Defensive lineman Toby Turpin, suspended for the final two games of last season for an undisclosed violation of team rules, is dealing with an unrelated but undisclosed academic issue that could cost him his senior year. A source who isn’t authorized to speak on the record concerning academics, confirmed Turpin is embroiled in an academic dispute and is in the middle of the school’s appeal process, so it’s still not know whether he’ll be available in spring or fall.

The school won’t comment on Turpin’s situation other than to say he’s still a member of the football team. Turpin’s presence in the middle of the defense is, at his best, disruptive to the opposition. And with the Cougars not having a ton of depth on the d-line – and yes, we meant that literally – his absence would be felt.