The last two weeks of college football have been exciting with some historic upsets shaking up the rankings. Well, Wofford isn’t suddenly going to take down No. 4 Clemson, but which teams should be watching their back this week? No. 16 Notre Dame should find a tough challenge against an inconsistent Virginia Tech team that has the ability to put up a lot of points on the board at any given time. Then there’s a battle in the American conference, with No. 24 Memphis being one of the few teams that may be able to keep up with No. 14 SMU’s high-powered offense.
So, let’s talk about the games, leave questions on prospects, and enjoy the weekend!
Keep your eyes on
CB Jeff Gladney (TCU)
Among a plethora of second-day cornerbacks looking to jump into the first round is Gladney, TCU’s lockdown corner is in one of the toughest conferences to be a cover-man in college football. One of the areas Gladney can work on is his physicality as a tackler, and this week’s game against Oklahoma State should provide him an opportunity in that area. The Cowboys love to throw quick screens and make outside corners attempt to tackle receiver Tylan Wallace. Wallace had a 71-yard touchdown last week on just such a screen.
Other prospects to watch
RB Joshua Kelley (UCLA)
Kelley is another player looking to stand out in a crowded class, as the 2020 running back class is absolutely packed with superb prospects. The UCLA Bruins back has been on a tear recently, by rushing for more than 150 yards and five touchdowns in two straight games. He’ll need to keep up that type of production against Colorado this week, as the Buffaloes love to get chunk plays and rack up touchdowns with their passing attack, featuring wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.
WR Aaron Fuller (Washington)
Fuller’s ankle is a bit banged up, which means he might be on a pitch count against Utah. That shouldn’t matter to the young receiver, however, as he’s excelled as Washington’s designated deep threat for the last two seasons. Utah presents quiet a challenge for the senior, though, as cornerback Jaylon Johnson has the length that Fuller doesn’t (at 5’11”) and the young corner just helped shutout a decent Cal team.
DT Larrell Murchison (N.C. State)
No one really discusses Murchison as one of this year’s great pass rushers from the defensive tackle position, despite sporting 7.5 sacks already this season. He collected three against Florida State alone. Scouts will be watching his performance this week against Wake Forest, as the Demon Deacons bring along one of the best guards in the ACC, and an NFL prospect in his own right, in Nathan Gilliam.
S Myles Dorn (UNC)
The senior safety has helped his UNC program achieve some respect again by almost upsetting Clemson a month ago and by beating rival Duke last week. At 6’2” and 210 lbs, Dorn is the enforcer for the defense’s back end. A similar prospect to Jonathan Abrams last year, Dorn is at his best when he’s coming downhill, straight at you. Dorn will be tasked with containing the dynamic, dual-threat quarterback Bryce Perkins out of Virginia this week.
Game of the Week
No. 15 SMU at No. 24 Memphis
7:30 PM, EST
ABC
Not your traditional game of the week, but these teams deserve some love after a great first half of the season. SMU’s flawless 6-0 start is powered by their passing game, specifically wide receivers James Proche and Reggie Roberson Jr. Neither player has great size, but they’re both dangerous deep threats. On the defensive side, senior pass rusher Delontae Scott leads his team with 4.5 sacks.
The Memphis Tigers also excel on offense, but their key prospects are tight end Joey Magnifico, and talented quarterback Brady White.