CFB DeptHITS: Thursday, October 3
Let's get caught up on the news from around college football as we gear up for week six...
We make hundreds of little edits to our live depth charts over at the site. We pull out some of the bigger stories here and provide a little more context about what it all means. Here are the hits from the past 24 hours…
South Carolina ::: RB Rocket Sanders is not quite 100% heading into week six. We are putting him as questionable and moving him to 1/2 usual production. WR Jared Brown is practicing and is probable for this coming week.
Further: Sanders was listed as questionable on the availability report as well and with his history of lingering injuries, it would not surprise if he is not able to suit up. If they can get Brown back, that would be a nice boon and a weapon for LaNorris Sellers, who we thought to be coming back for sure after the bye - but he is also listed as questionable heading into this showdown with Ole Miss.
UCF ::: WR Xavier Townsend has decided to enter the transfer portal and leave the Knights. He was the second most targeted receiver thus far in 2024, but their run-heavy offense didn't provide him enough opportunities apparently. S William Wells joined Townsend and will also preserve a redshirt year with the intent on transferring.
Further: This is becoming a big more common and for those who haven’t burned a redshirt already, making this decision and announcement before playing in a fifth game, is all the more important. In this case, it just seems like Townsend wasn’t happy with the offense as a whole. As mentioned, his 15 targets are second on the team, behind only Kobe Hudson’s 25. Townsend managed just 69 yards and one touchdown with those looks. Wells played in three games, averaging 12 snaps per game.
Utah ::: QB Cam Rising, in no surprise to anybody, is considered a "game-time" decision for week six. We know which way we lean this one will go, based on extensive past experience. And, in case you don't catch on, he's closer to "doubtful" than anything.
Further: Yeah, we’ve seen this before. It’s just hard to fathom one of these ending with Rising playing. He always seems to end up sitting. That could certainly change this week and it would be a welcome change, but we aren’t holding our breath.
UAB ::: QB Jacob Zeno is questionable for week six against Tulane. It is possible we could see former Florida Gator Jalen Kitna under center if Zeno is unable to go Saturday.
Penn State ::: Worth mentioning that RB Nick Singleton was not spotted at practice yesterday. When Franklin was asked about it; he deflected and said there was nothing there. That could be, but we will be tracking because this is how it starts.
Oklahoma ::: Quote from OU head coach Brent Venables on the injuries to RB Taylor Tatum and WR Deion Burks: "They’re doing good, so expect to have an opportunity to have both of those guys potentially back." Read: No idea. Questionable for week seven after a bye.
Florida ::: WR Eugene Wilson III took some reps at practice and may be nearing a return to the field. Likely not this week against UCF. He underwent an arthroscopic surgery on his knee just a few weeks ago.
Illinois ::: WR Ashton Hollins tried to rehab a shoulder injury but was unable to get back to the field this season. He'll seek out a medical redshirt and return to Illinois in 2025.
Arizona ::: Rayshon "Speedy" Luke will take a redshirt and not play in any more games this season. He does plan to return to Arizona with a change to play more of a role in future seasons.
James Madison ::: Depth chart release ahead of week six game is rather revealing. The Dukes should get back WR Taji Hudson after a long absense and CB Chauncey Logan after a one-game stint on the sidelines. RB Ayo Adeyi continues to be absent from the depth chart and does not appear ready to return to the field.
Tulane ::: DL Adin Huntington was limited to just nine snaps in week five; but the report on him is that he is dealing with a "minor" injury and is expected to play week six against UAB.
Alabama ::: WR Kendrick Law is "day-to-day" after suffering an injury in week five against UGA.
Syracuse ::: RB Will Nixon will miss "a while" with an injury sustained in week five. He was a solid backup and change of pace to LeQuint Allen in the Orange backfield.
Washington State ::: RB Dylan Paine is out for the season with an injury, which will affect depth at the running back spot for the Cougs. He was a role player, but they also have Djouvensky Schlenbaker listed as questionable behind true freshman starter Wayshawn Parker.
That’s our show for today. Back to work to get each of these depth charts ready for the week six games. We’ll put out our weekday plays from the Model later today and a full-on Model v2 update and picks for Saturday. Thanks for following along.
