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After a few relatively quiet weeks, this week’s slate of college football games is LOADED with marquee matchups. With such an exciting slate, tons of high profile players will unsurprisingly be put to trial against equally talented opponents. Here are some players I’m keeping an eye on!
- Julian Blackmon, Safety, Utah v. USC (Friday, 9 PM on FS1): Utah is fielding one of the best defenses in the country and Julian Blackman is a big reason why. The senior safety moved from cornerback for this season and has been incredibly effective thus far. Blackman will face a big test against a USC offense with a lot of big play threats. He could vault himself into high draft consideration with a high impact game.
- Curtis Weaver, EDGE, BSU v. Air Force (Friday, 9 PM on ESPN2): Curtis Weaver has been outstanding coming off the edge for the Broncos this season. Air Force fields an unconventional offense that’s vaulted them to a 2-0 start. Weaver will need to come up big against the run and pass all game.
- Grant Delpit, Safety, LSU v. Vanderbilt (Saturday, 12 PM on SECN): Grant Delpit has been outstanding this season, living up to hype after a phenomenal sophomore season. Vanderbilt has gotten off to a rough start, but their offense has weapons that will need limiting. Delpit could put on a show.
- Tyler Biadasz, Center, Wisconsin v. Michigan (Saturday, 12 PM on Fox): All eyes will be on Jonathan Taylor against Michigan’s tough defense, but I’ll be curious how Wisconsin’s star Center can pave the way for him.
- Marlon Davidson, EDGE, Auburn v. Texas A&M (Saturday, 3:30 PM on CBS): Auburn’s defensive line has a handful of NFL draft prospects. I’m particularly excited to see their top pass rusher this year against a dangerous Texas A&M offense.
- Hunter Bryant, Tight End, Washington v. BYU (Saturday, 3:30 PM on ABC): Hunter Bryant has been among the top tight ends in the country this year. In Washington’s offense, Bryant has been a favorite target of Jacob season. BYU fields a stingy defense that will test Washington, but Bryant being a safe option in the passing game means we’ll get to see a lot of him.
- Errol Thompson, Linebacker, Mississippi State v. Kentucky (Saturday, 4 PM on SECN): Erroll Thompson has quietly been one of the best linebackers in the country this season. Kentucky is not the toughest team, but they will play the Bulldogs close. Thompson will be crucial in leading Mississippi State’s defense.
- Paulson Adebo, Cornerback, Stanford v. Oregon (Saturday, 7 PM on ESPN): After a hot start, Paulson Adebo came back down to earth against UCF. The defensive back was roasted several times and was scored on twice. Adebo will need to rebound in a rivalry game against Oregon and their high powered passing game.
- Tylan Wallace, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State v. Texas (Saturday, 7:30 PM on ABC): Tylan Wallace has been incredibly prolific catching the football. OSU’s showdown with Texas is fixing to be a shootout, which means a lot of targets for Wallace to shine.
- Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame v. Georgia (Saturday, 8 PM on CBS): Julian Okwara entered the season with a heavy dose of hype. The athletic pass rusher has a lot of upside but hasn’t quite stuffed the stat sheet like Notre Dame was hoping this season. Against a Georgia offense that can score on any play, run or pass, Okwara will need to turn it on. As a pass rusher and run defender, keep an eye on Okwara because this is the big stage where he can prove himself.