COLLEGE FOOTBALL INJURY EXAM (Week 13)
Jeff Shain sorts through college football’s injury reports to spotlight key concerns ahead of this weekend’s key matchups.
AUBURN (7-4) at No.1 ALABAMA (11-0)
Site: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET. TV: CBS. Line: Alabama by 24.
Auburn: Sophomore DE Nick Coe (wrist) will be back in the lineup after sitting out the Tigers’ shutout win over Liberty last week. Auburn’s sack leader hurt his right wrist in the second half of the Tigers’ loss to Georgia one week earlier. Coe has amassed seven sacks and 13 ½ tackles for loss this year with two forced fumbles.
Alabama: Senior RB Damien Harris (concussion) has cleared protocol and is expected to play in the rivalry finale. Alabama’s leading rusher left in the second half of the Tide’s romp over The Citadel, after a day that included a 73-yard scamper. He has 678 yards and seven TDs on the season.
No.4 MICHIGAN (10-1) at No.10 OHIO ST. (10-1)
Site: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
Kickoff: Noon. TV: FOX. Line: Michigan by 4 ½.
Michigan: Senior DE Chase Winovich (upper body) is questionable after missing the final 1 ½ quarters of last week’s win over Indiana. Though coach Jim Harbaugh has declared Winovich as day-to-day, two teammates told reporters they expect him to be available. Winovich has four sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2018.
Ohio State: Sophomore LT Thayer Munford (knee) is probable after leaving in the first half of OSU’s overtime thriller over Maryland. Munford left the game after a taking a blow to the outside of his right knee. Junior Joshua Alabi finished the game and is the option is Munford isn’t able to go.
No.16 WASHINGTON (8-3) at No.8 WASHINGTON ST. (10-1)
Site: Martin Stadium, Pullman, Wash.
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. Friday. TV: FOX. Line: WSU by 2 ½.
Washington: All-America OT Trey Adams (back) is available to offer depth along the offensive front, though junior Jared Hilbers figures to remain the starter. Adams was hurt four days before UW’s opener vs. Auburn, requiring surgery. Under new NCAA rules, he can play the rest of 2018 and still apply for a medical redshirt.
Washington State: Senior CB Sean Harper Jr. (upper body) now has been declared out for the season after missing the previous five games. Harper had 22 tackles and four pass breakups through WSU’s first six games. Marcus Strong moved into the starting slot and has two of the Cougars’ nine INTs.
HOUSTON (8-3) at MEMPHIS (7-4)
Site: Liberty Bowl Stadium, Memphis, Tenn.
Kickoff: Noon Friday. TV: ABC. Line: Memphis by 7.
Houston: All-America DT Ed Oliver (knee) is cleared to play in the regular-season finale, though coach Major Applewhite stressed the final decision is Oliver’s. The Outland Trophy winner hasn’t seen action since Oct. 20, with buzz arising that Oliver might shut it down to protect his NFL Draft status.
Memphis: Junior WR Damonte Coxie (undisclosed) is probable after an early exit from last week’s win at SMU. Coxie has had a breakout season in his first year as a starter, accounting for 60 catches, 1,039 yards and seven TDs. Before the SMU game, he had four consecutive outings of 100-plus yards.
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