'Dogs hurting from injuries in more than one
way
By Maggie Thach
The Collegian
Offensive guard Cole Popovich
was standing on the sidelines with his hands in his pockets before the
Toledo game, watching the marching band perform the pre-game show. He
was in his jersey, but his red baseball cap and blue warm-up pants said
it all; he would not play in the game.
Popovich sat out of Tuesday’s contest against the Rockets due to
an injury he sustained to his ribcage 10 days earlier in Eugene, Ore.
Just three games into the season, the Bulldogs have had to go without
many key players. Recovering from major knee surgery last year, running
back Dwayne Wright has been sitting out since the beginning of the season,
defensive tackle Louis Leonard is feeling the effects of a sprained foot
and linebacker Ahijah Lane sprained his ankle in Oregon.
Clifton Smith knows what that’s like. After a promising start where
Smith ran for two touchdown punt returns in the home opener against Weber
State, Smith suffered a knee injury against the Ducks.
Smith underwent reconstructive
surgery and not only sat out for Tuesday’s game, but will do so
for the rest of the year.
“I’ve got enough problems making sure we get our guys healthy
and on the field,” head coach Pat Hill said.
Injuries to big-time players haven’t been uncommon for the Bulldogs.
The team’s most significant loss may be All-American candidate and
preseason conference defensive player of the year Garrett McIntyre.
The defensive end has had to
sit out since enduring a high ankle sprain against Weber State. But knowing
he was likely not going to play didn’t stop McIntyre from suiting
up for the game.
Luckily, the services of McIntyre weren’t too missed in a 44-14
win over Toledo.
“He’s the leader but a lot of guys stepped up,” said
defensive end Tyler Clutts, who was the opening day starter with McIntyre.
“He’s a warrior. He knew if he played in this game he would
get hurt but that was a sacrifice he was willing to make.”
The injured players have until Oct. 8 to get healthy before they face
New Mexico State for the conference opener.
“The front four is getting better. We’re working at it,”
Hill said. “Hopefully we’ll have the heart and soul of our
defense back for New Mexico State. [McIntyre] is going to have a lot of
pent up anger for New Mexico State.”
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