For the third week in a row, an unbelievable play has capped off a week of college football, this time thanks to Miami’s crazy (and controversial) lateral play to defeat Duke. But there was much more than just one play to define this week: Quarterback controversies, surprising debuts, and unfortunate injuries were just a few notable pieces from the weekend. Get all your player updates from this week on Optimum Scouting:
By: Cory Burrell
OSU QB J.T. Barrett faces consequences from OVI incident
J.T. Barrett, and the entire Buckeyes’ team, dealt with a much more eventful bye week than they hoped for. Sophomore J.T. Barrett was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) early Saturday morning and will face a one-game suspension. Barrett, who seemingly reclaimed the starting quarterback spot as of late, was arrested close to Ohio State’s campus. According to a report by ESPN, Barrett attempted to avoid a DUI checkpoint and was arrested after he failed a breathalyzer test. He was released shortly after to his teammate, Cardale Jones, and was cited with a misdemeanor offense for the OVI. He will miss the Buckeyes upcoming game against Minnesota this Saturday because of the suspension and will also lose part of his scholarship for the upcoming summer semester. Head coach Urban Meyer said there was no guarantee Barrett would regain the starting position once he returns from his suspension.
USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster out indefinitely with hand injury
USC’s top receiving threat, sophomore JuJu Smith-Schuster, will miss an undetermined amount of time after undergoing surgery on his broken right hand earlier today, according to a report by The Orange County Register. Smith-Schuster suffered the injury during the Trojans’ win against California Saturday. Interim head coach Clay Helton said he was hopeful the surgery would speed up Smith-Schuster’s recovery, but there was no definitive timetable on the star wideout’s return. Smith-Schuster currently leads USC in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. His 119.5 receiving yards per game ranks first in the Pac-12 and seventh in the nation.
Unfortunate, gruesome injury sidelines Nebraska WR De’Mornay Pierson-El for season
Nebraska wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El injured his knee during Saturday’s game against Purdue, costing the Cornhusker the rest of his season. Pierson-El hurt himself while celebrating a teammate’s touchdown. Earlier today head coach Mike Riley confirmed the injury was season-ending. Last year, Pierson-El led the nation in punt return yards and punt return touchdowns, while also contributing 321 yards and 4 touchdowns as a receiver. High expectations for his sophomore season fell apart after he broke his foot during training camp. Pierson-El was slowly regaining his breakaway speed and ability to make an impact during the first half of the season, but the knee injury will keep the talented offensive weapon on the bench until next year.
Missouri QB Maty Mauk suspended for second time this season
Only six days after returning from a suspension, junior quarterback Maty Mauk was suspended by Missouri for the remainder of the season. Mauk missed the previous four games for an undisclosed suspension. Head coach Gary Pinkel refused to comment on what caused this suspension, much as he did with the first suspension Mauk faced. In the previous four games Mauk missed, freshman Drew Lock has helmed the Tigers’ offense, with limited success. In the four games Lock started, the Tigers averaged nine points a game. Missouri has not scored a touchdown in the past three games.
Texas A&M’s Kyle Murray enjoys success in first collegiate start
Kyle Murray, a true freshman for Texas A&M, shined in his first appearance as the Aggies’ starting quarterback. The 18-year-old ripped a South Carolina team to shreds, tallying 223 passing yards, 156 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in a 35-28 win. Murray supplanted former starter Kyle Allen after a 5-0 start to the season turned into a two-game losing streak. Murray’s play helped lead Texas A&M back into the top 25 rankings. He will look to continue his sudden debut against a 4-4 Auburn team this weekend.
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