Michigan's Star RB: Regular Season Dreams Dashed? Week 13 Outlook Grim

College Football Week 13: Key Injuries and Roster Changes Shake Up Teams

Michigan's Star RB: Regular Season Dreams Dashed? ...

Week 13 of the college football season brings significant challenges for several teams, most notably Michigan and Tennessee, as they grapple with key injuries and unexpected roster departures. The playoff picture remains dynamic, and these developments could have a considerable impact on upcoming games and postseason aspirations.

Michigan's Running Back Woes Deepen

The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines are facing a significant setback in their rushing attack as they head into crucial matchups against Maryland and top-ranked Ohio State. Head Coach Sherrone Moore announced that star running back Justice Haynes is unlikely to play for the remainder of the regular season. This is a major blow, as Haynes has been a dominant force, rushing for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games, averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. His absence will undoubtedly test the Wolverines' offensive depth.

Impact on the Wolverines' Offense

Haynes' injury, which has kept him sidelined since late October, leaves a gaping hole in Michigan's ground game. To compound matters, fellow standout running back Jordan Marshall sustained a shoulder injury during Saturday's narrow victory over Northwestern. While X-rays were negative, Marshall is currently listed as day-to-day, leaving his availability uncertain. This leaves Bryson Kuzdzal, who had 53 yards against Northwestern, as the most likely candidate to start at running back this week. The Wolverines will need to rely heavily on their offensive line and potentially adjust their offensive strategy to compensate for the loss of their top two running backs.

Tennessee Defensive Back Off the Roster

Meanwhile, in Knoxville, the Tennessee Volunteers are dealing with an unexpected roster change. Sophomore defensive back Boo Carter is no longer with the team, according to ESPN reports. Carter's absence stems from disciplinary reasons, leading to him being excluded from the Volunteers' recent win against New Mexico. Coach Josh Heupel emphasized the importance of meeting team standards, stating that Carter "was not out on the field with us."

Carter's Departure and Future Plans

Following the game, Carter announced on social media that he would miss the remainder of the season due to injury and intends to enter the transfer portal on January 2nd. This is a significant loss for the Volunteers' defense and special teams. Carter played in nine games this season, recording 25 combined tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. He also served as a punt returner, averaging an impressive 13.2 yards per return on 11 attempts. His departure leaves a void in both the defensive backfield and the special teams unit, forcing the Volunteers to find replacements as they move forward.