College football continues this Saturday with a slate of non-conference games that range in excitement from the snooze-fest of Fordham-Ball State all the way to the weak selection for “Game of the Week.” On the more exciting end of the spectrum is the best team in the country, Clemson, looking to go 2-0 against a rising Texas A&M squad ranked 12th, as well as a Purdue-Vanderbilt face-off that will feature several future mid-round prospects.
As always, let’s talk about the games, leave questions on prospects, and enjoy the weekend!
Keep your eyes on
CB A.J. Terrell (Clemson)
A former five-star recruit, Terrell is an elite, physical outside corner for the Tigers in the mold of last year’s second-round pick from Clemson, Trayvon Mullen. Terrell’s task this year is to establish that he deserves to be considered among the best at his position, and that begins this week against Texas A&M. The Aggies sport a pair of potential NFL receivers led by Quartney Davis. The redshirt junior caught six passes for 85 yards last week, albeit against Texas State, and looks like a smooth operator.
Other prospects to watch
WR Darnell Mooney (Tulane)
Averaging 20 yards per reception last year, the 5’11” Mooney is electric in the open field and an ultra-fast deep threat. He’s improved every year statistically and already looks like a 2020 breakout candidate. His biggest challenge of the season comes this week in the form of Auburn and their SEC-caliber defense. Although the corners are round and untested, the Tigers’ secondary has been formidable for several years.
TE Tyler Mabry (Maryland)
Another transfer from University at Buffalo, the senior Mabry is known for his solid blocking just as much as his sure hands. Largely underutilized at UB, Mabry transferred to Maryland in the hopes of seeing more production in the passing game. He should be prepared to be targeted a bunch this week, as Syracuse’s dual-threat offense rolls into town and the Terrapins may be forced to go to the air in order to keep up.
MLB Markus Bailey (Purdue)
One of the heroes from last year’s upset of Ohio State, Bailey is a do-it-all prospect for the Boilermakers at middle linebacker. He can defend the pass, rush the quarterback, or stuff the run equally well. He’ll need to do all of those things with aplomb against Vanderbilt, because the Commodores bring with them one of the best running backs in the nation in Ke’Shawn Vaughn, as well as talented tight end Jared Pickney.
OT Kamaal Seymour (Rutgers)
Rutgers is just an awful football team that doesn’t stand a chance against No. 20 Iowa. However, they do have a single NFL prospect in Seymour. The redshirt senior has good size, length and girth for the tackle position and has already started 32 games for the Scarlet Knights. He’ll need to be at the top of his game against Hawkeyes pass rusher A.J. Epenesa, who may be the most complete defensive end in the country.
Game of the Week
No. 6 LSU at No. 9 Texas
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., EST
ABC
A massive game between two College Football Playoff hopefuls, both teams are a bit top-heavy with NFL prospects. LSU brings an elite secondary with Grant Delpit as far-and-away the best safety prospect in the country—and a likely top-ten pick—as well as Kristian Fulton, whose play style is reminiscent of Tre’Davious White. The riser on defense, though, could be immensely athletic edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, who is looking to stay healthy and cement himself as a first-round pick. Texas will look to challenge the Tigers defense with Collin Johnson. The 6’6” bully receiver can out-jump just about any cornerback. On the Longhorns’ back end, they bring along versatile safety Brandon Jones, who was fourth on the team in tackles but is nonetheless is looking to turn in more big-plays.