Today's top story ... Tennessee to start Ainge
After coming off the bench for the first three games, true freshman QB Erik Ainge will get the start in tomorrow?s primetime showdown versus Auburn; Once again, both QB?s will see significant playing time, but, for tomorrow?s game, fellow true freshman Brent Schaeffer will yield the starting duties to Ainge
Big XII
Oklahoma State
True freshman QB Bobby Reid, who was medically cleared to practice last week, has begun throwing to receivers and participating in pre-practice drills; A decision regarding Reid?s playing status this season has not yet been made, and may not be for a few weeks; Fellow freshman Donovan Woods continues to lead the Pokes? offense
Big East
Syracuse
Junior starting outside LB Kellen Pruitt, who is still nursing a bruised knee suffered during the Buffalo game, has managed to play in the Orange?s past two games, but is questionable for Saturday?s game against Rutgers; If Pruitt is unable to go, sophomore Luke Cain will fill the starting role ?
C-USA
Houston
Junior starting RB Anthony Evans missed last week?s contest with Miami after injured his calf muscle during pre-game warm-ups, and he is once again doubtful to play in tomorrow?s game against Memphis ?
TCU
With junior starter Tye Gunn out for a while with a high ankle sprain, and with senior No. 1 option Brandon Hassell nursing a shoulder (non-throwing) injury, head coach Gary Patterson has given backup QB?s Kyle Kummer (junior) and Jeff Ballard (sophomore) plenty of snaps in practice this week; Patterson also indicated that he would take two other QBs to tomorrow?s game at Army, but, at this point, he is unsure of a starter
Mountain West
San Diego State
Junior CB Jacob Elimimian, who was suspended prior to the season due to academic problems, has been reinstated to the team and has resumed practicing with the team; Elimimian, however, won?t slide back into his starting role; He?ll be required to earn his playing time ?
Pac-10
Arizona State
With the investigation surrounding suspended starting RB Loren Wade, and with top backup Randy Hill out for the remainder of the year with torn knee ligaments, the Sun Devils have made some moves in the offensive backfield; Junior Hakim Hill will be the starter (despite a broken forearm), redshirt freshman Preston Jones will move into the No. 2 spot, and redshirt freshman WR/PR Rudy Burgess will move to RB and occupy the No. 3 spot
Southern California
Junior TE Dominique Byrd (a starter in 2003), who missed most of last season with a knee injury and broke his kneecap just before fall practice, has returned to the practice field and expects to play in the Trojans? next game, on Oct. 9, versus Cal ?
UCLA
With junior starting DT C.J. Niusulu suspended for tomorrow?s game versus San Diego State, senior Eyoseph Efseaff will get the start; Efseaff had previously started 25 consecutive games on the O-line before being shifted to the D-line during fall camp
SEC
Arkansas
The Hogs? are trying to maintain a steady rotation in the defensive backfield, as sophomore starting CB Michael Coe (ankle sprain) is expected to play in Saturday?s contest at Florida, but redshirt freshman starting CB Chris Houston (ankle) is questionable once again; If Houston can?t make it, freshman Matteral Richardson will be called upon ?
Mississippi State
Fifth-year senior WR Ray Ray Bivines, who has been out since last season with hamstring/nerve problems, will return to the field in tomorrow?s contest versus Vanderbilt; Bivines is not completely healthy, but hopes to provide the Bulldogs with an offensive boost