Connect with us

Published

on

USC star receiver and kick returner Zachariah Branch is considered a game-time decision against Notre Dame on Saturday, sources told ESPN.

Branch, a true freshman, hasn’t played the last two games and has not been a full participant in practice this week, due to an undisclosed injury.

USC coach Lincoln Riley framed Branch’s return this week as unlikely, as he indicated this week that Branch has been “making progress” toward returning, but would need to “make some jumps” in order to return.

Sources indicated that Branch has made the trip with the team to Notre Dame for the game and no official decision will be made until after pre-game warm-ups.

Branch did not dress for warm-ups the last two weeks, and any potential return would be on a day where the forecast calls for rainy conditions.

Branch quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic players in college football this season, as he scored two receiving touchdowns and two special teams touchdowns in USC’s first four games.

Branch caught 13 balls for 178 yards in four games and is averaging 22.5 yards per punt return and 28.5 yards per kickoff return.

Branch has lived up to his decorated billing, as he entered the season as the country’s top wide receiver recruit and a Top 10 overall recruiting in the ESPN recruiting rankings.

Continue Reading

Sports

Sources: UCLA QB Iamaleava out vs. Ohio State

Published

on

By

Sources: UCLA QB Iamaleava out vs. Ohio State

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not play Saturday against No. 1 Ohio State because of a concussion, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Iamaleava was injured during last week’s loss to Nebraska. He began experiencing concussion symptoms after the game, according to On3, which first reported that Iamaleava would not play.

With Iamaleava out, redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan will make his first career start. Duncan has not attempted a pass in college as he tries to take down the top-ranked Buckeyes.

Iamaleava has thrown for 1,659 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in his first year with the Bruins after transferring from Tennessee.

He led UCLA to three straight wins in October, including a victory over then-No. 7 Penn State, but the Bruins (3-6) have lost two straight and need to win out to become bowl eligible.

Continue Reading

Sports

Sources: Virginia Tech in early talks with Franklin

Published

on

By

Sources: Virginia Tech in early talks with Franklin

Former Penn State head coach James Franklin and Virginia Tech are in early stages of talks, with some resolution on his candidacy expected in the coming days, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Virginia Tech is still running a full search, but it’s clear there is mutual interest between the parties, per sources.

Virginia Tech fired coach Brent Pry on Sept. 14, a day after a 45-26 home loss to Old Dominion dropped the Hokies to 0-3 to start the season.

Penn State fired Franklin on Oct. 12 after 12 seasons following three straight losses, culminating with the Nittany Lions dropping their second straight home game when they fell to Northwestern 22-21 in front of a stunned crowd at Happy Valley.

Less than a year removed from an appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Franklin’s program appeared to hit a new low when the Nittany Lions traveled to Los Angeles two weeks prior to that only to lose to UCLA, a team that not only was winless but hadn’t previously held a lead all season.

Earlier in the season, when the three-game losing streak began against Oregon at Happy Valley, Franklin fell to 4-21 at Penn State against AP top-10 opponents, including 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten teams in conference games.

Franklin’s .160 winning percentage against AP top-10 teams is tied for the third-worst record by a coach (minimum 25 games) at a single school since the poll era began in 1936, according to ESPN Research.

Franklin won 104 games and reached double-digit wins six times in 11 seasons at Penn State, including the previous three.

Continue Reading

Sports

Oklahoma DE Thomas unlikely to play vs. Bama

Published

on

By

Oklahoma DE Thomas unlikely to play vs. Bama

Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas is unlikely to play against Alabama on Saturday because of a quad injury.

A final decision on Thomas’ availability isn’t expected until game time, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel, but he is listed as doubtful on the SEC availability report.

Thomas suffered the injury while returning a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown during the Sooners’ Nov. 1 win over Tennessee.

Oklahoma’s best defensive player, Thomas has a team-leading 6.5 sacks this season along with two forced fumbles and the scoop-and-score fumble recovery.

Starting cornerback Gentry Williams is also doubtful to play against the Crimson Tide. He is set to miss a third straight game with a shoulder injury suffered Oct. 18 against South Carolina.

Continue Reading

Trending