2016 NFL Draft scouting: Week 2 college football viewing guide

Now into week two, the NCAA schedules are starting to phase out the creampuff games and put in the even matchups. Still, you'll find that most of the Top 25 teams are still playing weaker squads (I'm sorry to any Lamar alumni; I did not know that was a college football team), so this could be a good weak to watch a less-heralded conference matchup.

Game of the week

(7) Oregon at (5) Michigan State

8:00 p.m. ET, ABC and WatchESPN

In the rematch of the hyped early-season meeting from last year, some players are the same and some have moved on. Michigan State's core is another year older and more experienced. Connor Cook heads the offense, and the quarterback is looking for a strong season to solidify a first-round grade in scouting circles. Redshirt junior Jack Conklin holds down the left tackle position, and he has another draftable teammate at center in Jack Allen. Edge rusher Shilique Calhoun has led the Spartans in sacks for the last two seasons, but a lukewarm draft grade caused him to return for his final season of eligibility. Michigan State has had a strong secondary in recent years, so keep an eye on safety R.J. Williamson and cornerback Demetrious Cox.

Oregon is reloading a year after having five starters drafted (quarterback Marcus Mariota, defensive end Arik Armstead, left tackle Jake Fisher, center Hroniss Grasu, and cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu). And yet, every replacement looks like he might have a chance in the NFL. Vernon Adams is the new quarterback, and the transfer from Eastern Washington put up video game numbers in FCS. He managed to be named the starter after barely practicing in the spring due to academic transfer rules, and putting him in charge of Oregon's high-powered offense seems like it should be illegal. That said, the dual-threat quarterback is lacking in height and passing refinement, so his best course is to latch onto a team as a late-round pick, in all likelihood. Tyler Johnstone is back at left tackle after recovering from injuries. When healthy, he was good enough to push Fisher (a second-round pick) to right tackle, so scouts are watching closely. They even have an experienced center replacing Grasu, in Notre Dame graduate transfer Matt Hegarty. DeForest Buckner is the 6'7", 290-pound freak athlete replacing freak athlete Armstead. He moves and uses his length well, but his pass rushing is still unrefined. The Ducks also have two skill players worth noting in receiver Bralon Addison and receiver/running back Byron Marshall.

Five guys I'm paying attention to this week

1. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

He's 6'5" and 310 pounds of athleticism at the defensive tackle position. He'll be facing an experienced LSU offensive line.

2. Gunner Kiel, QB, Cincinnati

This week, Kiel plays a Temple defense that shut down Christian Hackenberg and sacked him 10 times. Will Kiel be able to pick them apart?

3. Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota

Murray had eight tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception against TCU last week. This week, he faces a great receiver in Rashard Higgins. I want to see who wins the one-on-one matchups.

4. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

Prescott is one of the senior quarterbacks upon whom I'm keeping a close eye this year. He's challenging LSU this week, which should be a good early-season litmus test.

5. Noah Spence, ER, Eastern Kentucky

Spence was formerly a hot prospect at Ohio State before a number of drug suspensions cut him from the team. Playing NC State this week, Spence has a good chance to show he has at least maintained talent on the field, chasing down Jacoby Brissett.

Discussion topic for the week

How much do you watch college football each week? Do you watch it more than the NFL? Is it something you watch live, or do you try to watch the highlights or DVR things for later?