The college football season is incredibly entering Week 7, and there are some big named players who may have to sit out their games this weekend.
College football will be in full swing this weekend, and like we saw last weekend, anything can happen on any given Saturday. Last weekend, the Oklahoma Sooners were beaten at home by the Iowa State Cyclones, who were starting a backup quarterback. While teams are starting to distance themselves, the Sooners showed us last weekend that no team is safe, no matter who the opponent is
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Here is a look at some key players who may miss time this week due to injury.
Quarterbacks
Kelly Bryant, Clemson
The Clemson Tigers are one of the best teams in college football this season and are doing it without Deshaun Watson as their quarterback. Watson was replaced by Kelly Bryant after he left for the NFL, and Bryant has been better than expected. He was hurt during the team’s win against Wake Forest but is expected back for their Friday night game against Syracuse.
Tyler Huntley, Utah
The Utah Utes have their biggest game of the season on Saturday, and they may be without their star quarterback again. Tyler Huntley is dealing with a shoulder injury, and the team is listing him as day-to-day. He was injured in the team’s September 22 win against Arizona, and with the Pac-12 South on the line, the Utes are hoping to have him back.
Austin Allen, Arkansas
The Razorbacks will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, in a game that could get out of hand early. Quarterback Austin Allen left the Razorbacks 48-22 loss to South Carolina with a shoulder injury and is questionable for the Alabama game. If he cannot go, this game could be an even bigger laugher than expected.
Brandon Dawkins, Arizona
Brandon Dawkins was injured on the first drive of the Wildcats win against Colorado last weekend, and his backup came in and had a record-breaking performance. Khalil Tate set the FBS record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game, as Arizona pulled off the upset. Dawkins is questionable to return this week, and he just may not have a job to return to even if he is healthy enough to play.
Running Backs
Royce Freeman, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks suffered a bad loss at the hands of Washington State last weekend, as they were playing pretty banged up. Running back Royce Freeman played despite being a bit nicked up, and he failed to practice again this week. The Ducks go on the road to play Stanford this weekend, so they definitely need Freeman toting the rock if they want to win.
Kamryn Pettway, Auburn
The Auburn Tigers have been dealing with injury issues to Kamryn Pettway all season long, and he may be out this weekend. Auburn will play LSU on Saturday, and Pettway is currently listed as questionable with a leg injury. Pettway was magnificent last season as a Sophomore, rushing for over 1,200 yards for the Tigers.
Derrius Guice, LSU
Derrius Guice was healthy enough to play last weekend against Florida, helping his Tigers teammates to a nice 17-16 victory over the Gators. While he is still banged up, he is probable for this week’s game against Auburn, and he will certainly be needed. Guice led the SEC in rushing last season, though he has been plagued by an injured-filled season in 2017.
Mark Walton, Miami (FL)
Mark Walton found a way to get into the starting lineup last weekend, as the Miami Hurricanes broke a seven-game slump against rival Florida State. However, playing on an injured ankle proved to be costly, as he is now out for the season. Without Walton, the No. 13 ranked Hurricanes will need to find a way to move the ball consistently the rest of the way.
Wide Receivers
Deontay Burnett, USC
The USC Trojans got back on the winning track this past weekend, and they did it without much help from Deontay Burnett. Burnett has been the top option for Sam Darnold in the passing game, but he had only two catches last week and was limited in practice this week. He will look to get back to his productive self on Saturday when the Trojans take on Utah in a battle for supremacy in the Pac-12 South. He’s been limited in practice this week but is expected to suit up.
Calvin Ridley, Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide took care of business against Texas A&M this past weekend, but they nearly lost Calvin Ridley to an extended period. Luckily for the Crimson Tide, Ridley is probable this weekend, as Alabama takes on Arkansas. Ridley had to leave the A&M game with a thigh injury but should be back to 100 percent this weekend.
Jalen Smith, Louisville
The Louisville Cardinals will look to get back on the winning track this weekend, but they will have to do it likely without their best wide receiver. Jalen Smith is dealing with a wrist injury and may be forced to miss the team’s game against Boston College. Smith is the top option for Lamar Jackson in the passing game, so him being out could mean trouble for the Cardinals in this one.
Charles Nelson, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks will not have their starting quarterback back against Stanford, but at least they will have his best weapon in the passing game. Charles Nelson missed the team’s loss to Washington State this past weekend, leaving first-time starter Braxton Burmeister without the biggest threat on the outside. He will be back this weekend when the Ducks travel to play Stanford.
Tight Ends
Alex Marshall, Florida State
Alex Marshall is still hurting, and he is questionable for the Seminoles game against the Duke Blue Devils this weekend. While Florida State should be able to win without him, having him the lineup creates a solid matchup problem for the Seminoles. It is a hand injury, so this is one to keep an eye on leading up to the game on Saturday.
Garrett Gray, Texas
The Texas Longhorns will take on the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Shootout this weekend, and they may be without their starting tight end. Garrett Gray is dealing with an undisclosed injury and is listed as questionable for the game. Texas has been pretty inconsistent this season, but the program is definitely making strides under first-year head coach Tom Hermann.
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Defensive Stars
Riley Nicholson, NC State
It has been five straight games that the North Carolina State Wolfpack has been without Riley Nicholson, and it is looking like it may be a sixth. Nicholson has a nagging groin injury, and all signs point to him being out against Pittsburgh this weekend. NC State has been one of the better surprises in college football this season and will need him back if they are going to seriously challenge Clemson in the ACC.
Trevon Diggs, Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on Arkansas this weekend, and they may be without one of their starting cornerbacks. Trevon Diggs is currently battling a knee sprain and is listed as questionable for the SEC matchup this weekend. The Crimson Tide should be able to beat the Razorbacks without him, but they are going to need him at 100 percent coming down the home stretch.
Chris Worley, Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes are playing strong football, and they will have a pretty easy task against the Nebraska Cornhuskers this weekend. However, they may be without linebacker Chris Worley, who is still trying to heal from a foot injury. He missed the team’s last game with a right foot sprain, leaving a big hole in the middle of the Buckeyes defense.
Marcus Edmond, Clemson
Marcus Edmond has missed three straight games for the Clemson Tigers, and he is in danger of making it a fourth. The cornerback is still dealing with a foot injury and is officially listed as questionable this weekend. The Tigers will take on Syracuse on Friday night, so even if he cannot go, they should still come away with the victory.
Jamel Cook, USC
The USC Trojans will take on the Utah Utes this weekend, and first place in the Pac-12 South is on the line. Trojans defensive back Jamel Cook had to miss last week’s game with an illness, but he should be in the lineup for USC against the Utes. Utah can put up points, so having Cook back certainly, plays in USC’s favor in a huge Pac-12 battle.