COLLEGE FOOTBALL INJURY EXAM (Week 9)
Jeff Shain sorts through college football’s injury reports to spotlight key concerns ahead of this weekend’s key matchups.
No.19 WISCONSIN (5-2) at NORTHWESTERN (4-3)
Site: Ryan Field, Evanston, Ill.
Kickoff: Noon ET. TV: FOX. Line: Wisconsin by 3 ½.
Wisconsin: Junior QB Alex Hornibrook (concussion) is doubtful to clear concussion protocol in time for kickoff, leaving sophomore Jack Coan to make the start. Wisconsin coaches have given Coan extra work in practice in anticipation of the move. Coan has not taken the field this season, but appeared in six games a year ago.
Northwestern: Junior RB John Moten (lower body) and senior RB Solomon Vault (undisclosed) are questionable, leaving the Wildcats to utilize an RB-by-committee approach vs. the Badgers. Isaiah Bowser got the bulk of the work last week, backed by fellow freshman Drake Anderson and senior Chad Hanaoka.
No.20 SOUTH FLORIDA (7-0) at HOUSTON (6-1)
Site: TDECU Stadium, Houston.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. TV: ABC/ESPN2. Line: Houston by 8 ½.
South Florida: Junior MLB Nico Sawtelle (shoulder) is expected to miss his second consecutive game after sitting out last week’s win over Connecticut. OLB/DE Greg Reaves slides inside once again, though that didn’t work out so well last week. UConn QB David Pindell torched the Bulls for 197 yards rushing and another 133 through the air.
Houston: All-America DT Ed Oliver (knee) has been ruled out after missing the final six minutes in a win over Navy. Oliver was the victim of a controversial chop block, after enduring a sprained MCL last year that hampered him for four games. Oliver already has announced he’ll enter April’s NFL Draft, so he may not rush back.
ARIZONA ST. (3-4) at USC (4-3)
Site: Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. TV: ABC/ESPN2. Line: USC by 3.
Arizona St.: Senior OLB Jay Jay Wilson (ankle) is questionable as his return has been slower than anticipated. Wilson has been a limited participant in practice, sitting out 11-on-11 drills and special teams. Third-team freshman Tyler Johnson would be in line for another start, as junior Malik Lawal also has been limited.
USC: True freshman QB J.T. Daniels (concussion) is out as he continues to work through protocol, leaving the starting job to third-string freshman Jack Sears. Daniels was hurt in last week’s loss to Utah, and backup Matt Fink also went down with broken ribs. Sears succeeded former USC star Sam Darnold in high school.
No.7 TEXAS (6-1) at No.21 OKLAHOMA ST. (4-3)
Site: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Okla.
Kickoff: 8 p.m. TV: ABC. Line: Texas by 3 ½.
Texas: Sophomore QB Sam Ehlinger (shoulder) is expected to play, barring any last-minute setbacks to the sprain he suffered vs. Baylor. Ehlinger has completed 66 percent of his passes with 11 TDs and just two interceptions, also running for six TDs. Former starter Shane Buechele remains available in the wings.
Oklahoma State: Junior LT Arlington Hambright (ankle) is questionable after missing the better part of three games in which the Cowboys seemed to lose firepower. Teven Jenkins would stay on the left if Hambright isn’t ready, with Shane Richards stepping into the lineup at RT. The Cowboys have allowed 18 sacks this season.
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