College Football

College Football Saturday: Michigan's Freshman QB, Texas Without Its Sack Leader and More

Quarterback changes, a star pass rusher sidelined and College Football Playoff hopes on the line. Here is what to watch.

· 2 min read
Near the end of the first quarter, the Wisconsin Badgers prepare to kickoff the football to the Western Michigan University Broncos. This ga
Near the end of the first quarter, the Wisconsin Badgers prepare to kickoff the football to the Western Michigan University Broncos. This gaPhoto: Whippdog, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

It is a big Saturday for College Football Playoff hopes. Quarterback changes, a key injury in Austin and a shrinking list of unbeaten teams set the stage. Here is everything you need to know.

Michigan Turns to Freshman Tommy Carr vs. No. 6 Indiana

Michigan is handing the keys to a freshman. Tommy Carr will make his first career start against No. 6 Indiana, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Carr's famous surname gets plenty of attention, but those around the program say his biggest strength is his composure. His poise has been called "second to none," and he built a reputation for being unflappable before leading a rally last week. Facing a top-10 Indiana team in his first start is about as tough a debut as it gets.

Texas Loses Its Best Defender for Ole Miss

Texas will be without edge rusher Colin Simmons, who leads the nation in both sacks and tackles for loss, against No. 7 Ole Miss.

The pressure is on in Austin. A third straight loss would effectively end Texas' Playoff hopes, and quarterback Arch Manning is reportedly on a short leash. He will start, but K.J. Lacey has been getting first-team reps and could see the field if the offense struggles again.

Arizona State Changes Quarterbacks

Coach Kenny Dillingham made a switch in Tempe, going with Mikey Keene over Cutter Boley for Saturday's game against Kansas State.

Only Five Unbeatens Left

The list of perfect teams got shorter on Thursday night. Appalachian State beat James Madison in overtime on a 40-yard field goal from James London, a loss that severely damages JMU's hopes of a CFP return. That leaves just five unbeaten teams in FBS.

Coaching News

  • Mike Locksley says he is "at peace" with his firing at Maryland and is open to NFL jobs or an offensive coordinator role at a "championship" school.
  • Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, now the head coach at Southern, revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
  • Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree, the nation's leading receiver, announced he is returning to the Beavers for his sophomore year.

Looking Ahead

Every week from here shapes the Playoff field. Many of these players will be in the NFL soon, and our guide to the NFL playoff format explains what awaits them at the next level.

Follow every big game in our college football coverage.

Background from Wikipedia

College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is an annual single-elimination tournament held to determine a national champion for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football competition in the United States. It culminates in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The inaugural tournament was held at the end of the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season under a four-team format. The CFP Board of Managers voted in 2023 to expand the playoff to 12 teams beginning in 2024, an arrangement that will last at least through the end of the 2026 season.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is starting at quarterback for Michigan against Indiana?

Freshman Tommy Carr will make his first career start against No. 6 Indiana.

Is Colin Simmons playing against Ole Miss?

No. Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, who leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, is out against No. 7 Ole Miss.

How many unbeaten teams are left in FBS?

After James Madison lost to Appalachian State in overtime, just five FBS teams remain unbeaten.

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