CFB DeptHITS: Wednesday, September 11
We take a look at some of the big updates from the last 24 hours and what they mean for these programs heading into week three of the college football season...
We are in the process of making the necessary tinkers, adjustments and edits to perfect each of our depth charts ahead of week three. These are the bigger stories worthy of a closer look for your information…enjoy.
California ::: Injury updates from Justin Wilcox include RB Jayden Ott as "day-to-day" and both WRs Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes are doubtful.
Further: Ott was “questionable” to play last week and ended up taking the field in the upset win on the Plains at Auburn. These injuries tend to linger and Ott is not just important, but is the true key to the Bears’ offense. The two wide receivers here are talented but have yet to take the field and when they get back, this offense could see another level.
Marshall ::: RB AJ Turner has dealt with some injuries but appears to be getting closer to full health and should be more involved in the offense going forward.
Further: The storyline here is that Ethan Payne’s involvement in the offense has been less that we anticipated. Turner looks to be splitting time with NC State transfer Jordan Houston, but with this news, we could see Turner jump the line and become the go-to back in this offense following their bye week this week, followed by a trip to Columbus to take on Ohio State in week four.
Buffalo ::: WR Nik McMillian is hurt and will miss week three for the Bulls.
Further: McMillian is their second option in the passing game and is needed to be healthy to run at full speed. Expect Taji Johnson and/or JJ Jenkins to see more looks and they are goign to need to perform to keep pace with UMass in week three.
Florida Atlantic ::: WR EJ Horton underwent foot surgery and his season is in jeopardy.
Further: Not ideal for a receiving corps searching for somebody to take on a “go to” role. With LaJohntay Wester’s departure to Colorado this off-season, they knew they would need somebody to step up and that has yet to happen. Omari Hayes is now the leading candidate to take that role on, operating out of the slot (89% of snaps) and is getting open and available for Cam Fancher thus far with nine catches on 12 targets for 119 yards and a score.
Charlotte ::: QB Max Brown will miss week three and will remain "week-to-week" moving forward.
Further: Sounds like this could linger for a while and that means freshman Deshawn Purdie will get another shot. Head coach Biff Poggi has shown confidence in him as their starter but it is a lot to ask. They do get FCS Gardner-Webb this week (3) and then head to Bloomington, which will be a real test against a rebuilt Hoosiers defense.
Colorado ::: Injury updates for the Buffaloes are rather significant. As expected, S Shilo Sanders will miss a few weeks with an injury and RB Dallan Hayden looks very doubtful to go against Colorado State.
SMU ::: QB Kevin Jennings "officially" announced as the Mustangs starting quarterback moving forward. Preston Stone moves to the backup role.
Cincinnati ::: QB Brendan Sorsby "tweaked" his ankle in the second half in week two and may have limited him. He's probable to play but that limitation could linger into week three and we'll track it. Deshawn Purdie will get the ball for the 49ers.
Liberty ::: DL Jay Hardy will miss 4-6 weeks with an injury and this will test the depth of the Flames defensive line for a while.
|||||| READY FOR WEEK THREE
We don’t make automated adjustments at CFBDepth — we take our time and really look at each depth chart heading into the coming week(s) and ensure our volume predictions, which affect our ratings/rankings, are right on. So, we go in order of the schedule and here is where we stand. Get caught up from yesterdays article:
Saturday, 3:30 PM EST:
Oregon (-14) at Oregon State
Ball State at Miami-FL (-36.5)
Notre Dame (-12) at Purdue
Prairie View at Michigan State
Washington State at Washington (-4)
VMI at Georgia Tech
West Virginia (-2.5) at Pittsburgh
Morgan State at Ohio
Appalachian State (-2.5) at East Carolina
Utah (-21.5) at Utah State
That’s what we have for today. Back to our updates as the week rolls along. Please follow us on X and consider subscribing and/or sharing our work. It fuels what we do and is much appreciated.
