COLLEGE FOOTBALL INJURY EXAM (Week 7)
Jeff Shain sorts through college football’s injury reports to spotlight key concerns ahead of this weekend’s key matchups, including a pair of Big Ten showdowns.
MICHIGAN ST. (3-2) at No.8 PENN ST. (4-1)
Site: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pa.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. TV: Big Ten Network. Line: Penn State by 13 ½.
Michigan State: Sophomore G Kevin Jarvis (ankle) is questionable and senior G David Beedle (arm) is out until November, continuing the uncertainty along the Spartans’ offensive line. MSU also just got back LT Cole Chewins, helping explain a No.109 national rank in rushing offense.
Penn State: Redshirt freshman WR K.J. Hamler (head) is expected back after last week’s open date, having missed the final quarter of PSU’s loss to Ohio State. Hamler has 13 catches this year for 308 yards and four TDs, plus a 32-yard TD run and 296 yards on kickoff and punt returns.
No.7 WASHINGTON (5-1) at No.17 OREGON (4-1)
Site: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Ore.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. TV: ESPN2. Line: Washington by 3.
Washington: Junior LB D.J. Beavers (foot) remains questionable after sitting out the past five games. He’s been on week-to-week status since getting hurt in UW’s opening loss to Auburn. Junior Benning Potoa’e has stepped into Beavers’ slot, making 18 tackles with four TFLs.
Oregon: Junior TE Jacob Breeland (foot) is back in the lineup following the Ducks’ open date, having sat out two weeks ago vs. Cal. Breeland has pulled down seven catches for 131 yards and two TDs this season, after leading the Ducks with 5 TD catches last year.
No.22 TEXAS A&M (4-2) at SOUTH CAROLINA (3-2)
Site: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. TV: SEC Network. Line: Texas A&M by 2 ½.
Texas A&M: Senior G Keaton Sutherland (ankle) is out after going down in the second half of last week’s win vs. Kentucky. Senior Connor Lanfear is listed as Sutherland’s backup, though sophomore Ryan McCollum also filled the spot last week. Sutherland is a three-year starter.
South Carolina: Junior QB Jake Bentley (knee) is expected back after missing the Gamecocks’ nail-biter win vs. Missouri. Bentley was a late scratch for that game, as coaches worried about his mobility on a sprained left knee. Michael Scarnecchia tossed three TD passes in the start.
No.15 WISCONSIN (4-1) at No.12 MICHIGAN (5-1)
Site: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. TV: ABC. Line: Michigan by 9 ½.
Wisconsin: Sophomore CB Caesar Williams (leg) and redshirt freshman CB Deron Harrell (head) are questionable as part of a banged-up UW secondary that finds four members on the injury report. That doesn’t include freshman S Scott Nelson, sitting out a first-half suspension for targeting.
Michigan: Sophomore DT Michael Dwumfour (leg) is doubtful after being carted off the field during Saturday’s win over Maryland. Dwumfour has stamped himself as the Wolverines’ top interior pass rusher with Maurice Hurst now in the NFL. Junior Carlo Kemp is listed as the starter.
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