As we turn the page to Week 2 of the college football season, we take a look at a some of the star players who may be unavailable this weekend.
We were treated to a great matchup in Week 1 of the 2017 college football season, as No. 1 Alabama beat No. 3 Florida State. Unfortunately for Seminoles fans, the team also lost their starting quarterback, as Deondre Francois is out for the season. He is not the only star player who will be out of action this weekend, as there is another action-packed lineup of games on the slate.
Here is a look at some key players who may miss time this week due to injury.
Quarterbacks
Deondre Francois, Florida State
The star quarterback of the Florida State Seminoles was injured during the team’s season opening loss to Alabama last weekend. Not only did the Seminoles lose the game, but they also lost Francois for the season, as he tore his patella tendon. He had successful surgery and should be back to 100 percent for next season.
Jacob Eason, Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs were able to pick up a victory in their season opener, but they will be without their quarterback for the foreseeable future. Jacob Eason injured his ankle last weekend and is out for the team’s game against Notre Dame Saturday. True Freshman Jake Fromm will get the start in his place against the Fighting Irish.
Khalil Tate, Arizona
Arizona got off to a fast start to the 2017 season, running all over the Northern Arizona in Week 1. They will have a tougher test in Houston this weekend, though they should have one of their quarterbacks ready to go. Khalil Tate was seen wearing a green jersey in practice and should be out there for the Wildcats on Saturday.
Tyrrell Pigrome, Maryland
The Maryland Terrapins had arguably the biggest win of the opening weekend of college football, as they went into Texas and beat the Longhorns. Unfortunately, their starting quarterback is now out for the season, after tearing his ACL. The Terrapins have an easier game this weekend, as they play host to Towson.
Nick Starkel, Texas A&M
The Aggies had the worst loss of the opening weekend against UCLA, as they blew a 44-10 second half lead. Texas A&M added injury to insult when quarterback Nick Starkel broke his ankle in the loss. He is out indefinitely.
Shane Buechele, Texas
As stated earlier, the Longhorns had the worst loss of the weekend against the Terrapins of Maryland and may have lost their quarterback in the process. Shane Buechele injured his shoulder against Maryland and is uncertain to play this weekend. Texas takes on San Jose State Saturday as they look to give head coach Tom Herman his first win with the Longhorns.
Running Backs
Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
The Tigers of Auburn have a huge matchup this weekend, as they do battle against the Clemson Tigers. Fortunately for them, they may have their leading running back ready to go, as Kerryon Johnson practiced this week. He is dealing with a knee injury, but the team hopes to have him back against Clemson.
Joshua Jacobs, Alabama
With their win against Florida State this past weekend, the Alabama Crimson Tide once again showed why they are the best team in the land. However, the offense sputtered a bit but could get a shot in the arm if Joshua Jacobs is ready to go this week. Jacobs is dealing with a hamstring injury, and it is unclear whether he will be back for the game against Fresno State.
Demario Richard, Arizona State
The Sun Devils got a great game out of their offense in Week 1, as running back Kalen Ballage was all they needed in the run game. However, they are going to need Demario Richard healthy if they want to continue their winning ways, and he may not be back this week. Richard injured his quad in the opener, so keep an eye on the injury report leading up to the game.
Tre Bryant, Nebraska
The Nebraska Cornhuskers relied on Tre Bryant big time in their season opener, as they barely beat the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Bryant injured his knee in the game, and there is a fear he may be out for this week’s contest. Nebraska has a tall order this weekend against Oregon, so Bryant will be needed if they hope to make it interesting.
Mike Weber, Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes struggled out of the gate against Indiana in Week 1, and it could have been because they did not have their star running back. Sophomore Mike Weber is back for the Buckeyes this week and is expected to play against Oklahoma. The Ohio State-Oklahoma game is one of the biggest on the slate in Week 2, so it is good news for Buckeyes fans that Weber is back.
Wide Receivers
JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford
The Stanford Cardinal have a tall order in front of them this weekend, as they take on the USC Trojans. Luckily for quarterback Keller Chryst, he will have one of his top wideout weapons available. Arcega-Whiteside missed the opener against Rice, though he is probable to play against the Trojans Saturday.
