It's not a lame excuse. Anytime you have 5 starters out that hurts any program. Ask SC, they had some guys out when they lost to HC. We were missing 2 OL starters which was completely rebuilt from last yr (no returners). Not to knock any of those boys, the depth was extremely thin. Also Hammock, and another guy who is out for the season. Missing 5 starters technically. Sergent, has had an undisclosed injury all year but appears to be completely healthy for the first time since his Sophomore year.