What to look for in college football in Week 4....
NO. 12 NOTRE DAME VS NO. 18 WISCONSIN, Noon on FOX
The Irish have been known for their offensive line over the last few years and this unit was expected to reload and be a strength. Thus far they’ve significantly underperformed. Giving QB Jack Coan time in pass pro and being able to run block on 3rd and short will be key for the Irish offense. They have two good running backs but they’ve struggled to run the ball, especially short distance.
The big storyline will be Irish QB Coan facing off against his former Wisconsin teammates. The transfer has had a good start to the season so far. He has outperformed his predecessor, Ian Book, passing the ball but he doesn’t offer any running versatility. The Badgers will pinch with their defensive line and bring heat when needed. The Irish need to win consistently on shorter routes and then open themselves up for a big play from WR Kevin Austin and play-action passes to TE Mike Mayer.
This is a traditional Wisconsin offense; lean on their big offensive line, run the ball with a trio of backs, and efficient quarterback play. Then they play physical, opportunistic defense. Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz looked good last year before he was out with COVID. To start the year he was overmatched against Penn State’s defense. He’ll need to protect the ball against the Irish.
I think the Irish will drop one of their next two games (Wisconsin & Cincinnati) but if they win the turnover battle they should squeeze by the favored Badgers.
Here’s who I am watching:
Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton (S) #14: One of the best players in college football. Safeties are like interior offensive linemen, very important to the success and structure of the team, but not often drafted among the top picks. Hamilton is an exception - he’s the best safety prospect in over 10 years (since Tennessee Volunteer Eric Berry was picked by the Chiefs in 2010). He’s an absolute weapon for the right defensive coordinator. Great physical profile (6’4, 220 lbs) and he’s the type of player the QB needs to find on every play. The challenge for opposing signal-callers is that Hamilton is scheme versatile, can play inside the box, and he has the speed & smarts to play a centerfield role. He’s reliable; consistently making the routine play but offers the upside of the spectacular play. He can cover team mistakes. Top 10 pick.
Kyren Williams (RB) #23: He’s not very big but he is a tough player that also offers pass-catching ability. Strengths are his short-area quickness, he’s a willing blocker in pass pro, and he appeals to coaches because he finishes runs. Rep is that he’s a great teammate. He’s a third-down back at the next level and likely a third-round pick if he declares. He’d be a good future replacement to James White, depending on how the Patriots feel about JJ Taylor long term.
Potential Patriot:
Jarett Patterson (C) #55: Has some versatility, having played multiple positions across the line, but his future in the NFL is at Center. He’s effective taking angles to square off his defender in the run game and uses his size to get extension in pass pro. In summary, good against the pass and best in a zone scheme where his length and athleticism can be utilized. The Patriots haven’t taken an ND lineman in a long time but his versatility is attractive to the back end of an NFL roster. He’s a top 5 Center in the draft, likely Round 4-5.
Future Star:
Mike Mayer (TE) #87: It’s sacrilege to compare anyone to Rob Gronkowski, especially in this part of the country. Mayer wears his number and has the nickname “Baby Gronk”. While watching him you can’t help but think the description fits. He would be the first TE taken this year if he was draft eligible.
Wisconsin
Jack Sanborn (LB) #57: He is the leader of a really good and deep linebacking crew. Good instincts, he is a tough football player who is above average against the run. He’s very good at blitzing and should have an impact on this game against the struggling Irish offensive line. He’s decent in zone coverage but would be a liability in man coverage at the next level. He’s a third-rounder.
Jack Ferguson (TE) #84: Best player on the Wisconsin offense and he’s a natural safety-net for the QB, Graham Mertz. He will likely lead the Badgers in catches and he’s coming from an offense that requires him to block. Will make an NFL roster as a third TE with viability on special teams. I expect him to be a day 3 pick.
Logan Bruss (RG) #60: Experienced player (almost 30 starts) with all-conference potential. He has played tackle in his career but his pro outlook is tied to guard. Typical Wisconsin lineman; not a dancing bear but he is strong, physical, and well-coached.
NO. 7 TEXAS A&M AT NO.16 ARKANSAS, 3:30 PM on CBS
This is a chin strap game. Both teams are strong and at their best up-front along the line of scrimmage.
