
CFB DeptHITS: Tuesday, November 12
Taking a look at the 'need to knows' from around the college football world as we move towards week 12. Plenty of impactful updates and another coaching role change worth noting...
We make hundreds of tweaks and adjustments based on recent volume and news on all 134 of our live depth charts at CFBDepth.com — this feature is designed to get you the ‘big ones’ and give a little more context around what it actually means to the team that is impacted. Today, a lot of follow ups coming out from the week 11 shrapnel. Get all caught up here…
Nebraska ::: Moving QB Dylan Raiola to 'questionable' after head coach Matt Rhule updated us with news that he would 'try to practice' here in the week leading up (following a bye week) to week 12 at USC.
On the coaching front for the Huskers, a big shake-up on the offensive side of the ball. Recently hired as a consultant, Dana Holgorsen, will take over offensive play-calling and Coordinator duties for the Huskers moving forward.
Further: The school has been silent on the actual status of ‘former’ offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield. The assumption is that he is no longer with the program, but that has not been confirmed, at least anywhere we have seen. As for going forward, it sure would be nice for Holgorsen to have his young, phenom quarterback at his disposal in his first go at the offensive play-calling for the Huskers. All eyes will be on Southern Cal to see how this first game goes under the new leadership.
Notre Dame ::: DL Howard Cross III was injured in week 11 and has been already ruled out for week 12 against Virginia.
Further: Cross walked off the field with his ankle heavily taped and it looked like some sort of stint or brace in there. That was encouraging at least. This is a big blow for the defensive line for the Irish. It may not show up as much against Virginia, and that could be part of the reason the announcement of an ‘out’ status so early. They want to give him proper time to heal up for the Playoff run.
Washington State ::: There was some concern that RB Wayshawn Parker would potentially miss time after leaving the week 11 game early. HC Jake Dickert declared that he "feels pretty good" about him returning for week 12 at New Mexico.
Further: Parker has emerged as the lead back as a true freshman. His 102 carries for 591 yards lead the team and having him around is the ideal situation for the Cougs. If he is unable to go or a set back occurs this week, they will look to backups Djouvensky Schlenbaker and/or Leo Pulalasi. Both of whom are also young and on the inexperienced side, but can handle the job. They simply have not shown to be as dynamic or versatile as Parker.
Oregon ::: RB Jordan James' stat line was very uncharacteristic with seven carries for 29 yards and a score. As it turns out, he is banged up and was intentionally kept off the field in the second half to avoid more serious injury. He'll remain questionable but likely to suit up for week 12 at Wisconsin.
Further: This is one that we are just happy there is an explanation. When sudden departures like this happen without one, it leaves you wondering. James has one of our highest ratings amongst all running backs in the country at 17.2. He has 165 carries for 947 yards (5.7 average) and 10 touchdowns already for the Ducks. Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar would share the load if he is unable to go or there is an in-game injury against Wisconsin. Another scenario to consider here is that the Ducks get up big and rest their star to ensure his health for the more important games coming up.
Missouri ::: C Connor Tollison is reportedly out for the remainder of the season after an injury suffered in week 11. He's a key part of the Mizzou offensive line and this could be a significant loss.
Further: We put ‘could’ for a reason. When looking at backup Drake Heismeyer is a veteran, with little experience, but does have a higher overall rating (14.8 in the small sample (just 78 career snaps). Even looking at Tollison’s PFF grades, he had struggles of his own against better competition this year.
Wyoming ::: Cowboys injury updates include both DE Sebastian Harsh and Braden Siders will be out week 12 against Colorado State. TE John Michael Gyllenborg will play and OL Wes King is officially out for the season.
Arkansas ::: Post-bye week injury updates for the Razorbacks: QB Taylen Green and RB Braylen Russell both are trending towards playing on Saturday in week 12. RB Ja'Quinden Jackson is returning to practice as well but remains questionable. Also, CB Jaylon Braxton, who has been out since week two has returned to practice and is nearing a return.
North Carolina ::: RB Darwin Barlow will miss week 12 against Wake Forest with an injury. TE Bryson Nesbit is running and working out, but there remains no timetable for his return. Source: @michaelkohwchl
Also, RB Caleb Hood will take a redshirt and return to the Tar Heels next year, hoping for better health and a full season.
West Virginia ::: Mountaineers injury updates include: QB Garrett Greene practiced today (Monday) and is working towards being back. Both DB Aubrey Burks and Ayden Garnes are definitely out for week 12. WR Hudson Clement returned to 'running' but not a full practice participant.
Massachusetts ::: QB Taisun Phommachanh was hurt in week 10 and following the bye week was announced out for the season. It's likely that both AJ Hairston and Ahmad Haston get playing time under/behind center for the remainder of the season for the Minutemen.
Michigan State ::: Spartans injury updates include: QB Aidan Chiles is looking good and they are confident in his ability to get back out there. CB Charles Brantley and S Malik Spencer are both question marks and DE Anthony Jones should be closer to 'probable' to play. Meanwhile, it's confirmed that CB Chance Rucker is unlikely to return this season after an injury suffered back in week two.
Tennessee ::: All three of the big injuries suffered by the Vols in week 11 are coming back 'probable' to get back out there for the Georgia showdown in week 12. QB Nico Iamaleava, RB Dylan Sampson and now WR Dont'e Thornton are all likely to return without missing time.
Penn State ::: RB Nick Singleton's injury is considered 'short-term' though no exact timetable was given on Monday for his return. We'll keep the questionable tag on him, but it sounds like he could be ready to get back out there week 12 at Purdue.
UTSA ::: Head Coach Jeff Traylor responds with a "we'll see" regarding WR Devin McCuin's status heading into the week 12 game against North Texas.
Auburn ::: QB Payton Thorne has not been practicing during the Tigers' bye week as he recovers from another injury. The belief is that he will return this week leading up to the week 12 game against ULM.
Kennesaw State ::: DL Thomarius "Pooda" Walker has announced his entry into the transfer portal this off-season in the wake of head coach Brian Bohannon's firing.
New Mexico ::: S Tavian Combs has announced his intent to enter the tranfer portal and leave the Lobos. He worked back from injuries but played in just one game this season.
That’s what you need to know. Be sure to head over to CFBDepth.com to check out all of the depth charts and other features. Please subscribe and share!