College Football

College football news: Miami sanctions announced, Manziel expected to play

The Hurricanes get to move on from two-year-long NCAA investigation, and Johnny Manziel is expected to play against Vanderbilt despite shoulder injury.

By Connor Tapp Oct 23, 2013, 9:00am EDT

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NCAA announces punishment for Miami

In the two-plus years since the NCAA began its investigation into the University of Miami's relationship with former booster Nevin Shapiro, public support for the NCAA has eroded significantly thanks to its heavy-handed, increasingly arbitrary, and seemingly random enforcement of rules and non-rules alike. As such, it was not a surprise when the Committee on Infractions announced that the Hurricanes' punishment would be limited to a reduction of nine scholarships over the next four years and no postseason ban. Mind you, Miami had already held itself out of the 2011 and 2012 postseason, including a chance to play in the ACC Championship game in the latter. In any event, Hurricane fans will no doubt welcome the end to what was beginning to feel like an interminable melodrama.

Johnny Manziel not expected to miss time with shoulder injury

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has taken a beating or two during his sophomore season, but Johnny Manziel has fought through each bump and bruise along the way. Manziel injured his throwing shoulder during Saturday's loss to Auburn and was in so much pain at some points during the game that he could not complete his throwing motion. He eventually came back onto the field but was cringing in pain throughout Texas A&M's final drive.

Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans told the media that Manziel was in a sling at practice on Monday, which created a frenzy for a while, but subsequent reports revealed that the sling was primarily intended to keep Manziel from trying to do too much. It is yet to be determined whether Johnny will be able to practice this week, but he's expected to play against Vanderbilt either way.

De'Anthony Thomas expected to return agains UCLA

The Oregon Ducks have had little problem hanging obscene quantities of yards and points on opponents this season, even without having dynamic playmaker De'Anthony Thomas available for the past several weeks. Nevertheless, the Ducks will be delighted to have the one-time Heisman Trophy candidate back in action this weekend against UCLA. Thomas injured his ankle while returning the opening kickoff against Cal on Sept. 28.

Tommy Rees expected to play against Air Force

Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees sustained a neck injury in last week's game against USC but that isn't expected to keep him from starting against Air Force on Saturday. The Fighting Irish struggled mightily of offense after Rees went down against the Trojans but were able to hang on for a 14-10 win.

Ragin' Cajuns beat the Red Wolves on Sun Belt Tuesday

Louisiana-Lafayette looked impressive for the second straight Sun Belt Tuesday, outgaining Arkansas State 470 yards to 168 in a 23-7 win that was not nearly as close as the 16-point margin suggests. Aside from completely shutting down the Red Wolves' offense, the Ragin' Cajuns were able to rack up 265 yards on the ground with their punishing 1-2 rushing attack of Alonzo Harris and Elijah McGuire. The Cajuns moved to 3-0 in conference play and seized sole possession of first place in the Sun Belt.