The Georgia Bulldogs, most people’s #1 team in the nation, have suffered another devastating injury to their team. Star defensive tackle Jeff Owens is likely out for the season with a torn ACL. The only good news that could come from this is that Owens could still likely receive a medical redshirt for this year and return in 2009 next season. Owens was one of the top defensive tackle prospects entering the 2008 season.

- Jeremy Maclin hobbled off the field in the 4th after injuring his ankle trying to push off at the line of scrimmage. X-rays came back negative and Maclin returned to the sideline on crutches. With Missouri State up next, don’t look for Mizzou to rush their star wide receiver back on the field.

- X-rays to Beanie Wells injured right foot were negative for any breaks. The injury believes to be to his right big toe and not his oft injured ankle. With Ohio on tap next for the Buckeyes, look for Beanie to get a rest, especially with USC up in week three.

- Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said rookie running back Felix Jones will most likely return kicks against the Browns in the regular season opener. If last week’s game was any indication, Jones may not have a significant offensive role at this point.

- NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports the Bucs have traded defensive lineman Marques Douglas to the Ravens. The Bucs will receive a 2009 late-round draft pick plus a conditional 2010 draft pick.

- Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette expects rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall to see “plenty of time” in the backfield at the beginning of the season.

- Broncos coach Mike Shanahan confirmed this week that rookie Eddie Royal will continue to return kicks and punts despite his starting role on offense.

- First-round pick Gosder Cherilus still hasn’t won the Lions’ starting right tackle job from George Foster. Cherilus will open the year as a “swing tackle,” backing up both Foster and blind side tackle Jeff Backus.

- The Cowboys acquired offensive guard Montrae Holland from the Broncos in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice in 2010 and waived safety Tyler Everett.

- Bills rookie wide receiver James Hardy started Thursday’s preseason finale against the Lions. Hardy caught two passes for 30 yards and appears ready for the season opener, where he has a shot to start opposite Lee Evans.

- Colt Brennan wrapped up a strong preseason by completing 13-of-18 passes for 119 yards Thursday. He put up the best preseason numbers of any rookie quarterback.

- Jamaal Charles rushed six times for 43 yards Thursday in Kansas City’s preseason finale.

I talked to one of my college football/NFL sources today. Here’s what he had to say about a few players:

Terrance Taylor DT Michigan – Mid-1^st Round to the 2^nd Round grades, similar to Alan Branch. Has the potential to be one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country.

Donald Washington CB Ohio State – Thinking about coming out, he should stay, but he could lose his job to sophomore Chimdi Chekwa. Washington is also suspended for the first two games of the season.

Javon Ringer RB Michigan State – Day 1 grade, team’s like him

Tyrell Sutton RB Northwestern – Late-round grade

Brandon Harrison – Three-year starter from Michigan, been playing safety but is a better fit at cornerback. Don’t be surprised if he lights up the Combine next year, potential 4.2 40-yard dash. Could be a second-third round talent.

The 2008 college football season begins starting Thursday, August 28th. With the excitement building because of the new season, I’ve decided to highlight the top games of College Football’s first week:

#24 Alabama at #9 Clemson – This is by far the most exciting game of the first week. Clemson enters the 2008 season as a team that many in the media are picking to go far this year. Alabama brings in a talented team with veterans at the right positions (quarterback John Parker Wilson) and one of the most talented recruiting classes in the nation. This class features starting wide receiver Julio Jones, a fantastic player with a great combination of size and athleticism. The Tigers are the obvious favorite in this one, however don’t be surprised if Alabama gives them a strong game.

#20 Illinois at #6 Missouri – Illinois comes into this season with a swagger after surprising many last season and reaching the Rose Bowl. While they lost to USC in Pasadena, the Illini took the right step in trying to become one of the elite teams in the country. Missouri enters their season with a major chip on their shoulder after being passed over by the BCS last season. The two teams are led by stars at quarterback; Juice Williams for Illinois and Heisman Trophy candidate Chase Daniel for Missouri. The Tigers and their speed should win this one, however I wouldn’t be surprised if it came down to the wire.

