I-A College Football News
Vols' Ainge expected to play despite broken pinkie
Aug 30, 2007, 0:48 GMT
Knoxville, TN - University of Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge is expected to play in Saturday's season opener against California despite a broken pinkie on his throwing hand.
Volunteers head coach Phillip Fulmer said Ainge suffered the injury while taking a snap during practice on Monday.
'He is going to play,' Fulmer said. 'He has thrown and it looks like he's going to be able to throw just fine. I appreciate him showing the toughness to get himself back out there.'
Ainge established a Tennessee season record with a completion percentage of 67.0 last season and was second in the SEC in passing yards per game (249.1). He finished the year fifth all-time among UT passers with 5,178 career yards and sixth in total offense at 4,893. In all, Ainge completed 233-of-348 passes for 2,989 yards.
The Vols head into their opener ranked 15th in the nation, while Cal is 12th.
If Ainge can't play, junior Jonathan Crompton would likely get the start at quarterback. Crompton has completed 47 percent of his passes during his collegiate career.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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