It’s Week 12 of college football, which this year means it’s time for the annual Bedlam game against Big-12 powerhouses Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. It’s particularly interesting this year as the Sooners have proven themselves notably vulnerable in two losses to unranked teams. It all boils down to the biggest Big-12 game of the year. Meanwhile, the looming contest between unbeaten Indiana and similarly undefeated Ohio State similarly promises to be the biggest Big Ten game of the year. So let’s talk about the games, leave questions on prospects, and enjoy the weekend!
Keep your eyes on:
Tarron Jackson, EDGE (Coastal Carolina)
The Chanticleers are ranked 15th this year mostly thanks to their offense, but you don’t make it to 7-0 without decent prospects across the board. Jackson is the start on the defensive side of the ball, and is coming off a monster game against South Alabama where he finished with two sacks and two tackles-for-loss. Saturday he’ll need to bring that same energy, as Appalachian State’s offense is explosive, and the game promises to be a track meet.
Other players to watch:
Chuba Hubbard RB (Oklahoma State)
Hubbard broke out as a prospect last year but surprisingly chose to stay in school. Although he’s dealt with an injury in recent weeks, before that he looked like the same explosive, patient runner, especially on zone runs. He’ll be returning to action this week in the Bedlam game against Oklahoma, whose defense looks improved from last year, even if they haven’t played many offensive-heavy teams. Hubbard’s challenge will be to run around and through the Sooners’ speedy linebackers.
Jayson Oweh EDGE (Penn State)
Penn State has been a massive failure this year as a team, and that disappointment somewhat extends to a lot of their prospects. Although he’s only a sophomore and still young, Oweh was expected to be one of the best edge defenders in the nation. Instead, he comes into this week’s game with 15 solo tackles and no sacks. Turning around his performance this season should be of the utmost concern this week, against a dominating Iowa offensive line that has pretty much bullied opposing defensive lines so far this season.
Brant Kuithe TE (Utah)
The Utes have had two straight games canceled, which has prevented any evaluation of a handful of decent prospects this year. That list includes the junior tight end, who has uncommon athleticism for the position. With his toughness, agility and speed, he’s everything you want in the passing game, even if he leaves something to be desired in the blocking aspects. His battle this week with USC safety Talanoa Hufanga—known as the ‘Trojan Missile’—should be a fun one.
Charleston Rambo WR (Oklahoma)
The senior wide receiver has flashed for several years and has been waiting for his chance to be the featured target in the passing game. Unfortunately for him, it’s looking like teammate Marvin Mims is that player, so Rambo has had to make do with leftovers. The exception to that could be this week’s Bedlam game, as it promises to be a complete shootout for both teams. Here’s hoping Rambo demonstrates that he can be the reliable receiver over the middle.
Game of the Week
No. 9 Indiana at No. 3 Ohio State
Saturday, 12:00 P.M. EST
FOX
It’s the upstart Hoosiers against the steamrolling Buckeyes.
Indiana is 4-0 thanks to their dynamic pass-happy offense, led by receivers Ty Fryfogle and Whop Philyor. Fryfogle just caught 11 receptions for 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State. Outside of those two players, the team has two talented defensive tackles in Jerome Johnson and Jovan Swann. In that same game against MSU, Johnson had four tackles and two sacks. Meanwhile, Swann is a transfer from Stanford looking to make a mark with his new team.
The Buckeyes are stacked from top to bottom, and it all starts with Justin Fields. He’s supported by two of the best lineman in the country in guard Wyatt Davis and center Josh Myers and his favorite target in the passing game Chris Olave. The defense meanwhile sports top cornerback Shaun Wade, a likely first-round pick.