The upsets continue to pile up as the playoffs creep closer and closer. Michigan ended Ohio State’s perfect season on the Buckeyes’ own field, while Baylor kept playoff hopes alive by knocking off a fiesty Oklahoma State team. And if the week was not crazy enough, a legendary SEC coach may soon find himself out of a job. Learn about the top news from the past week of football here at Optimum Scouting.
By: Cory Burrell
Virginia Tech DE Dadi Nicolas suspended striking referee
A crucial offsides penalty called on Virgina Tech DE Dadi Nicolas will frustrate the senior beyond Saturday’s game against North Carolina. Nicolas will be suspended from the first half of the Hokies’ upcoming game against Virginia after hitting a referee during Saturday’s loss to UNC. Nicolas slapped the referee on the arm who called the penalty in the arm after the play. Nicolas was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, helping the Tar Heels convert an important third down. Nicolas told reporters after the game the hit was accidental. Head coach Frank Beamer said he spoke with Nicolas and believe the contact was accidental, but still decided Nicolas deserved to miss part of Virginia Tech’s next game. Nicolas came into his final collegiate season with high expectations and bright NFL prospects, but those prospects have dimmed a little after a fairly low
Heisman dark horse Luke Falk may start next game following head injury
Washington State University star quarterback Luke Falk suffered an apparent head injury during Saturday’s win over Colorado, but Falk may be ready to start the Cougars’ next game against Washington this Friday. Falk had to be carried off the field following the injury, but WSU athletic director Bill Moos said Falk was doing well and could potentially be ready for the Cougars’ rivalry game against Washington. Head coach Mike Leach refused to comment on the injury, saying his policy was not to discuss player injuries. Falk has made a bit of noise as a possible Heisman candidate with his unbelievable numbers, but with the Cougar well outside the playoff picture, Falk’s Heisman hopes may be a long shot.
Baylor QB Stidham questionable to play against TCU
Less than a month ago, Baylor had arguably the best quarterback in the nation in Seth Russell. But now the Bears may be forced to turn to their third-string quarterback thanks to injuries. Head coach Art Briles said freshman starter Jarrett Stidham is “highly questionable” to start against TCU this weekend. Stidham, the Bears’ starter since Russell’s season ended, is dealing with back, hand, and leg injuries. A fibula injury sidelined Stidham for the second half of Baylor’s victory over Oklahoma State. The injury makes Chris Johnson, who has flipped between backup quarterback and wide receiver this season, the likely starter when Baylor takes on the Horned Frogs.
Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliot says “no chance” he returns for senior season
Junior Ezekiel Elliot, the star running back for Ohio State, let his frustrations be known following the Buckeyes’ first loss of the season against Michigan State. Elliot told reporters there is “no chance of me coming back next year” following the upset to the Spartans, meaning the junior will be a potential NFL draftee come this spring. Elliot also told reporters he dealt with an infection in his leg prior to the game, which had Elliot hospitalized for several days and nearly kept him from playing against the Spartans.
Les Miles’ future at LSU in doubt
Les Miles, one of the most successful coaches in LSU history, would seemingly be one of the safest coach in the nation in terms of job security, especially when Miles’ Tigers still have a shot at a 10-win season. But Miles’ time at LSU may be coming to an abrupt end. According to reports by ESPN, LSU boosters have already agreed to buyout Miles and the rest of the staff, a fee that will cost anywhere between $15 to $20 million. According to the reports, the board’s view that Miles is underachieving has led to the rather sudden discussion on parting ways with the current Tigers’ coach. Possible candidates for the job (should it become available) include Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher, but Miles and Fisher have both refused to comment on the situation. Miles has the second-most wins in LSU history as well as the highest winning percentage among Tigers’ coaches who have coached at least 25 games. Miles has also won 2 SEC conference titles, the BCS championship in 2008, and coached numerous NFL prospects, most notable as of late sophomore running back Leonard Fournette.
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