A bit of a light week thanks to Hurricane Florence, which has led to the cancellation or postponement of six games on the college football slate. There’s still a decent amount of match-ups to get the blood flowing however, as No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 15 TCU promises to be a dog fight and No. 7 Auburn vs. No. 12 LSU could end up deciding who gets to compete with Alabama for the SEC West crown. See below for the prospects worth tracking this Saturday.
As always, let’s talk about the games, leave questions on prospects, and enjoy your weekend.
Keep your eyes on
WR A.J. Brown (Ole Miss)
Arguably the best wide receiver in the nation, Brown already has 251 receiving yards through two games and has proven productive in all areas of the field. His ability to get separation, his hands, and his talent as an open-field runner scream “No. 1 wide receiver.” His task this week is to continue that production in the face of No. 1 Alabama. If Brown puts up some big numbers against the Tide, he could cement himself as a top pick in the NFL draft.
Other prospects to watch
C/G Michael Jordan (Ohio State)
Another in what’s quickly becoming a long line of Ohio State centers with strong pro-potential, Jordan has been settling in at center nicely since being moved over from his left guard spot. He’ll need to show that he can generate movement in the run game this week against No. 15 TCU, as the Horned Frogs are ranked 36th against the run and have yet to concede 100 yards rushing to any running back. It won’t be easy competing against their strong defensive line.
WR Aaron Fuller (Washington)
After losing Dante Pettis to the draft, the Huskies were looking for a wide receiver to step up and fill the void. Although small at 5’11” and 186 pounds, Fuller appears to have filled it—he’s been a spark plug for the Huskies’ offense. His body control and hands are rare for such a speedy receiver. He’ll be tested this week against Utah, which has the second-best passing defense in the nation—as well as talented safety prospect Chase Hansen.
CB Michael Jackson, Sr. (Miami)
Jackson’s had a bit of a slow start to the season after being anointed one of college football’s top corners in 2017. His ball skills are legendary, backed up by his five interceptions last year. He’ll find himself in the spotlight on Saturday, though, as Toledo likes to throw all over the yard to their deep stable of wide receivers. Jackson should come down with his fair share of pass breakups and, quite possibly, his first interception of the 2018 season.
DT David Moa (Boise State)
An undersized but quick defensive tackle, Moa has been injured to start the season but is reportedly healthy enough to start this week against No. 24 Oklahoma State. How Moa plays this year is important—he’s always had great potential but it hasn’t shown yet on the field or the stat sheet. If he can get off on the right foot against the Cowboys he should start to generate some draft buzz.
LT Calvin Anderson (Texas)
A graduate transfer from Rice, Anderson had a holding penalty called against him last week but seemed to hold up pretty well in what was only his second game for the Longhorns. The mission this week will be a lot tougher as USC’s Porter Gustin will provide much more of a challenge. If Anderson has a decent enough game and is able to hold his own, perhaps his NFL stock will rise.
Game of the Week:
No. 12 LSU at No. 7 Auburn
3:30 PM Eastern
CBS
An easy choice this week, each team is littered with NFL prospects, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Auburn quarterback Jarret Stidham is competing to be the top signal-caller in the country, but the Tigers’ strength is with their defensive line. Defensive tackles Derrick Brown and Dontavius Russell are monsters in the run game and have been surprisingly disruptive when rushing the passer this season. Not to be outdone, LSU has two of the best defensive prospects in the country in linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams—both likely to be first round locks next spring.