Florida's Janoris Jenkins struggled a few weeks ago with Alabama's Julio Jones. Today he gets Georgia's A.J. Green. Jenkins matches up better against Green because he's not as physical of a route runner as Jones. But should Jenkins struggle, his stock will continue to fall.
Another top cornerback-wide receiver matchup is Virginia's Ras-I Dowling against Miami's Leonard Hankerson. Dowling hasn't received much press this season playing on a bad team. Baltimore and Tampa Bay will have scouts at the game and the Ravens reportedly like Dowling. He is in a similar mold as former top corner Chris McAlister.
USC's Jurrell Casey has been outspoken leading into today's game against Stanford Oregon. Against an average interior offensive line, the junior defensive tackle could back it up. Casey is a fireplug of a tackle and can get penetration. On the year he has only 4.5 tackles for loss, but that could increase today.
Saturday NFL Draft watch notes
The USC defense features senior outside linebackers Malcolm Smith and
. Both project as solid depth and special teams help. They get the task of containing Oregon’s LaMichael James. Good luck.
Speaking of tackles for loss, the nation's leader in that category is Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers with 17.5. The junior end has really turned it on this year. His power game could give Boston College left tackle Anthony Costanzo trouble today if they go head-to-head. Bowers also leads the nation in sacks with 10 thanks to an impressive bull rush. He's ready for the NFL.
To avoid a trap, Auburn's Nick Fairley will have to continue his impressive play. He's just behind Bowers in tackles for loss with 17. Mississippi has a strong offensive line so Fairley's play will be important. If he gets neutralized by single blockers, Mississippi could put up some points.
If you get ESPN3 online, switch over to the Troy/Louisiana-Monroe game from time to time. Troy wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan is fun to watch. He's dynamite on special teams and a better receiver than most think. Consider him a faster version of Wes Welker.
Stanford's Andrew Luck isn't the only buzz-worthy redshirt sophomore in the nation. Another is Missouri rush end Aldon Smith. He has everything a scout can fall in love with. He's big at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, has long arms and a great burst off the line. Even more, he loves to hit people. "It always feels good when you hear somebody feel the pain," he's said to reporters. In four games, Smith has four sacks after missing time due to a fractured fibula.
If you haven't seen a Colorado game this season,, switch over to ESPN 2 tonight when the Buffaloes play Oklahoma. Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith is generating some buzz. He has developmental upside because he's such a great athlete. Shut down Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles and his stock could soar.
