Jalen Watts-Jackson, the Michigan State defensive back who scooped up a loose ball and ran it 38 yards through frenzied traffic for the game-winning score against Michigan (the play is already an all-time great college football play and thus still needs you to vote on its nickname, by the way) suffered a season-ending injury along the way.
Michigan State hero injured while beating Michigan: ‘I’d do it again for my brothers’
Good morning! This is your wakeup roundup, college football.
Good news, part one, from Watts-Jackson’s father:
But as it turned out, it wasn’t the same [injury that ended Bo Jackson’s career] -- they told us Jalen got lucky. Everything’s looking good after the surgery, and this isn’t gonna be a career-ending injury.
Good news, part two, from the East Lansing hero himself:
‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ very bitter sweet end to my season. This morning I had surgery on my hip putting me out for the season. But if I got the chance I would do it all over again for my brothers. God has a plan for everyone and I will not question any obstacles I encounter on my journey . #spartanswill
It’s silly season for coaching rumors. Monday’s target: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who was mentioned on The Dan Patrick Show and by CBS Sports’ Bruce Feldman as a potential replacement for Steve Sarkisian. Carroll, for his part, is saying “that’s not happening.”
Back on top. Ohio State resumes its position atop the SB Nation composite top 25, with continued domination of the human polls and improvement with the computers.
But it’s not unanimous. S&P+ still has Clemson on top, and Michigan State definitely not.
Actually, The Zoltan Mess-ko isn't bad. Maize N Brew talks with former Michigan punter and cult celebrity Zoltan Mesko about the mechanics of the fumbled punt snap that led to the Wolverines' loss.
And the bye week is a Band-Aid. The silver lining for Michigan fans still reeling from that loss: The pain means it’s working. Yes, that makes Jim Harbaugh hydrogen peroxide.
The Order of the Hand will Rhule. Maryland site Testudo Times takes a break from Chip Kelly Watch to ask what Temple coach Matt Rhule could do in College Park.
If you’re already looking forward to the next firing, it could be at Purdue, where Darrell Hazell is 5-26 through nearly three seasons and showing few signs of improvement.
The Year of the Running Back Continues. Leonard Fournette might be getting the love, but it’s Stanford’s Christian McCaffery who could break records and get into the Heisman race.
In other news about guys named Christian, Penn State fans are asking why quarterback Hackenberg was left in a blowout loss to Ohio State long after the game was in doubt. The answer from coach James Franklin talked about “playing to win,” a claim belied by his playcalling.
Urban’s just going to grin and Barrett. There is still no confirmed change in quarterback at Ohio State, though the entire world expects the Buckeyes to bench Cardale Jones in favor of J.T. Barrett.
Why isn’t Les Miles throwing the ball? LSU does two things: Run the ball and produce NFL wideouts. Why do top receiver recruits keep calling Baton Rouge?
Wait, Les Miles is throwing the ball? Then again, LSU’s passing game might be better than advertised.
Throwing is not a problem in Waco. Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman has 16 receiving touchdowns and two Playstation cuts that left defenders flailing at air.
The Bears can run it, too. Baylor quarterback Seth Russell is positively delightful, unless you’re a Big 12 defender.
Photo of the week: Heisman contender Trevone Boykin taking time at the coin flip to meet a young Iowa State who’s in a wheelchair.
THOSE ARE HIDEO--actually, they’re quite classy. Maryland is wearing throwback jerseys against Penn State. They should probably add these to the regular rotation.
On the other hand, wearing glow-in-the-dark helmets, as Texas A&M planned to do on Halloween, doesn’t make much sense when kickoff is at 11 a.m.
He’s going Wild ... cat. Rich Rodriguez teed off on Pac-12 scheduling (Arizona plays a late game at Washington and won’t return home until very early Sunday morning), replay officials (“What are we doing up there?”) and more.
In other #Pac12Refs news, the referee in Arizona State-Utah forgot the signal for a safety, and ASU coach Todd Graham was flabbergasted.
Kyle Allen giveth, and Kyle Allen ... giveth to the other team. Texas A&M, fresh off its first loss, in which quarterback Allen threw three interceptions, needs Allen if it’s going to return to its SEC peak.
Could Iowa run the table? Why the hell not?
This is GRADE A BEEF ARF ARF ARF. If you want to watch a real rivalry game this weekend, there’s no better place than Thursday night’s Georgia Southern-Appalachian State.
See More:
