College football notebook

Gators suspend linebacker Spikes

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Top-ranked Florida will be without star linebacker Brandon Spikes for the first half of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

Coach Urban Meyer suspended Spikes yesterday, two days after the defensive captain apparently attempted to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in a 41-17 victory.

"I don't condone that," Meyer said. "I understand what goes on on the football (field), but there's no place for that. We're going to suspend Brandon for the first half of the Vanderbilt game. I spoke with him. That's not who he is. That's not who we are. He got caught up in emotion."

Meyer's wife mentioned Spikes' actions to him Sunday night, then defensive coordinator Charlie Strong did the same Monday morning. Meyer said his first reaction was to move on. Then he saw a replay of the incident, which shows Spikes shoving his glove-covered right hand into Ealey's facemask and moving it back and forth.

Meyer then spoke to Spikes and determined he was retaliating after getting his helmet ripped off and eye poked earlier in the game.

Syracuse loses top receiver

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams has quit the team.

Williams, one of the top receivers in the country, told coach Doug Marrone yesterday morning of his decision.

Williams, who did not play last year because of academic problems, was suspended for Syracuse's game against Akron nine days ago for violating team policy.

He ranks sixth nationally with 106.57 receiving yards per game and his seven receptions per game are tied for 14th in the country.

Bearcats' Pike able to practice

CINCINNATI -- Tony Pike will practice with fourth-ranked Cincinnati this week, his status still uncertain because of an injury to his non-passing arm.

Coach Brian Kelly said yesterday that the senior quarterback will participate in more practice drills. Then Kelly will decide whether Pike has a chance to play on Saturday night against Connecticut (4-4).

Pike broke his left forearm last season, had a plate and six screws inserted, and returned after missing two games. With a cast on the arm, he led Cincinnati to its first Big East title.

The plate was damaged in last month's over South Florida. A replacement was inserted.

Blount's status still unclear

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon coach Chip Kelly says there's nothing to report about the possible reinstatement of suspended running back LeGarrette Blount.

Blount was suspended for punching Boise State defensive end Byron Hout in the aftermath of Oregon's season-opening loss to the Broncos. He was suspended for the season by Kelly the next day, but allowed to continue practicing with the team.

Kelly later announced that Blount could be reinstated if he met certain conditions.

There was speculation Blount could return this week because Kelly had previously targeted Saturday's game against Stanford as his first possible appearance. -- The Associated Press