down 9, PAT pending.

 

[pags11]

jumponboard,

it would help if I didn't type these threads at 4 AM...Nevada was actually down 10 at the time and chances were they were going to have a tough time getting the ball back two more times...he did the same thing in the bowl game vs. Miami and the year before that at Fresno...doesn't have the chart figured out I guess...