CFB notebook: Texas A&M’s Sumlin responds to criticism

Embattled Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin sidestepped criticism by a board of regents member and said he doesn’t pay attention to outside analysis.

Sumlin’s Aggies blew a 34-point lead during Sunday’s 45-44 loss to UCLA and that prompted regent Tony Buzbee to deliver harsh criticism that included calling for Sumlin to be fired.

Sumlin took the high road Tuesday when he met with the media while allowing that the loss was highly disappointing.

“People are frustrated. I’m frustrated about a lot of things,” Sumlin said. “I’m not real happy. I’m sure there are a lot of things being said about this program.

“Our focus is on us. That never changes. I’m not in the business of really paying attention to anything outside this program, or comments good or bad. My focus is on what we can do to be better. I don’t really have time to get involved in things that are said about the program or about me.”

–Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings is expected to be sidelined as many as 12 weeks with a dislocated wrist, VolQuest.com reported.

Jennings is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday, one day after he was injured in the first half of a 42-41 double-overtime victory over Georgia Tech.

The junior had three catches for 17 yards before sustaining the injury. Jennings led the Volunteers with 580 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season.

–Maryland’s biggest victory in several seasons came with a high cost.

Terrapins coach D.J. Durkin announced at his Tuesday press conference that starting quarterback Tyrell Pigrome will miss the rest of the season because of a torn ACL.

Pigrome sustained the injury at the end of the third quarter in Maryland’s wild 51-41 victory at then-No. 23 Texas on Saturday. The Terrapins had lost 17 consecutive games to ranked teams.

–Texas A&M quarterback Nick Starkel and senior free safety Donovan Wilson each underwent surgery and are expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time, coach Kevin Sumlin announced on his weekly radio show.

Starkel underwent surgery on a fractured ankle Monday morning and Wilson had a screw inserted into his injured left foot, Sumlin said.

“I don’t know if those guys will be back or not (by the end of the season),” Sumlin said. “Those two guys are out for a long time. We’ll see where they are at the end of the year.”