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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 1, 2002
Injured Vols RB to miss next game
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee's starting tailback, Cedric Houston, will miss Saturday's game against Arkansas because of a torn ligament in his left thumb.
Coach Phillip Fulmer said Houston was hurt in the Volunteers' 35-14 win Saturday over Rutgers. He had surgery Monday and will be out 10 days, meaning he could be back in time to play against Georgia on Oct. 12.
Houston started the first three games for No. 10 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) but deeply bruised his thigh early in the Florida game Sept. 21.
Houston remains Tennessee's leading rusher with 193 yards on 28 carries and three touchdowns. He has not been tackled for a loss.
He played sparingly against Rutgers, running four times for 8 yards. He had one catch for 12.
EASTERN KENTUCKY: Coach Roy Kidd, 70, will retire at the end of the season after 39 years and 310 victories. "I talked to people I know about retiring, and they told me that when you're ready, you'll know," said Kidd, whose voice cracked several times during his announcement. "Well, I know."
N.C. STATE: Tailback T.A. McLendon broke a bone in his right wrist but is expected to recover in time to play in the Wolfpack's next game on Oct. 12. McLendon is scheduled for surgery today. A screw will be inserted into his wrist to stabilize the fracture, and if the operation goes well, he should return to practice next week, the school said. McLendon has 421 yards rushing and has scored 10 touchdowns, tied for second in Division I-A.
OHIO STATE: Derek Morris was released from his national letter of intent. The offensive lineman signed in February but never was ruled academically eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse. "Derek is now free to pursue other options," athletic director Andy Geiger said.
VANDERBILT: Starting quarterback Jay Cutler, a redshirt freshman, has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. Also suspended indefinitely was reserve wide receiver Grant Brigham.
TELEVISION: Arkansas will make its third consecutive television appearance Oct. 12 against Auburn in a game televised by Jefferson-Pilot. The teams will kick off at 12:30 p.m. at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
OUTBACK BOWL: Tickets to the 2003 game go on sale today at all Florida Ticketmaster outlets, (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. The bowl, which hosts teams from the Big Ten and SEC at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, kicks off at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day. For more information call (813) 874-BOWL or go to the bowl Web site at www.outbackbowl.com.