Here’s a few things to keep an eye on today:
Saturday NFL Draft watch notes
- Much was expected of Texas defensive end Sergio Kindle this season. In 2008, he finally lived up his prep hype playing outside linebacker. In two games this season, though, he has no sacks. Come up empty against Texas Tech and it’s time to start wondering about his draft status. He seems more fluid at linebacker, but his ability to get around the corner has never been the best.
- Playing against Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State this year, Nebraska senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh hasn’t been asked to do much. He has 12 tackles and a sack going into today’s game against Virginia Tech. This game could help Suh showcase his run-stopping abilities. Tech is 13th nationally in rushing offense and has a good offensive line. It will be interesting to watch Suh’s snaps head-to-head against Tech guard Sergio Render. Both are close to being the top player at their positions.
- Typically, unless you’re an alum, it would be easy to overlook this weekend’s Northwestern/Syracuse game. However, watch and you’ll see two of the best senior defensive linemen in the nation. For Syracuse, senior Arthur Jones has a quick, pocket-busting tackle. For the Wildcats, it doesn’t get any better than 6-foot-7 defensive end Corey Wootton. An MTD favorite, this will be Wootton’s first test of the season after Northwestern started against Towson and Eastern Michigan. Reportedly his knee is still giving him some problems following surgery last season.
- In two games this season, Toledo quarterback Aaron Opelt has more than 700 yards passing and seven touchdowns. This week, Opelt and the Rockets face Ohio State at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Another good game and Opelt's value will be on the rise even more. Also look for Toledo safety Barry Church. He's a good all-around safety but the Buckeyes will test his speed. If he has a good game and shows some athleticism, there's no reason to think he shouldn't be drafted in the first four rounds next April.
- Another player with a tough matchup this week is Washington quarterback Jake Locker. He looked really good against LSU the first week of the season and could challenge Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen as the third-best junior quarterback in the nation (behind Sam Bradford and Jevan Snead). Locker improved his throwing fundamentals this offseason and has always been plenty athletic.
- In his last four road games, California running back Jahvid Best has averaged less than 80 yards rushing a game. While that’s not terrible, much more is expected of an elite running back. Although Minnesota isn’t known as a great defensive team, there have been questions about Best against top competition.
- Also intriguing in the Minnesota/Cal game is the likely matchup between Gophers wide receiver Eric Decker and Golden Bears cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson. Decker has by far the size advantage, but Thompson has good quickness and instincts. A good game from either could elevate their stock into the second round.
- It’s arguable, but no quarterback has looked like a better NFL Draft prospect this season than Cincinnati’s Tony Pike. The 6-foot-6 senior threw the ball all over the field against Rutgers, passing for 362 and three touchdowns. In two games, he has 591 passing yards and is completing an impressive 77 percent of his passes. Oregon State doesn’t have a lot of great secondary talent but has a solid pass rush. Pike’s pocket presence will really be put to the test.
- Something to think about: Jevan Snead has never thrown for 300 yards in college. Playing against Southeastern Louisiana today, he might just get his chance.
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