AROUND THE NATION;JU's McGregor earns Pioneer Football League honor

Published Oct. 15, 2010 10:03 p.m. ET

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Jacksonville University quarterback Josh McGregor was named Pioneer Football League's Offensive Player of the Week for his play against Drake as he had his third consecutive 300-yard passing performance.

McGregor, a junior, completed 21-of-35 passes for 320 yards and scored on a career-long 39-yard run in the Dolphins' 39-34 win over the Bulldogs.

McGregor has passed for at least 300 yards in five of JU's six games this season, including a career-best 405-yard effort against Davidson.

UNC KICKS AUSTIN OFF TEAM

North Carolina kicked star defensive tackle Marvin Austin off the team and said the NCAA declared receiver Greg Little and defensive end Robert Quinn permanently ineligible.

The announcements came as part of the investigations into whether players received improper benefits from agents.

Athletic director Dick Baddour called it "a sad day" because the players "made serious mistakes in judgment in accepting extra benefits."

The NCAA said Little and Quinn each accepted roughly $5,000 worth of jewelry, travel accommodations and other benefits.

Austin had been suspended since Sept. 1 for violating unidentified team rules.

"I want to apologize to the NCAA and the entire North Carolina Tar Heel community including my teammates, coaches, students and fans," Austin said in a statement. "I have let you all down and I am truly sorry."

SABAN: FLUKER, JONES HURT

Alabama receiver Julio Jones broke his hand against South Carolina and his status for the Crimson Tide's game Saturday against Ole Miss is uncertain.

Right tackle D.J. Fluker has a groin injury and will miss at least a week.

Coach Nick Saban said Monday that Jones had surgery to have a plate and screw inserted. The coach said whether Jones can return for Saturday's home game will be based on his pain tolerance.

Jones played after the injury and finished with eight catches for 118 yards.

MISSISSIPPI STATE WR OUT

Mississippi State receiver Leon Berry will miss the rest of the regular season because of a dislocated ankle suffered during Saturday's 47-24 victory over Houston.

Coach Dan Mullen said Berry, a junior, could possibly return if the Bulldogs make a bowl game. Berry has caught eight passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. He was also the Bulldogs' main kick returner, averaging 26.8 yards per return.

ELSEWHERE

Houston is asking the NCAA for a waiver to allow injured QB Case Keenum to play a sixth season. ... Kickoff for Tennessee's Oct. 23 game with Alabama is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN.