It was bad enough that Cincinnati dropped Game One of the Butch Jones era this past Saturday.
Now the Bearcats have learned they’ve lost one of their most talented offensive players in the process.
Wide receiver Vidal Hazelton suffered what was originally diagnosed as a knee sprain early in the fourth quarter of the 28-14 loss to Fresno State, but an MRI performed Monday revealed the damage was much, much more extensive. Unfortunately for both Hazelton and Jones, it was announced earlier today that Hazelton tore the ACL in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2010 season.
“It’s very unfortunate and extremely disappointing, especially with the strides that he has made, working his way into football shape after sitting out a year,” Jones said.
The loss of Hazelton is a huge blow for an offense that struggled mightily in the loss.The Bearcats were held to a meager 234 yards of total offense, and Hazelton accounted for just over a quarter of that total as the senior finished with 63 receiving yards. His six receptions tied for the team lead.
Hazelton did not play in 2009 after sitting out the season following a transfer from USC.