Will Dwayne Wright Make His Season Debut vs the Spartans?

Redshirt junior running back Dwayne Wright has not played a down of football since injuring his knee on 9/11/04 against Kansas State. Wright is listed as probable for this weekend's game against San Jose State, will he play?

At the beginning of the season it was thought Wright could be ready to play as early as October 8 versus New Mexico State, and the latest October 29 against Hawaii. Both dates have come and gone, and no Dwayne Wright. If he does not suit up and take some snaps against SJSU, one has to assume will opt for a medical redshirt and make his return in 2006.

Lets face it, the game against the Spartans is nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. No offense to Dick Tomey and the players, but it is the last remaining chance for the Bulldogs, prior to Boise State and USC, to work out any kinks against live competition. I doubt Wright will make his season debut against Boise State or USC, not unless the score is lopsided. Even then what would be the point for Wright to play in mop up duty.

Regardless of what happens this season, it is safe to say that if Wright has a dynamic year in 2006 he is gone to the NFL. The man has a family to support, and that is tough on scholarship checks. Next year will be his fifth year as a college player, and he will only get a sixth if the NCAA grants him a medical hardship for this year, since last year was his redshirt year.

If he is ready to go and willing to go, he needs significant carries against SJSU to get anywhere near game shape. No offense to Sumlin or Mathis, but Dwayne Wright is the best back on the roster. His speed and power are unparalleled.

Boise State at home and USC at the Coliseum is the biggest two game stretch in the program's history. Win the first and the school's first outright Western Athletic Conference title is all but wrapped up. Win the second, and it will not only be the biggest win the program's history but one of the biggest upsets, ever, in college football. Having a healthy trio of tailbacks will only make it easier for the Bulldog's quest to achieve college football greatness.

I you were Dwayne Wright what would you do? What would you be thinking?

• I have a family to support. The sooner I play, the sooner I can support my family better.
• I may never get another chance to play USC on the gridiron.
• I want to be a contributor on the first Bulldog team to go undefeated in the WAC, not just a player on the roster.
• I do not want to waste a year of eligibility on a couple of games.
• I want two full years to show NFL scouts that I am fully recovered from my knee.
• How in the hell did Dontrell Moore recover so damn quick from his injury?