College football

New QB no problem, LSU says

By wire services
Published December 29, 2005

ATLANTA - Skyler Green knows real turmoil. And changing starting quarterbacks doesn't qualify.

When Hurricane Katrina made its devastating pass across the Gulf Coast shortly before football season began in earnest, the two-bedroom apartment the LSU wide receiver shares with teammate Brian Johnson turned into temporary housing for family and friends displaced by the storm.

At one time, more than 20 people were living in the crammed space.

"It's been a long road," said Green, the Tigers' speedy kick returner and wide receiver who accounted for 1,047 all-purpose yards this season. "And I think this team has handled it pretty well."

The season-finale is bringing one more challenge for LSU. The Tigers will play Miami in the Peach Bowl on Friday night with Matt Flynn starting at quarterback instead of JaMarcus Russell, who has a badly separated shoulder and a wrist injury that could require surgery.

Some teams would be in meltdown mode about now, prepping to use a first-time starter at quarterback in a bowl game. Yet after what LSU's gone through this year, such a change doesn't seem problematic at all.

"Matt is a great quarterback," Green said. "He comes to practice every day ready to play. He's been having great practice and that's where we build our confidence, in practice. If he has a great game, that'll build his confidence even more. ... He's looking like he's ready to play."

LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said Wednesday that Russell also played with a right wrist injury for the final six games.

"This is about the future of JaMarcus Russell," Fisher said. "It was a medical decision based on him staying home. This is a big, huge game. But his significance on the sideline compared to him being home rehabbing and being able to continue his future as LSU's quarterback was much more crucial."

TWO HURRICANES TRANSFER: Miami wide receiver Akieem Jolla and offensive lineman Dave Howell have been released from their scholarships. Jolla, a redshirt junior, caught four passes for 47 yards this season. The New Orleans native wants to be closer to his family because of hardships created by Hurricane Katrina. Howell played in two games during 2004 as a defensive lineman.

MEMPHIS: Running back DeAngelo Williams picked up extra yards rushing two days after the Motor City Bowl. A review of the tape of Memphis' victory over Akron on Monday showed that Williams ran for 5 yards that he didn't receive credit for, Memphis athletic officials said. If the NCAA agrees, Williams' NCAA record in all-purpose yards would be 7,573.

[Last modified December 29, 2005, 00:52:13]