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As the college football betting season progresses, top teams are slipping, sometimes because of injuries. Naturally, I’m talking about Alabama. Let’s check in on the Crimson Tide and some other big schools in our Week 7 NCAA football news and notes.
(15) Iowa (4-1) vs Michigan (5-1)
Ricky Stanzi, third in the country in passing efficiency, hopes to lead Iowa past Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines on the road. But will Iowa’s “D” hold up? Senior middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (neck stinger) may miss Saturday’s game, though Troy Johnson (concussion) should be healthy enough to replace him. Iowa defensive co-ordinator Norm Parker is also gone from the team indefinitely after having his right foot amputated due to diabetes complications. They’ll have one less starting Michigan receiver to worry about, however. Martavious Odoms broke his foot last Saturday against Michigan State.
(12) Arkansas (4-1) vs (7) Auburn (6-0)
Ryan Mallett and the Arkansas Razorbacks are just three-point betting underdogs at most books despite the road matchup. Apparently sportsbook oddsmakers remember the Georgia game more than the Alabama game. The Razorbacks have no new injuries to report; return man and running back Dennis Johnson is (bowel surgery) is out for the season, however. Auburn is a bit nicked up. Linebacker Eltoro Freeman, wideout DeAngelo Benton and offensive lineman Roszell Gayden may all miss Saturday’s game.
(1) Ohio State (6-0) vs (18) Wisconsin (5-1)
The Buckeyes have been dominant this season and have had to overcome some speed bumps. Tight end Jake Stoneburner (ankle sprain) wasn’t available as Terrelle Pryor’s safety valve the last two weeks but appears set to return this weekend. Defensive back Tyler Moeller is also out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Wisconsin’s stud running back, John Clay, averages 115.3 rushing yards per game this season but has played on unhealthy ankles. He claims they’re “95 per cent” now. Scary to imagine how good he’ll be when they’re 100 per cent. Badgers strong safety Jay Valai (knee, rib) looks set to return this Saturday for Wisconsin.
Mississippi (3-2) vs (8) Alabama (5-1)
The Crimson Tide took a major tumble from the No. 1 spot after losing to South Carolina last week and the road doesn’t get easier with key injuries piling up. Julio Jones broke his hand last weekend and had surgery on it this past Sunday. Then again, he’s a tough son of a gun. The injury happened in the first quarter and he stayed in the game. He was also seen making one-handed grabs in practice on Tuesday. Maybe he’ll be OK to play Saturday after all? Still, online betting sharps have to assume he won’t be 100 per cent. Also, Crimson Tide offensive lineman D.J. Fluker pulled his groin and likely won’t suit up this weekend.