This document from the archives of Inside the Auburn Tigers is no longer maintained. Links may no longer function. Images may no longer be available.

INSIDE THE AUBURN TIGERS

Pup Wounded Prior to Gator Fight

What could be worse than taking a true freshman who opened the season as the fifth-string center to face one of the country's toughest defenses at The Swamp in Gainesville, Fla. The answer is: Not taking him.

Ben Nowland
Center Du jour: Ben Nowland falls
That is what is happening this weekend with Ben "Pup" Nowland slowed by a foot injury suffered in practice this week. The 6-2, 267-pounder from St. Augustine, Fla., is walking on the foot without major problems, but it is questionable how quickly he will be able to return to action after breaking a small bone in his foot in practice.

With Nowland unable to start against Florida on Saturday, his spot is expected to be taken by 6-3, 286-pound sophomore Colin Sears. The Tigers also have a redshirt freshman walk-on center, 6-1, 282 William Clifton from Opelika. Clifton is a transfer from Southern Mississippi. Sears is more experienced than Nowland. He has started two times at tight guard this season and has also backed up at tackle. He has even gotten some work as a tight end in special blocking situations.

Nowland saw his first collegiate action at Ole Miss when he replaced Karl Lavine, who suffered a shoulder injury. Lavine is currently out of action with a severely sprained ankle suffered in the Tennessee game and is not expected to be available for duty for several weeks. Nowland made his first collegiate start last week at Mississippi State.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]