COLLEGE FOOTBALL INJURY EXAM
Jeff Shain sorts through college football’s injury reports to spotlight key concerns ahead of this weekend’s top matchups. Though this week’s slate finds few ranked teams squaring off against each other, a pair of cross-sectional clashes are also worth watching.
No.2 CLEMSON (1-0) at TEXAS A&M (1-0)
Site: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas
Kickoff: 7 p.m. TV: ESPN. Line: Clemson by 12 ½.
Clemson: Junior LB James Skalski (foot) appears headed for a redshirt after missing parts of fall camp once a screw was inserted. Clemson coaches have been hesitant about giving Skalski reps, and the Tigers’ depth at LB offers the luxury of letting Skalski save a full season. He would have two years left to play.
Texas A&M: Sophomore LB Anthony Hines (sprain) is expected back after sitting out the Aggies’ opening win over Northwestern State. Even before Wednesday, coach Jimbo Fisher voiced expectations that Hines would be back. Hines started all 13 games last year as a true freshman.
No.3 GEORGIA (1-0) at No.24 SOUTH CAROLINA (1-0)
Site: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. TV: CBS. Line: Georgia by 10.
Georgia: Senior WR Terry Godwin (calf) is expected to make his season debut after needing another week to let a calf strain heal more fully. Godwin is the Bulldogs’ top returning receiver, with 38 catches last year for 639 yards and six TDs.
South Carolina: Junior DE D.J. Wonnum (ankle) is expected back for at least limited duty after missing the latter stages of the Gamecocks’ win over Coastal Carolina. Wonnum, who hasn’t missed a game since arriving in 2016, is Carolina’s No.2 returning tackler and had three stops before coming out.
No.17 USC (1-0) at No.10 STANFORD (1-0)
Site: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, Calif.
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. TV: FOX. Line: Stanford by 5 ½.
USC: Senior C Toa Lobendahn (pectoral) is expected back after practicing Tuesday in full pads for the first time in a week. Lobendahn was held out of the Trojans’ season-opening victory vs. UNLV after missing two days of practice.
Stanford: Senior C Jesse Burkett (undisclosed) is slated to miss a second consecutive game after sitting out last week’s over San Diego State. Drew Dalman will step in for another start. The Cardinal couldn’t get RB Bryce Love going vs. the Aztecs (29 yards), but countered with four TDs through the air.
No.13 MICHIGAN ST. (1-0) at ARIZONA ST. (1-0)
Site: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz.
Kickoff: 10:45 p.m. TV: ESPN. Line: Michigan St. by 6.
Michigan St.: Junior OT Cole Chewins (undisclosed) was back at practice Tuesday after he was a surprise late scratch for the opener vs. Utah State. His absence showed, too, as the Spartans struggled in the trenches and nearly found themselves upset by the Aggies.
Arizona St.: Senior LB Jay Jay Wilson (suspension) is out of the doghouse and should get plenty of reps against the Spartans. Wilson is ASU’s top returning tackler along the defensive front and quickly stood out in new coach Herm Edwards’ first spring in Tempe. He may not start, but should rotate in seamlessly.