College football report: Ducks, Buffaloes have injury issues

Oregon running back Royce Freeman is listed atop the depth chart for the Ducks’ game Saturday against Colorado, but there’s no certainty that he’ll play.

His status is one of the questions on both sides heading into the Pac-12 opener for the two teams. Also unclear is the availability of Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau, who is a game-time decision.

Freeman left in the first quarter of Oregon’s 35-32 loss at Nebraska last weekend with what appeared to be a lower leg injury. He wasn’t wearing a brace on his leg earlier this week after practice, but because Oregon doesn’t discuss injuries as a policy, it’s difficult to tell. The Ducks already were stung by injury news following the loss to the Cornhuskers, with receiver Devon Allen out for the season with a knee injury.

Bison fever

About the only thing that can stop the Bison buzz is a bye week.

North Dakota State has a break in its schedule after enjoying an unprecedented three-day stretch on the national stage. The Bison first knocked off another big-time football power when they defeated Iowa on the road with a last-second field goal in a nationally televised game. The next day, they nearly became the first Football Championship Subdivision team to crack the Top 25 .

And finally, the Bison faithful watched their prized alumnus, Philadelphia Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, dominate both the airtime and the Chicago Bears in a Monday night win.

“I was trying to count how many times North Dakota State was uttered during the Monday night broadcast,” said Bison Athletic Director Matt Larsen, “but there were so many that I lost track.”

Etc.

Kenny Hill threw for 452 yards and two second-half touchdowns, including a 75-yarder to John Diarse on the first play after halftime, and Texas Christian (3-1) pulled away for a 33-3 win over Southern Methodist (2-2). Diarse’s catch-and-run score on a slant came after he left the game in the second quarter following a hard hit from Darrion Millines that led to a targeting ejection for the SMU safety.

Texas offensive lineman Kent Perkins was arrested in Austin for driving while intoxicated and was out on $4,000 bail. Coach Charlie Strong says any punishment for Perkins will decided once school officials have more information. The Longhorns are idle this weekend. ... Minnesota center Reggie Lynch under-went surgery on his left knee and will be out about a month.