#3 USC at Virginia – Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez is currently injured with dislocated kneecap, however there is a chance that he could play in this game. USC reloads from last year’s Rose Bowl win with yet another Top 5 team. With superstars all over the field, they’re once again one of the favorites for the National Championship. Virginia loses two Top 15 picks from last season (Chris Long, Branden Albert), however they still have plenty of talent. Left tackle Eugene Monroe could very easily be a first-round pick in 2009. While it’s yet to be determined whether or not quarterback Sanchez will play, the Trojans should still take this one.

Appalachian State at #7 LSU – Uh oh! Could we have an upset in the making? The Tigers have an unsteady situation at quarterback and lost a decent amount of players to the NFL. However, their defense this year is far better than Michigan’s was last season. They should have the playmakers to contain Armanti Edwards and the explosive Appalachian State offense. LSU should win this one, but the Mountaineers could give them a fight.

#18 Tennessee at UCLA – The Bruins are in a bit of a rebuilding mode this season as they welcome in new head coach Rick Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Tennessee loses quarterback Erik Ainge, however they return backup Jonathan Crompton, a very capable replacement. I really like Tennessee this year because they honestly have a playmaker at nearly every position: QB – Crompton, RB – Arian Foster, WR – Lucas Taylor, OG – Anthony Parker, DT – De’Monte Bolden, LB – Rico McCoy, DB – Eric Berry. I’d expect the Vols to win this one.

Fresno State at Rutgers – This should be an interesting game. Rutgers is a bit depleted after losing outstanding running back Ray Rice. They return a few very good players (offensive guard Anthony Davis, safety Courtney Greene and wide receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood). However, Fresno State comes in as one of the top sleeper teams in the nation this year. They have the talent needed to make a nice run this year. I interviewed their quarterback Tom Brandstater here. Don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs come away with this one.

Last but not least, I will be attending the Northern Illinois vs. Minnesota game to scout the Huskies defensive end Larry English, a Mid-Late round prospect for the 2009 draft.

- The Jaguars have agreed to terms with first-round defensive end Derrick Harvey on a five-year contract. After a 33-day holdout, Harvey will get $17.175 million in guarantees, a $23.8 million base, and $33.4 million max. Once Harvey gets up to speed, he will battle Reggie Hayward and Quentin Groves for playing time at right end.

- According to the St. Petersburg Times, Dexter Jackson will be the Bucs’ “primary return man.” Jackson was believed to be behind Michael Spurlock on the kick and punt return depth charts as recently as three weeks ago, but the second-round pick has impressed the coaching staff. “Yeah, he’s doing a good job of securing the ball and making good decisions,” coach Jon Gruden said. “He’s caught the ball well here on the field, so we feel good about that.” While he’s emerged with a big role on special teams, Jackson doesn’t figure to see much action on offense as a rookie.

- Eagles placed rookie cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. Ikegwuonu tore his ACL while preparing for the Combine.

- Seahawks placed longsnapper Tyler Schmitt on injured reserve, ending his season. Schmitt was a sixth-round pick without a position on offense or defense.

- Bills coach Dick Jauron said rookie tight end Derek Fine is out for “a while” with a thumb injury.

- Undrafted free agent running back Kregg Lumpkin has a shot to win the Packers last running back spot.

- 49ers beat writer Kevin Lynch says rookie first-round defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer has been a “315-pound invisible man this summer.” Lynch predicts that rookie second-rounder Chilo Rachal and third-rounder Reggie Smith will join Balmer on the inactive list more often than not this fall. Sixth-round receiver Josh Morgan will be under a lot of pressure to salvage the ‘08 draft class.

- Coach Marvin Lewis indicated that rookie Jerome Simpson is set to open the season as the Bengals’ third receiver.

- Texans rookie linebacker Xavier Adibi “failed to make an impression” on the coaching staff in training camp or the preseason. Adibi looked good in non-contact spring work, but isn’t threatening Morlon Greenwood’s starting job just yet.

- Broncos beat writer Mike Klis would consider a 45-catch, 600-yard season from rookie receiver Eddie Royal a “surprise success.”

- The Chiefs have placed rookie wide receiver Kevin Robinson on the PUP list. He’s eligible to return in Week 7. K.C. drafted Robinson in the sixth round as a candidate to help on returns, but his knee nagged him throughout camp.

- The Arizona Republic says it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tim Hightower saw “at least” 130 carries this season. The paper suggests that Ken Whisenhunt could use Hightower and Edgerrin James just as he used Jerome Bettis (110 carries) and Willie Parker (255) in Pittsburgh in 2005.

