Nicholson Out For Season

As feared, the MRI examination of sophomore middle linebacker Derek Nicholson's right knee revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Nicholson joins linebacker Marcus Ball, defensive tackle Paul Griffin and safety Anthony Houllis, who have been sidelined with season-ending injuries.

Defensive tackle Emmanuel Dunbar tried to jog at Monday night's practice, but his injured back tightened up after a few minutes, and the prognosis for his return this season is also in doubt. Likewise, so might be middle linebacker Jae Thaxton, who has missed three games after suffering a concussion, and whose career could also be in doubt.