| | UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Cordell Mitchell was on the
sideline last year for most of the Penn State's big games.
Add Saturday's clash with No. 8 Miami to Mitchell's list.
The fifth-year senior running back will not make the trip to the Orange
Bowl because of a hip contusion in his left leg.
"It's still real tender," Mitchell said of his thigh. "It's getting
better, but it's real slow. Real slow."
Mitchell opened last season as Penn State's starting tailback before a
pinched shoulder nerve sidelined him for the team's final four games and
the Outback Bowl. He still managed 511 yards rushing, second best on the team, and two
touchdowns before the injury.
Mitchell began this season as the No. 1 tailback, but another injury sent
him back to the sidelines.
Earlier this week, Penn State coach Joe Paterno hinted of Mitchell's
absence from the lineup again for the Miami game.
"Cordell's injury is really a very disturbing one," Paterno said. "It is a
very sensitive injury. We can't put our finger on why it hasn't recovered
a little bit quicker than it has."
During the Arizona game, Mitchell took a hit to the thigh.
"It was just sore then," Mitchell said. "I kept playing."
Against Akron, Mitchell got blasted in the leg again, so he'll be watching
Saturday's game on TV.
"It just seems like just yesterday I was sitting at home watching the
game," Mitchell said. "I just got done doing that. I do feel like I've had a little bit of bad luck. The thing I was most
concerned about -- the shoulder -- that's fine. Now it's something else."
In Mitchell's absence last weekend, sophomore Eric McCoo carried much of
the load, rushing 16 times for 46 yards. That was the highest carry total
of any Penn State running back this season.
So with his health in question, Mitchell might miss the next few games and
could fall further down the depth chart.
At least one of his teammates thinks his presence will be sorely missed
Saturday.
"Cordell is excellent," Lions center Frank Spano said. "He really is an
awesome football player. He's a leader by example. Losing him is a shame."
Until his thigh heals, Mitchell has one goal in mind -- getting back in
the starting lineup. He admits that won't be easy.
"I know that when I come back I'll have to work extra hard," Mitchell
said. "I know that I'm losing ground by not playing. But I just have to work hard and try to get back in the mix."
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