Ohio State's starting strong safety, Kurt Coleman, will likely miss the season opener against Youngstown State because of an ankle injury in practice this week.

Coach Jim Tressel disclosed the injury yesterday. Coleman was the No. 2 Buckeyes' third-leading tackler a year ago. "We'll probably hold him [out]. You have to think about the long haul." His replacement tomorrow would be Jermale Hines.

Coleman's absence adds to a shortage of players in the secondary. Starting cornerback Donald Washington and backup safety Jamario O'Neal are serving two-game suspensions for breaking unspecified team rules. Eugene Clifford, a backup safety, left the team over the summer after being disciplined last year.

Southern California

Coach Pete Carroll officially designated Mark Sanchez as the starter tomorrow against Virginia, Doctors checked out Sanchez's left knee and cleared him to play. Aaron Corp would be the first quarterback off the bench if Sanchez needed relief for the No. 3 Trojans. Corp has nudged ahead of Mitch Mustain after a tight camp-long battle.

Florida State

Running back Tavares Pressley was carted off the field yesterday after injuring his left knee during practice. A team official said Pressley will be re-examined today to determine the severity of the injury.

Oregon

Quarterback Nate Costa will be out for the season after surgeons repairing a torn meniscus in his left knee also found a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Costa also missed last season with a knee injury. Justin Roper will start tomorrow night for No. 21 Oregon in its opener against Washington at Autzen Stadium.

North Carolina State

Quarterback Russell Wilson was taken off the field on a stretcher in the second quarter against South Carolina last night after taking a knee to the head while being sacked. It was announced that Wilson had a concussion and was taken to a hospital to be examined. Wilson was tackled by Jordin Lindsey and the side of his head hit the knee of South Carolina's Cliff Matthews.

Last night's games

Cincinnati quarterback Dustin Grutza threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in a 40-7 victory against visiting Eastern Kentucky. ... Dan LeFevour threw for 213 yards and had three touchdown passes as host Central Michigan defeated Eastern Illinois 31-12. ... A field goal by Alex Ashley on the final play of the game gave Fairmont State a 23-20 win against host Clarion.