Ochs’ Career Is in Jeopardy

A third concussion within a year has put Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs’ playing career in jeopardy.

The 18th-ranked Buffaloes have listed Ochs as doubtful for Saturday’s home game against USC.

The junior left Saturday night’s 34-14 victory over San Diego State at halftime.

Ochs was hit hard near the sideline at the end of a 10-yard scramble on the next-to-last play of the first half.

He was taken by ambulance to Boulder Community Hospital as a precaution, but a CAT scan and other tests were negative.

Ochs’ first concussion in college came last September against Kansas. He suffered a second one against Texas A&M; and was held out of the Texas game. Ochs also had a concussion in high school.

Athletic department spokesman Dave Plati said that the coaching and medical staff will be especially cautious with Ochs during his recovery.

After Saturday’s game, Colorado Coach Gary Barnett deflected questions about Ochs’ future.

“I understand and know what you’re going to ask, and I don’t have an answer for it,” Barnett said.

“I’m not sure what the extent of his injury is going to be. For us, it means basically Robert Hodge now is going to have to step up.”

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Northwestern quarterback Alexander Webb will be sidelined at least eight weeks after being hospitalized following a hit during Saturday’s 48-24 home loss to Texas Christian.

Webb, a freshman playing his first game, was admitted to Evanston Hospital with a lacerated liver.

He got caught between two defenders as he threw an interception early in the fourth quarter.