Really, this is the first big week of college football as conference play really takes off. Below are today's watch notes. We'll have individual posts today for Arkansas/Alabama, Oklahoma State/Texas A&M and LSU/West Virginia.
Clemson defensive end Andre Branch looked good against Auburn last week, but he wasn't lining up against the kind of offensive tackles like the ones on Florida State's roster. Whether he lines up over Andrew Datko or Zebrie Sanders, Branch could have a long game. Of course, if he does well, his stock will be pointing upward.
Another defensive end, Marshall's Vinny Curry, will get a strong test today. Curry and the Thundering Herd face Virginia Tech and its rugged offensive line. Curry has a nice combination of power and speed, so he could burst onto the scene today.
After a quiet week against Michigan State, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd could explode against a weak Pittsburgh secondary today. Pittsburgh will have to double Floyd most of the game to try and stop him. Expect Floyd to get most of his catches on slants and comeback routes. Also keep an eye on Irish cornerback Robert Blanton. He's gaining momentum.
Saturday NFL Draft watch notes
Despite playing against the likes of Cal Poly, Army and Washington State, San Diego State quarterback
has done little to impress this season. He’s only completing 53.7 percent of his passes this season. Michigan has a solid pass defense, so if Lindley could do well, he could turn his draft stock around.
Mississippi running back
has been almost nonexistent this season, running for 39 yards against Vanderbilt and 21 against Brigham Young. He stock is falling and could continue to against a solid Georgia front four.
There is some intrigue in the Kansas State/Miami game today. Former Hurricanes linebacker
has had a highly publicized college career for all the wrong reasons. Despite what’s happened in his past, Brown is playing pretty well for the Wildcats. He leads the team with 19 tackles and has 2.5 tackles for loss. Brown, a junior, will probably go pro with a good season.
It could be a long day for Kentucky linebacker
. He gets the unenviable duty of keeping Florida running back Jeff Demps.
For quarterback
and left tackle
alone, any USC game should be must-see television for NFL Draft fans. But USC is much more than just its two possible top five picks. On defense, junior safety
has a good combination of size and ability. Against Arizona State today, he’ll have to play a lot of coverage, the area of his game where he needs some improvement.
Arizona State has junior quarterback
running the passing offense really well. Today will test whether or not Osweiler is poised in the pocket. Southern California will be getting pressure from junior Nick Perry, a pass rush specialist.
