FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas running back Michael Smith’s playing status remains in doubt for Saturday’s game against No. 1 Florida.
Coach Bobby Petrino said Thursday the running back would be a “game-time decision” Saturday. Smith tweaked his right hamstring in a win over Auburn last weekend. Smith rushed for 145 yards against the Tigers.
Florida’s defense set for test
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The top-ranked Florida Gators (5-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) lead the nation in total defense, allowing 203 yards a game, and are No. 1 in scoring defense at 6.4 points a game. The unit should get its biggest test Saturday against Arkansas (3-2, 1-2).
The Razorbacks top the conference in passing offense behind quarterback Ryan Mallett.
Mississippi State’s Dixon closes in on record.
Anthony Dixon was just a kid when he first heard the name Jerious Norwood eight years ago.
Norwood was the best running back in the state of Mississippi and he was going to Mississippi State. Dixon was a big Bulldogs fan, and now he is closing in on Norwood’s school record.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Terry, Miss., native is poised to pass Norwood’s record for career yards rushing this week when the Bulldogs (2-4) travel to Middle Tennessee State (3-2). He needs just 48 yards to match Norwood’s 3,212, and there’s little reason to think he won’t get it this week. He’s averaging 112.2 yards per game.
Former player sues Penn St.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — A former Penn State tailback who hoped to play in the NFL claims in a lawsuit that authorities ruined his professional aspirations after filing a rape charge against him that was later dropped.
An attorney for Austin Scott filed the civil suit against Centre County prosecutors, Penn State police and the university in federal court in Williamsport.
Scott never played for the Nittany Lions after coach Joe Paterno suspended him in October 2007 for violating team rules. Police charged Scott a week later. Prosecutors withdrew the charges in April 2008.
Footnotes.
New Mexico receiver Ty Kirk, who has started all six games this season, has been suspended for the next two games (UNLV and San Diego State) after an undisclosed violation of team rules.
• Nebraska nose tackle Ndamukong Suh has been named one of a dozen semifinalists for the Lombardi Award for best offensive or defensive lineman.
• Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris will return for Saturday’s game against No. 22 South Carolina after a six-game NCAA suspension for a rules violation.
• USC’s injured tailback Stafon Johnson made a surprise appearance at a team meeting just 16 days after after his neck and throat were crushed in a weightlifting accident.
