Flynn is questionable for SEC championship
BATON ROUGE -- Preparing for a dome game on artificial turf, LSU has practiced indoors this week. On Wednesday, the Tigers did so without padded pants, and for at least part of the time without their starting quarterback.
Fifth-year senior Matt Flynn, who suffered a shoulder injury last week against Arkansas, was on the sideline toward the end of practice, which was closed to the media. Sophomore backup Ryan Perrilloux was running plays with the first team.
Flynn's status for the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday, in which No. 5 LSU (10-2, 6-2 SEC) squares off against No. 14 Tennessee (9-3, 6-2), is uncertain.
LSU Coach Les Miles said Flynn participated in parts of practice Wednesday.
"Matt took snaps, threw balls," Miles said. When asked directly if Flynn would play against the Volunteers, Miles offered only, "I think so."
"He's limited some," he said. "But he practiced today, threw the ball well."
Flynn was noncommittal Monday during a teleconference. "We'll just have to see how it goes," he said.
Flynn started 11 games this season, throwing for 2,233 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Against Arkansas, while diving for the goal line pylon on a successful two-point conversion, Flynn banged his right, throwing shoulder, and went to the locker room twice during the game. But he did not miss a snap.
Should he prove unable to play Saturday, the Tigers will turn to Perrilloux, who has had a rocky relationship with Miles because of repeated off-field indiscretions.
Perrilloux has played little since he was suspended for the Alabama game because of his involvement in a Baton Rouge nightclub brawl in which he was not charged. He is 31-of-45 passing for 461 yards and sevens touchdowns with one interception. He also rushed for two scores.
Miles remained spare Wednesday with his praise of Perrilloux, noting he was, "a second-team guy," when a reporter asked about his progress. When asked if he was fully comfortable with Perrilloux starting or seeing extensive time against the Vols, Miles said, "We'll cross that bridge when we have to. Right now that's not in our thoughts."
NOTES:
Sophomore defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, who was suspended before the 2007 Sugar Bowl and has not been active this season, will join the team and play in the SEC championship game, Miles said. Francois was lost because of academic reasons LSU has never specifically outlined, and Miles declined to say whether his season-long suspension was the result of a university or an NCAA ruling. Francois looked strong as a freshman last year and Miles has bemoaned Francois' absence several times, calling him one of the team's best defensive linemen. Despite the suspension, Francois has practiced all year and playing Saturday will not affect his NCAA eligibility because he already has redshirted. The team would "try to get him tired" this week in preparation, Miles said. "Do you want to play in the championship game? I think he does," Miles said.
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Rutgers headed to International Bowl
November 29th, 2007
Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Rutgers accepted a bid on Thursday to play in the International Bowl, which is scheduled to be played on January 5, 2008 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The Scarlet Knights, who will play in a bowl game for a third straight year for the first time in school history, will battle a yet to be announced opponent from the Mid-American Conference.
The International Bowl is the only Football Bowl Subdivision game that is played outside of the United States.
"We're thrilled to accept this invitation to play in the International Bowl and I know our team is excited about the opportunity to play in a bowl game for the third consecutive year," said Rutgers athletic director Robert E. Mulcahy III. "Toronto is a wonderful city and our alumni and fans are sure to have a great time there."
Rutgers closed out its regular season with an overall record of 7-4 and 3-3 mark in the Big East.
Penn State headed to Alamo Bowl
November 30th, 2007
University Park, PA (Sports Network) - Penn State University has accepted an invitation to the 2007 Alamo Bowl.
The Nittany Lions will face a Big 12 Conference opponent -- likely Texas A&M or Texas Tech -- to be announced on Sunday evening.
The Alamo Bowl will be Joe Paterno's 500th game as head coach of the Nittany Lions and Penn State's second appearance in the San Antonio, Texas based-bowl.
The Nittany Lions whitewashed Texas A&M, 24-0, in the 1999 Alamo Bowl.
"We're delighted to have the opportunity to return to the Alamo Bowl," said Penn State athletic director Tim Curley. "Everyone from Penn State had a wonderful experience during our previous trip to San Antonio. The hospitality extended to our team and fans was outstanding. This will provide a chance for some of our alumni in the Southwest to see our team play in person. The Alamo Bowl has been a great partner with the Big Ten and all the Conference schools and we're excited about returning to San Antonio."
The Nittany Lions will be making their 34th post-season trip under Paterno, who is the all-time leader in bowl wins (22-10-1) and appearances.
"We are looking forward to playing in the Alamo Bowl and meeting a very good team from the Big 12 Conference," said Paterno. "This team has worked hard all season and has been a great group to work with. I'm happy for the squad that their efforts will be rewarded with an opportunity to go to San Antonio, where we had a great experience the last time, and be involved in a good, tough game."