Welcome to Week 10 of college football. The slate is absolutely loaded with ranked match ups, which means great tests for some of the country’s best NFL prospects. Here is who I will be keeping a close eye on. All listed times are Eastern.
LJ Martin, Running Back, BYU v. Utah (12 PM on ABC): Saturday kicks off with a heavy hitting rivalry game in the holy land of Utah. Two top ten ranked teams face off in a game with bad enough blood before you put a playoff spot on the line. For BYU, I will be keeping a close eye on LJ Martin. The big, bruising running back is the engine of the Cougars offense and will need to thrive running into the teeth of a tough Utah defense.
Cayden Green, Offensive Tackle, Missouri v. Texas (12 PM on ESPN): This SEC showdown will feature the best offensive tackle in the country, Cayden Green, facing off against Texas’ Colin Simmons. Simmons is arguably the best defensive prospect in this class and will be fired up for this ranked match up. Cayden Green can bolster his resume by shutting him down.
Nyck Harbor, Wide Receiver, South Carolina v. Texas A&M (3 PM on ESPN): Nyck Harbor has been something of an enigma since he got to South Carolina. He is supremely talented with great size and sprinter speed, but has frustrating ups and downs in his play. Over the last two weeks, Harbor has played some great football and helped the Gamecocks get back in the win column. Has he finally figured it out? South Carolina will want to log another conference win and Harbor can help.
Trey’Dez Green, Tight End, LSU v. Alabama (3:30 PM on ABC): The LSU/Alabama game will feature a ton of NFL talent but I am really interested to see Trey’Dez Green’s play in this one. Green is immensely gifted and has the tools to really take over this game. Will he?
Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge Defender, Oregon v. Ohio State (3:30 PM on CBS): Oregon has not had their dream season but they remain ranked after an impressive win last week. Now they can take down a wounded Ohio State team to remain in the hunt for a Big 10 title. Matayo Uigalelei is their best defender this year and has been able to make big plays as a pass rusher. With Julian Sayin out, Uigalelei and company can make life difficult for whoever lines up under center for the Buckeyes.
Darian Mensah, Quarterback, Miami v. Notre Dame (7:30 PM on NBC): Darian Mensah has played like the best quarterback in the country this year. He’s gotten better every single season he’s been playing college ball and he looks like a high first round pick this year. This game will be a doozy. Not only is Mensah without his all world receiver, Malachi Toney, but he is facing a really talented Notre Dame defense. Can Mensah pull out a win without his top weapon? It could be a statement game for the talented junior.
Will Echoles, Defensive Lineman, Ole Miss v. Georgia (7:30 PM on ABC): Another game that will have a ton of big name prospects, I am curious how Will Echoles fairs against a balanced Georgia offense. He will need to play great football on all three downs to help Mississippi notch a big win.
