One chaotic week in college football has completely changed the playoff landscape, with teams either recovering from early losses (Alabama), suffering crushing defeats (Notre Dame, Georgia), or continuing surprising early dominance (Florida). See the news that will make an impact on the next week of an unpredictable season here.
By: Cory Burrell
Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil Status for the Season Possibly Determined This Week
Junior left tackle Laremy Tunsil has been held out of games for Ole Miss all season because of an ongoing NCAA investigation, but Tunsil’s stay in limbo may finally be coming to an end. Head coach Hugh Freeze told reporters Monday he hopes to hear a final word on Tunsil’s status for the season. Tunsil got into an altercation with his stepfather, Lindsey Miller, in June. While both men dropped charges against each other, the NCAA has looked into Miller’s accusations that Tunsil of accepted a ride from an agent – a potential NCAA violation. Tunsil is considered one of the top offensive linesmen prospects in the NCAA and would give a one-loss Ole Miss team a much-needed boost to its offensive line.
Injury ends Michigan Senior Mario Ojemudia Collegiate Career
Senior linebacker Mario Ojemudia‘s dream start to his season, and by extension his college playing days, came to a sad end this Saturday. Michigan’s head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Ojemudia torn his Achilles heel during the Wolverines’ 28-0 win over Maryland and would miss the remainder of the season. Ojemudia was too far into his senior season to medically redshirt, effectively ending his college eligibility. Ojemudia was having a breakout season this year, starting for one of the top-ranked defensive units in the nation while ranking third on the team in tackles to go along with two sacks.
Missouri QB Maty Mauk Suspended Indefinitely; Freshman Drew Lock to Start
Missouri junior Maty Mauk, the Tigers’ starting quarterback since the first of game 2014, has been indefinitely suspended from the team. Head coach Gary Pinkel would not discuss why Mauk was suspended, only that the suspension would be indefinite and true freshman Drew Lock would start at quarterback. Last season, Mauk threw for 25 touchdowns against 13 interceptions, while also totaling more than 2,500 passing yards. This season Mauk has struggled with his consistent this season, throwing six touchdowns as well as four interceptions. Lock started for the first time this past weekend against South Carolina, tallying 136 yards and two touchdowns against zero interceptions.
LSU Considers New Receiver Lineups in Ailing Passing Game
Despite an undefeated record this season, LSU has struggled on the passing game. Head coach Les Miles has a potential solution to this: a shakeup of the wide receiver corps. Miles told reporters he may consider “shuffling the lineup” to boost a less-than-impressive passing attack. Junior Travin Dural and sophomore Malachi Dupre, two of the top receivers for the Tigers, may see their playtime decrease after crucial drops in the 44-22 win over Eastern Michigan. An effective pass game would pair well with star running back Leonard Fournette, who has torn up defenses to the tune of 11 touchdowns and more than 800 yards in just four games.
Auburn Senior Duke Williams Dismissed from Team
Duke Williams was a talented junior college transfer who gave the Tigers an exceptional weapon in their pass game. Unfortunately for Williams and the Tigers, Williams’ second season at Auburn came to an abrupt end. Williams was dismissed from the team Monday night for “failing to meet the expectations of [Auburn’s] program,” head coach Gus Malzahn said. Williams caught 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns last season and was named to the All-SEC Preseason First-Team this year.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
