WCU quarterback, three others suspended for State game
Western Carolina was already in for a long afternoon against NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium today.
Chances are it just got even longer with news that senior quarerback Tyrie Adams, the Southern Conference's preseason Player of the Year, has been suspended and will not play.
Adams is one of four Catamounts who were suspended for unspecified "violations of team policies and standards," according to a pregame statement released by WCU coach Mark Speir. The other suspended players are starting offensive guard Matthew Bair, starting defensive lineman Adam Henderson and reserve defensive lineman Elijah Hall.
None of the four made the trip to the game from Cullowhee.
Adams is his school's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense. He threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in last week's season opening loss to Mercer.
In his place, redshirt sophomore Will Jones will make his first career start. A 6-foot-4, 220-pound native of Greensboro, Jones played in eight games last season, going 33 of 59 for 403 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 109 yards and a score.
True freshman Jacob Combs is expected to start a left guard in place of Bair while junior Ricky Palao will start a nose tackle in place of Henderson.
State is a 41 1/2-point favorite against its in-state FCS opponent.
