College football news: Banged-up USC wins in Orgeron’s debut, Louisville disappoints
USC makes a splash with their new coach, Jerry Kill is taking a break, and could Jadeveon Clowney start on Saturday?
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Ed Orgeron experiment seems to be working well. The Trojans played well under their new interim coach, beating Arizona 38-31 and looking like a completely new team.
Haden said he'd never seen a lockerroom like #usc's was tonight in all his yrs in football. "Guys were having a blast. It was remarkable."
— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) October 11, 2013
Cody Kessler: "No disrespect to other coaches before, but you want a coach that you would go to war for." #USC #Change
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2013
Orgeron said he woke up happy for the 1st time in his life this morning besides his wedding and kids being born. #USC
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) October 11, 2013
The news wasn't all good for USC, though, as they suffered some more injuries to their already-depleted skill group. Tight end Xavier Grimble left the game with a shoulder sprain, running back Tre Madden was taken out with a hamstring injury and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Victor Blackwell both returned after injuries. The Trojans entered the game with a number of injuries, especially at that receiver position.
RT @USC_Athletics: USC WRs Marqise Lee, Darreus Rogers and De'Von Flournoy are all OUT as is OLB Morgan Breslin.
— SB Nation CFB (@SBNationCFB) October 11, 2013
Louisville
The Cardinals struggled in one of their two likely tests in conference play, defeating Rutgers at home 24-10. Teddy Bridgewater had a fine game, averaging ten yards per attempts with two touchdowns, but it was Louisville's defense that stole the show as they picked off Gary Nova four times.
There were two injuries suffered in the game -- Louisville wide receiver Kai De La Cruz left the game with an apparent leg injury and Rutgers defensive back Lew Toler did not return after an arm injury.
San Diego State
The Aztecs are still undefeated in conference play, as they came back from a 14-point fourth quarter road deficit to beat Air Force 27-20. Quinn Kaehler threw two fourth quarter touchdowns and completed a two-point conversion after the eventual winning score, a rushing touchdown by Donnel Pumphrey.
Minnesota
Head coach Jerry Kill is taking some time off from coaching in order to focus on his epilepsy treatment after suffering his second seizure of the season.
South Carolina
The Jadeveon Clowney saga continues: the all-world defensive end may start Saturday's game against Arkansas after missing last week's win against Kentucky.
Maryland
After a blowout loss to Florida State, the Terps will be a bit hobbled for their last-ever clash with rival Virginia. Quarterback C.J. Brown is doubtful and leading tackler Matt Robinson is out.
AAC
The American Athletic Conference has announced four bowl tie-ins -- Beef O’Brady’s Bowl, BBVA Compass Bowl, Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl and Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
Oregon
Star running back De'Anthony Thomas is questionable for the Ducks' marquee game against Washington. He is still recovering from an ankle sprain suffered on the opening kickoff against Cal on Oct. 28.
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