By: Dave Birkett
AnnArbor.com Staff
Posted: Oct 23, 2009 at 7:02 PM [Oct 23, 2009]
Cornerback Boubacar Cissoko is eligible to play Saturday against Penn State after serving a two-game suspension for violating unspecified team rules, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Friday.
"Boubacar will be eligible to play from our standpoint," Rodriguez said on a video posted on MGoBlue.com. "He's not starting on any units right now, but he's eligible just in case."
Cissoko, a sophomore, started Michigan's first four games at right cornerback, but was benched in the first quarter against Indiana. He did not play the following week against Michigan State, did not travel to Iowa and sat out last week's win over Delaware State.
Troy Woolfolk will make his third straight start at right cornerback against the 13th-ranked Nittany Lions (6-1, 2-1).
Rodriguez also reiterated that center David Molk and running backs Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown are healthy and will play Saturday.
Michigan (5-2, 1-2) can secure its bowl eligibility with a win.
"We know it's a big challenge but our guys are excited to play this game," Rodriguez said. "They know what's in front of them."
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
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tater
Posted Oct 23 2009
Whatever his problems are, I hope Cissoko has used his suspension as a learning experience. There are a few common reasons that players get worse in a program instead of better; most of them are related to behavior. I hope that RR has nipped any behavioral deviations in the bud before they have a chance to damage a young man's life.
rightmind250
Posted Oct 24 2009
Yes, put in Cissoko. The last time he played Clausen made him look like a baffoon. Clark will have a record passing day if he plays cornerback.
azwolverine
Posted Oct 24 2009
He's been out two games...Notre Dame and Clausen was more than two games ago, so that wouldn't be the last time he played.