Friday, October 16, 2009
UVa TB Simpson doubtful
University of Virginia tailback Mikell Simpson, coming off a 149-yard all-purpose afternoon against Indiana, is given a 25-percent chance of playing in the Cavaliers' game Saturday at Maryland.
Simpson was listed as "doubtful" on the injury report filed by the Cavaliers on Thursday night. His neck was injured on a running play in the third quarter.
Redshirt freshman Javaris Brown, who has averaged a team-high 21.8 yards on six receptions, is listed as "out" with an ankle injury. He did not play against the Hoosiers.
Among those players listed as "probable" on the report are starting offensive linemen Landon Bradley (knee) and B.J. Cabbell (ankle), as well as starting safety Brandon Woods (foot).
-- Doug Doughty
Tech's Render probable
Virginia Tech senior offensive lineman Sergio Render (pectoral strain) is listed as probable to face Georgia Tech on Saturday.
Also listed as probable are split end Marcus Davis (ankle), tailback Ryan Williams (illness), defensive back Eddie Whitley (ankle) and linebacker Mark Muncey (knee).
Roanoke station sticking
with UVa for this year
Despite its format change, WVMP-FM 101.5 in Roanoke will remain an affiliate of the UVa radio network for this school year.
WVMP -- formerly known as WZZI -- airs UVa games and coaches' shows.
The station changed its format Monday from rock to alternative music. UVa football coach Al Groh's show did not air on the station Monday, but station manager Tom Kennedy said that was a "technical failure" associated with reprogramming computers for the new format.
This is the fourth straight school year that UVa has been on 101.5.
The station is in the first year of a new three-year deal with UVa, but WVMP does not want to remain with UVa beyond this school year because of the format change.
"It is not a good fit," Kennedy said of UVa sports. "The whole ambience of the radio station was different" before.
Kennedy said UVa has agreed to look for a new Roanoke affiliate for the 2010-11 school year, but WVMP will remain with the network next year if UVa can't find a new Roanoke outlet.
"Nothing has been decided," said Brock Petrie, a network official. "We have a contract in place."
Arkansas RB Smith game-time decision
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.
Stafon Johnson drops by USC team meeting
LOS ANGELES -- Injured tailback Stafon Johnson made a surprise appearance at Southern California's team meeting before the sixth-ranked Trojans' trip to Notre Dame.
Johnson was released from the hospital on Wednesday, just 16 days after his neck and throat were crushed in a weightlifting accident.
The senior won't play again this season, but is continuing his rehabilitation at home.
THURSDAY'S GAME
No. 8 Cincinnati 34, No. 21 South Florida 17
TAMPA, Fla. -- Tony Pike threw two touchdown passes before spraining his left wrist and backup Zach Collaros ran 75 yards for a score to lead No. 8 Cincinnati.
Pike threw scoring passes of 3 and 8 yards to Armon Binns in the second quarter, helping the Bearcats (6-0, 2-0 Big East) to a 17-10 halftime lead over South Florida (5-1, 1-1).
-- Staff, wire reports
