CFB notebook: Notre Dame DB Crawford reportedly tears ACL

Notre Dame defensive back Shaun Crawford is likely done for the season due to a knee injury, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. Crawford tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Tuesday's practice, Irish Sports Daily reported, citing a source. The Athletic contacted Crawford's father, who would not confirm the injury to his son. John Crawford told the website that the family is awaiting official word from the school. If the reports are true, it will mark the latest blow in what has been a star-crossed career for Crawford with the Fighting Irish. He already has lost nearly two full seasons to injuries in his first two years at Notre Dame. Expected to vie for the starting job at nickel cornerback, Crawford appeared in a career-high 11 games in 2017, totaling 32 tackles, two interceptions, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. --The new athletic director at Kansas does not seem to be in a big rush to change football coaches. Nonetheless, the move to bring in Jeff Long to replace Sheahon Zenger was related mostly to providing the Jayhawks a spark on the gridiron. Kansas is 15-81 in the last eight seasons, last made a bowl appearance 10 years ago and has arguably been at its worst under David Beaty, who stands 3-33 entering his fourth season. Both Beaty and Charlie Weis were hired by Zenger after a two-year run of 5-19 under Turner Gill. Obviously, Long could elect to change coaches quickly if the Jayhawks sputter in nonconference play, beginning with a Sept. 1 opener at home against Nicholls State, which is ranked 17th in the FCS preseason poll and returns 18 starters among 91 veteran players. "Changes are best made at the end of the season," said Long, who chaired the College Football Playoff Committee when he was AD at Arkansas. --Central Michigan will be short-handed in the passing game for Saturday's season opener at Kentucky. Senior wide receiver Devon Spalding has already been ruled out of the contest with an undisclosed injury and starting tight end Logan Hessbrook's status is uncertain, coach John Bonamego said Thursday, per the university's school newspaper. Spalding, one of four team captains, is being shifted from running back to wide receiver this season. He was limited to four games in 2017, rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. Hessbrook is in the return-to-play protocol and listed as day to day by Bonamego.