Damage postpones LSU game

Louisiana State postponed its Saturday game against Troy after Hurricane Gustav damaged Tiger Stadium and battered the city of Baton Rouge far worse than anticipated.

The university made the decision Wednesday after having a full day to get a handle on damage to the stadium and the community, much of which is expected to be without power into next week.

“It’s the right decision,” LSU Coach Les Miles said.

LSU players reported to their indoor practice field on Tuesday afternoon, first so coaches could make sure everyone was OK, then so they could have meetings and practice in the hope that Saturday’s game could be played. A day later, it was obvious to LSU officials that was not going to happen.

The game between the seventh-ranked Tigers and the Trojans will be played Nov. 15, a previous open date for both schools. LSU officials are hopeful that the Sept. 13 home game against North Texas will be played.

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Former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk lost his final appeal to the NCAA for more playing time. Mauk was turned down by the NCAA’s reinstatement committee, the last step in trying to get another season of eligibility. It was the fifth time that he was turned down by the NCAA staff or its reinstatement committee.

He contended that injuries cost him playing time at Wake Forest, so he should get one more season at Cincinnati.

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Christian Ponder, a sophomore with 18 career passes, will start at quarterback for Florida State in its season opener against Western Carolina. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher selected Ponder over senior Drew Weatherford, who has started 33 games for the Seminoles. . . . Pittsburgh outside linebacker Adam Gunn may miss the rest of his senior season because of a broken neck caused when he collided with teammate Scott McKillop during a 27-17 season-opening loss to Bowling Green on Saturday. . . . Receiver Percy Harvin and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will make their season debuts for No. 5 Florida against Miami on Saturday. . . . Maryland quarterback Jordan Steffy has ligament damage in his right thumb and will be sidelined at least three weeks, returning junior Chris Turner, a former standout at West Hills Chaminade High, to the starting role.