- The Bears knew Chris Williams had a herniated disk in his back before drafting him in the first round in April. The team now says that Williams is experiencing a new injury to that same disk, which just happened to occur on the second day of practice. Williams acknowledged the herniated disk was probably why some teams took him off their draft board.

- Packers placed defensive tackle Justin Harrell on the physically unable to perform list. Harrell, who will undergo surgery on his bad back, will miss at least the first six weeks of the season. I said it two years ago and I’ll say it again, it was a reach to take Harrell in the middle of the first-round because of his injury problems.

- The Saints will place rookie wide receiver Adrian Arrington on injured reserve or their practice squad.

- Rookie Jordon Dizon hasn’t even passed Buster Davis on the depth chart to be Detroit’s No. 2 middle linebacker. Dizon is hardly even a threat to starting MLB Paris Lenon at this point. The rookie from Colorado may only play on special teams early in the year.

- Chiefs signed seventh-round tight end Mike Merritt to a three-year contract. It took so long because Merritt was hurt; he was the last rookie to sign.

- Justin Forsett gained only nine yards on four carries and caught a seven-yard pass in Seattle’s third preseason game. He also lost a fumble. He’ll be no higher than a third tailback when the season begins.

- Jamaal Charles (shoulder) returned to Chiefs practice Monday. The rookie hasn’t gained any obvious ground on Kolby Smith to be Larry Johnson’s backup.

The Falcons have named Matt Ryan their starting quarterback for Week 1. Ryan has fared well for a rookie in his first few preseason games. He will have his ups and downs, but Ryan has earned the job.

- Following Saturday night’s somewhat promising preseason performance, coach John Harbaugh mentioned rookie Joe Flacco as a possible starter for the Ravens in Week 1. Harbaugh virtually ruled out Flacco starting Week 1 late in camp, but Troy Smith and Kyle Boller aren’t clearly better options.

- Chiefs rookie Will Franklin underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss at least two weeks. He probably won’t play at New England in Week 1, but could return for the Chiefs’ Week 2 game versus Oakland.

- Packers rookie offensive lineman Josh Sitton is week-to-week with a sprained knee. Sitton was the one Packers rookie pushing for a starting role, but his status for the opener is now in doubt.

- Rookie Harry Douglas has captured the Falcons’ third receiver job. For now, Douglas will operate in the slot, although ideally Atlanta won’t go three wide too often. Douglas has seven catches for 53 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games.

- Rookie Chevis Jackson will be Atlanta’s starting nickel back this year. This means Brent Grimes and Chris Houston will be the Falcons’ first-team corners.

- Coach Lane Kiffin indicated that fourth-round receiver Arman Shields is unlikely to be on the Raiders’ 53-man roster.

- Rookie Anthony Alridge is “in the Broncos’ plans this season,” according to the Denver Post.

- 49ers waived defensive lineman Joe Cohen, tight end Cooper Wallace, quarterback Kyle Wright, safety Lewis Baker and offensive guard John Booker. Cohen was San Francisco’s fourth-round pick last year and didn’t fit the team’s 3-4 scheme. Wright was an undrafted free agent this offseason. Both the Vikings and 49ers have now cut him.

- Giants rookie undrafted free agent Mario Manningham finished with three receptions for 41 yards against the Jets Saturday night. Manningham didn’t enter until late in the game, but it was a positive sign just for the rookie to see some playing time.

- Rookie Joe Flacco completed 18-of-37 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown Saturday against the Rams Saturday night. He was awful early, starting 4-of-13 for 33 yards in the first half before coming on strong against the backups in garbage time.

- Ray Rice rushed for just 20 yards on five carries and added one reception for four yards against the Rams Saturday. With Flacco at the helm, the Ravens’ offense couldn’t get out from under its own feet in the first half, and it showed in Rice’s disappointing numbers.

- Rookie running back Tim Hightower finished with 52 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries Saturday against the Raiders. Fantasy football players may want to grab Hightower as a nice sleeper prospect this season.

- Rams rookie Keenan Burton caught three balls for 63 yards and a touchdown in the team’s exhibition game Saturday night. Burton hasn’t stood out in camp or challenged Dante Hall for the third receiver role, but he’s got some promise.