Dominique Heath, Kansas State
Kansas State was without one of their top wideouts in the season opener, as Dominique Heath was dealing with an undisclosed injury. As they head into Week 2, his status is still unclear, though many believe he will be doubtful for the Wildcats game against Charlotte.
Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
The Volunteers were able to come away with the victory against Georgia Tech on Monday night, but they may have lost one of their top receivers. Jauan Jennings hurt his wrist against the Yellow Jackets and is currently listed as out indefinitely. Hopefully, for Vols fans, he can make it back in a month or so.
De’Mornay Pierson-El, Nebraska
The Nebraska Cornhuskers need all the firepower they can get this week, as they head to Eugene to take on the Oregon Ducks. De’Mornay Pierson-El is certainly a weapon for them on offense, and he is likely to play on Saturday. The speedy wideout was dealing with a foot injury but was upgraded to probable earlier this week.
Seth Collins, Oregon State
The Beavers won their first game of the season last week, despite not having Seth Collins in the lineup for the second straight game. Collins is dealing with a finger issue and is currently listed as questionable for the Minnesota game this weekend. The offense has been shaky with Collins out, so getting him back as soon as possible has to be a priority for the Beavers.
Tight Ends
Tyrone Wheatley, Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines proved this past weekend that they reloaded the roster, and are going to be one of the best teams in the country. They take on Cincinnati this weekend, though they might be without their tight end. Tyrone Wheatley is dealing with a leg injury and is currently questionable for the Wolverines second game of the season.
DeAndre Goolsby, Florida
The Gators suspended 10 players last week, leaving their team very shorthanded. This weekend, they may be without their tight end, as DeAndre Goolsby is doubtful with an undisclosed injury. The Gators play Northern Colorado, so they should be able to take care of business without him on Saturday.
Durham Smythe, Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish have a tough game this weekend, as they take on the Georgia Bulldogs. The Notre Dame tight end, Durham Smythe, had a concussion last weekend but is expected to play against Georgia. The Fighting Irish offense looked good in the opener and will be looking to hand the Bulldogs their first loss of the season.
Must Read: Week 2 schedule and predictions
Defensive Stars
Jaire Alexander, Louisville
The Louisville Cardinals looked pretty beatable in the season opener, though they did get a good game from their star quarterback. On the defensive side of the ball, one of their best players is dealing with a leg injury and has no timetable to return. Jaire Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the country, and the team needs him back in time for their big ACC matchups.
Scott Pagano, Oregon
It will likely be two weeks in a row that the Oregon Ducks have to play without Scott Pagano. The defensive lineman had offseason foot surgery and is still not 100 percent. The Ducks play a tough rushing team in Nebraska this weekend, so not having Pagano may prove to be huge.
Raekwon Davis, Alabama
The Crimson Tide once again have one of the best defenses in the country, though they may be without one of their better defensive linemen this weekend. Raekwon Davis is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and his status is up in the air for the Fresno State game. He played sparingly vs. Florida State in the opener, recording a sack. Whether or not Davis is back should not matter, as a potential undefeated season may be on the horizon for Alabama.
Chris Hawkins, USC
The USC Trojans will open up their 2017 Pac-12 slate this weekend, as they welcome Stanford to town. One of their top defensive backs, Chris Hawkins, is dealing with an elbow injury, and there are questions as to whether he will be back for the Cardinal game. USC struggled a bit against Western Michigan in Week 1 and will need all hands on deck for an improved Stanford team.
Van Smith, Clemson
Van Smith moved to the safety position this season and should be one of the better players at his position in the ACC. However, he was injured during the Tigers season opening win and is now listed as questionable for this weekend. The Tigers go up against a tough Auburn team in Week 2, so they need Smith back ASAP.
Arden Key, LSU
For the second game in a row, one of the best defensive ends in college football will likely not be available. Arden Key is going to be a top pick in next April’s NFL Draft, but he needs to get himself healthy first. The star for the LSU Tigers was recently downgraded due to his shoulder issue, and likely will not be playing against Tennessee-Chattanooga this weekend.