Joel Buchsbaum's college notepad

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
Aug. 24, 2001

• In New Mexico State’s opening night loss to Louisville, the turning point in the game may have come when the Cardinal knocked speedy New Mexico State RB Kenton Keith out of the game in the third quarter with a left shoulder injury. Until that point, Keith had 22 carries for 137 yards, but also lost the handle on a pitchout which resulted in a very costly turnover. Last year, Keith averaged 7.8 yards per carry and he has been clocked in under 4.4.

• The good news out of Maryland is WR Guilian Gary did not suffer a cervical spinal injury in practice. Maryland had him taken directly to a trauma center where it was discovered that he just had sprained his neck.

• Last year, Michigan State felt Chris Baker and Ivory McCoy were the best set of tight ends in the Big Ten. This year, the idea was to use McCoy as a pass-rushing linebacker in the Julian Peterson mold, and if he was up to it, also as a second or third tight end. However those plans may have to wait a few weeks. In a non-contact drill, Baker tore cartilage (miniscus) in his left knee and was expected to have his knee scoped. The day after Baker’s injury, McCoy broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. Baker could be back for the opener if things go well, but foot injuries can be tricky, so it is really hard to tell when McCoy will be back.

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