ESPN is reporting that former UConn offensive lineman Donald Thomas, who was expected to start at left guard, will need surgery to repair a torn quad and he is expected to be sidelined for the entire 2014 season. The Colts made it official when Thomas was placed on injured reserve.

Thomas suffered the same injury in the second game of the 2013 season and missed the rest of the season. He was injured during Wednesday's practice and reports said that Thomas was understandably emotional as he left the practice field.

As for this year's UConn team, the official point spreads for the opening week games were posted on Phil Steele's blog and UConn is a 17-point underdog to BYU. Only five other visiting teams are favored by more points than the Cougars as Alabama (a 27-point favorite at West Virginia), Marshall (plus 24 at Miami of Ohio), UCLA (plus 23.5 at Virginia) top the list while Florida State and Ohio State are 17.5-point favorites at Oklahoma State and Navy respectively.