- The Jets posted eight sacks in Saturday’s preseason game, but Vernon Gholston didn’t have any. Gholston has been slow in his transition to weak outside linebacker and is currently behind Bryan Thomas on the depth chart.

- ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the Cardinals will name Kurt Warner their starting quarterback to open the season. Matt Leinart blew it Saturday, tossing three picks and finishing with a 2.8 QB rating. The Cards are concerned with Leinart’s arm strength, which has never been his best quality, and consistency. Leinart’s career has not gotten off to a good start after being a Top 10 pick back in 2006.

- The Associated Press believes John Carlson will start for the Seahawks in Week 1.

- Rookie Jordon Dizon is still “not close” to cracking the Lions’ starting lineup. He’s far behind middle linebacker Paris Lenon and will not be moved to the strong side.

- Rookie wide receiver James Hardy is not expected to play in Buffalo’s third exhibition. Hardy re-injured his bum hammy and didn’t practice all week.

- Rookie Pierre Garcon appears to have passed Roy Hall as the Colts’ fourth receiver.

- Rookie receiver Early Doucet will play in the Cardinals’ third exhibition game. It’s too late for Doucet to unseat third receiver Steve Breaston before Week 1, but he can threaten for in-season snaps.

- Rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo started the Patriots’ third exhibition game and has wrapped up a first-string position. The first-round pick starts next to Tedy Bruschi and has a shot to be a three down linebacker.

- Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan completed 15-of-21 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ third preseason game Friday night. Ryan avoided turnovers and should have the Week 1 job wrapped up.

- Rookie running back Chris Johnson picked up only 35 yards on 11 carries in the Titans’ third preseason game Friday night. He caught two balls for 23 yards.

- Rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson started at flanker for Reggie Brown and caught four passes for 67 yards in the Eagles’ third exhibition game. He’s up to 16 preseason catches for 189 yards through three games. He may move to the slot when Brown returns, but Jackson is going to have a sizable role to start the season.

- Rookie running back Steve Slaton came off the bench in Houston’s third exhibition and ran for 44 yards on 10 carries. Slaton played with the starting offensive line and excelled on outside runs. Behind fellow rookie offensive tackle Duane Brown, Slaton busted a 20-yard gain in the second quarter and stiff armed Roy Williams on a 13-yard rush in the third.

- Rookie running back Felix Jones ran for only 10 yards on five carries and gained four yards on two receptions in Dallas’ third exhibition. He also lost a fumble.

- Falcons rookie middle linebacker Curtis Lofton started the team’s third exhibition game. Lofton excelled at shedding blocks and led Atlanta with six solo stops. He’s unofficially overtaken Tony Taylor and is on track to start the opener.

- Eddie Royal started Denver’s third preseason game, but was held catch-less. He also didn’t return any punts or kicks, which may be a sign of things to come now that Royal’s a starter on offense.

- Rookie Brian Brohm was yanked out of the Packers’ third exhibition game after completing 0-of-4 attempts. This is clearly not the way that the Packers had hoped Brohm would perform in his rookie season. With two rookies backing up an injury-prone Aaron Rodgers, don’t be surprised if the Packers consider signing a veteran within the next few weeks.

- Rookie cornerback Tracy Porter will start the Saints’ third preseason game. Starters of the third exhibition usually start in Week 1. Porter was the team’s second-round pick out of Indiana in 2008. He should provide an upgrade over last year’s starter Jason David.

- Coach Eric Mangini says rookie Dwight Lowery “definitely” has a shot to be the Jets’ starting right cornerback this season.

- Redskins rookie wide receiver Malcolm Kelly will miss his third straight preseason game Saturday.

- Rookie Ryan Torain is reportedly healing faster than expected and the Broncos are now targeting October 20 as his return date.

- Bears rookie running back Matt Forte rushed 11 times for 44 yards and added one reception for 7 yards against the 49ers Thursday night.

- Jets linebacker David Harris anticipates making “a lot more plays” while being shielded by new 360-pound nose tackle Kris Jenkins.

- Rams rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery will see his first action of the preseason Saturday. Avery will join Dante Hall on kick returns and might run a few pass routes on offense.

- Coach Sean Payton indicated Thursday that Adrian Arrington will likely not be on the Saints’ Week 1 roster.