Holtz Ready to Play 39-Year-Old Receiver

South Carolina Coach Lou Holtz says he plans to play 39-year-old walk-on Tim Frisby once the receiver’s eligibility is cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Frisby recently retired from the Army, where he was a Ranger-qualified member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Operation Desert Storm and during the Kosovo conflict. He joined the Gamecocks during their winter workouts.

Frisby’s graduation from Allentown (Pa.) Catholic High in 1983 pre-dates the establishment of the clearinghouse, which certifies eligibility.

“There wasn’t even college boards when he graduated,” Holtz, 67, quipped. “He’s back in my era. College boards, I thought that was back at the carpenter shop.”

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A decision on whether injured Washington State quarterback Josh Swogger starts Saturday at Arizona could come as late as kickoff.

Swogger suffered a partially torn ligament on the outside of his right knee Saturday in Washington State’s 49-8 rout of Idaho. Alex Brink is the Cougars’ No. 2 quarterback.

Cougar freshman Jed Collins played on offense, defense and special teams against Idaho. Collins, who attended Mission Viejo High, had three tackles and one assist, recovered a fumble on special teams, returned a kick for 34 yards and caught a pass for 27 yards.

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Claude Bassett, Kentucky’s former recruiting coordinator who was the central figure in an NCAA investigation that led to major sanctions, has sued the university’s Athletic Assn., the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference for $50 million, claiming they conspired to keep him from getting another college job.... Virginia Tech tailback Mike Imoh has completed his three-game suspension for giving teenage girls alcohol at a party this year and could play Saturday against North Carolina State.... North Carolina punter David Wooldridge was suspended for Saturday’s game against Louisville because of conduct detrimental to the team.

Linebacker Kevin Simon, Tennessee’s leading tackler last season, tore a ligament in his left knee Saturday against Florida and will sit out the rest of the season.... A condition related to sickle cell disease caused the death last week of Bowling Green player Aaron Richardson, who became ill at practice before being rushed to a hospital.... Iowa offensive lineman David Walker had surgery for a torn muscle in an arm and the junior’s season is over.