This is it for Washington quarterback Jake Locker. He's struggled against top teams and won't face a better defense than Nebraska's all season. The Cornhuskers are again stacked on defense and will get after Locker. They can bring pressure from the inside and outside because their cornerbacks can handle man coverage. Chief among them is Prince Amukamara. It may be a surprise if Locker throws in Amukamara's direction. If nothing else, it could showcase Locker's competitive nature – something that was questioned in the Huskies' opener against BYU.
Left tackle Lee Ziemba was knocked out Auburn's game last Thursday with a knee injury. The knee better be ready for a Clemson pass rush, namely junior Da'Quan Bowers. Although Bowers will have to hold the edge against the run, he'll work hard to get after talented quarterback Cam Newton. A Bowers/Ziemba clash could be the premier one-on-one matchup of the weekend.
Saturday NFL Draft watch notes
Arizona quarterback
has looked like a superstar destroying the Citadel and Toledo. He’s completed 83 percent of his passes for 574 yards and three scores. He’s done all that against little pressure. Enter Iowa’s
. Arguably the most talented defensive end in the nation, Clayborn is a physical lineman who should have no problem getting pressure. Pocket presence is one of Foles’ major issues. It could be exposed today.
The Penn State/Kent State isn’t worth just watching for the Nittany Lions. Kent State has two players on defense that are legit NFL prospects. Linebacker
, a Michigan transfer, is athletic and fast. If he can shed some blocks, look for him to be around the ball at all times. The other is safety
. He projects as a backup/special teams player. He’s a sure tackler and can cover the pass and run.
A lot of people are predicting a Texas Tech upset over Texas. The trio of NFL-ready cornerbacks at Texas could stop that. Junior corner Aaron WIlliams is the best of the bunch. He has some consistency issues, but he’s as good as Amukamara when he’s on.
is maybe the most athletic of the three, but he’s also the most apt to give up the big play. Then there’s Curtis Brown. He has the most potential. He’s big at 6-foot, 182 pounds and ultra agile. Don’t be shocked if he works his way into the first round by season’s end.
There is no doubt that Stanford quarterback
had his ups and downs last week. His resolve will be tested against a Wake Forest defense that plays tough and disciplined.
