More devastating to Oklahoma's national-title hopes than the season-opening defeat to BYU are the season-ending loss of senior TE Jermaine Gresham to torn cartilage in his right knee and the potential long-term loss of QB Sam Bradford.

Doctors determined Gresham needed to have cartilage stitched together when he was undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday, and it is expected to take five months to recover, which should position Gresham well to return for postseason NFL workouts. Gresham graded out as a late-first-round talent prior to the injury, and his recovery could have an impact on his status despite not previously having missed a practice during his time at Oklahoma with injuries.

Bradford reportedly is expected to return much more quickly, saying early in the week that he was going to forgo surgery on his separated shoulder, but the situation remains fluid as he analyzes his future, and it's possible he could shut it down for the season. Early feedback from the NFL scouting community does not make a decision to sit out look favorable.

"I would have a hard time drafting a quarterback in the first round that got knocked out in the first game with a throwing-shoulder injury and does not come back and prove he can respond from it," one seasoned, high-level NFL executive said. "Would I give a guy like that $40 million to $50 million — no way in hell, not with the way that guy is built."

But all it takes is one NFL team in need of a quarterback to disagree, as Bradford has enough tape from his first two years to be evaluated that he could consider it. Either way, it appears it will be a very difficult decision for the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner.

• Opinions are surprisingly split around the NFL regarding the actions of LeGarrette Blount following a loss to Boise State, when he cold-cocked a taunting Boise State DT Byron Hout following the game and continually had to be restrained amid a section of critical Boise fans that took a slap at him as he was exiting the stadium and aroused another adverse reaction from the overly emotional senior. Given Blount's track record of off-field troubles, having been suspended in the spring for missing class and workouts, and carrying a reputation prior to joining the program for being irresponsible, easily distracted and undisciplined, it's very possible Blount could have cost himself millions on Draft Day due to the season-long suspension he was given. Some evaluators believed first-year head coach Chip Kelly's punishment was too harsh for the crime, given the poor sportsmanship shown by Hout. Nonetheless, it is possible Blount goes undrafted following the incident, given his history off off-field transgressions. His inability to control his emotions, after an even more disappointing, lackluster effort, when he rushed eight times for minus-five yards, could prevent teams from taking more than a late-round flier.

• When Georgia Tech hosts Clemson Thursday night, two of the nation's top RB prospects will be on display and both should be motivated to prove they are not only the top backs in the ACC, but the top RB prospects for the NFL draft. Clemson's C.J. Spiller dazzled in the season opener against Middle Tennessee a week ago when he returned the opening kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown, in the process setting the Tigers' school record for returned scores. He returned a punt 50 yards in the second quarter but said afterward that he tweaked a hamstring on the play and that's why he did not return after the half. Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer did not waste any time making an impact against Jacksonville State either, ripping off a 74-yard run on the first play from scrimmage. Like Spiller, Dwyer did not play in the second half, resting for the big early-season ACC showdown.

• It was a big week for senior receivers. Many of Eric Decker's nine catches were contested against Syracuse, but the Minnesota star still managed to rack up 183 receiving yards and tracked the ball very well over his shoulder. Texas' Jordan Shipley grabbed 8-180-1 against Louisiana-Monroe, and Michigan State's Blair White, a former walk-on, finished with 9-162-2 against Montana State.

• Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, who is expected to depart early following the season, has taken some strides since he entered the program as an overhyped, underpowered passer and his arm talent looked improved against Nevada. He threw with touch, saw the field well and played with an infectious energy and bounce in his step that could help him adjust to the pro game. How Brady Quinn fares in his first season as a starter for the Browns, after beating out Derek Anderson for the job this week, ultimately could have some influence on how Clausen is viewed by evaluators. Despite playing in a pro-style offense under Charlie Weis, which should greatly enhance Clausen's transition to the NFL game, offensive systems are increasingly being scrutinized by evaluators to determine how much good coaching is concealing the shortcomings of passers.

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