Initial availability report for IU football’s CFP quarterfinal against Alabama released

An IU football pylon.

The first availability report for IU football’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against Alabama was released on Monday.

The top-ranked Hoosiers will kick off on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET against the Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Indiana is currently a 7-point favorite.

While there were no surprises in terms of the players who are listed as out – Stephen Daley, Kellan Wyatt, Bryson Bonds and Lee Beebe Jr. – it appears the Hoosiers may get kicker Brendan Franke back.

The report lists Franke, who has not played since IU’s win against UCLA in October, as probable to play. Franke was injured on the opening kickoff against the Bruins.

In IU’s win at Oregon on October 11, Franke connected on his first career field goal, a 58-yarder, which set an Autzen Stadium record and tied the Hoosiers’ team record (Griffin Oakes in 2014).

Franke, known for his placekicking ability, has made 51 kickoffs this season, with 47 resulting in touchbacks. Before he arrived at IU this season, Franke played at Nebraska, Georgia Southern and Texas State.

By rule, participating CFP programs must submit availability reports three days before each game, with daily updates culminating in a final report 90 minutes before game time.

Players listed on the report must be designated as “available,” “probable,” “questionable,” “doubtful,” or “out” before game day; and as “available,” “game time decision,” or “out” on game day.

Here’s the full initial availability report released Monday evening:

IU-Alabama availability report.

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