Coach Jimbo Fisher is building a powerhouse in College Station and the Aggies have some top-end talent. They have playoff potential, however, they need to hold serve and build momentum with their backup QB Zach Calzada (new starter Haynes King is out with an ankle fracture). Arkansas has struggled over the last 5 years in the loaded SEC West but they are a sneaky good team and Vegas is aware; the line opened with the Hogs as a +.5.5 underdog against a top-10 team. Arkansas doesn’t have the depth to realistically win the SEC West but they should have a winning record (huge turnaround given they were 2-10 last year). The cliff notes are that they have a punishing run offense and an opportunistic defense that forces turnovers and does a good job getting off the field on 3rd down (under 30% conversion rate).
Texas A&M needs to run the ball better, their line has struggled. They have the horses (Isaiah Spiller, Ainias Smith, Devon Achane) but the offensive line needs to let them out of the barn. That’s the key matchup in this game.
The other match-up is Arkansas offensive line, which has been bruisingly effective so far this year vs. the Texas A&M front seven. The Aggies are deep on defense, especially along the front (Demarvin Leal, Michael Clemons, Tyree Johnson, Jayden Peevy).
Here’s who I am watching:
Texas A&M
Demavin Leal (DE) #8: He’s a versatile defensive lineman that can slide anywhere along the line. Has great quickness. His fit and upside is along the lines of Gerald McCoy, the former Oklahoma Sooner and Tampa Buccaneer. Top 10 pick.
Kenyon Green (G/T) #55: Currently playing RT for the Aggies but I think his future in the NFL is at guard. Potential to be the top guard taken. Great core strength and he finishes strong once locked on the defender. The position he plays on Sundays will depend on his season and the eye of the beholder. That said, he’s a first-rounder.
Jalen Wydermeyer (TE) #85: For my money, he’s the best TE prospect in this year’s draft. He can be physical and effectively block. Plus blocker for the Aggies. Not a dynamic athlete like Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts but good enough to be a starter at the next level. Shows good routes, uses his size effectively and has great ball skills. Former Patriot Martellus Bennett is a good comp and I expect him to go in the back half of the first round.
Isaiah Spiller (RB) #28: One of the top 3 RB’s in this year’s draft. His game will translate really well to the next level. He’s solid in everything he does - good speed, strong vision that is synced with his feet, good balance which allows him to run towards contact when needed. He doesn’t offer much catching ability beyond the screen game and it will be an important part of his combine evaluation. Likely a second-rounder.
Ainias Smith (WR) #0: Should really be listed as OW for offensive weapon. Has run most plays from the slot this year but does a good job breaking tackles and is a match-up nightmare for a linebacker. I expect Coach Fisher to move him around and let his young QB leverage Smith’s dynamic ability.
Aaron Hansford (LB) #1: Potential top 100 pick and looks good in a uniform. He is one of those guys that the NFL values because of the evolving shift towards open offensive schemes and the requirement to match up in space. Needs refinement but oozes athleticism.
Demani Richardson (S) #26: Smart player, good football IQ. Not the most athletic grade at the position but good size. How he runs at the combine will be important. He does a good job matching on tight ends. Expected 4th rounder.
Arkansas
Treylon Burks (WR) #16: Great size (6’3 & 230 lbs) and above-average speed. Reminds me a lot of N’Keal Harry with his ability to win at the catch, good on the sideline or on a jump ball, and can be dangerous after the catch. Most often will line up in the slot. He hasn’t had to run a diverse route tree in that offense and that will be a concern for scouts. He has potential to be a first rounder and won’t make it past the second round.
Ricky Stromberg (C) #51: This kid is the type of player you want on the team. Big motor, plays tough, and the Hogs line has adopted his style. He will need to improve pass blocking but I can’t wait to watch his match-up with the Texas A&M defensive line. Having a good film increases his draft stock. As of now, he’s a Day 3 pick with potential to force himself into Round 3.
Jalen Catalon (S) #1: The best player on the Hogs defense. This kid just makes plays. High football intelligence that puts him around the ball. Doesn’t seem to be the fastest player, and he isn’t the biggest, but he’s effective. Simply put, his draft ceiling is only going to go so high (unless he stays in school and keeps producing) but he’s a football player. Good potential player that would need to be scheme protected in the NFL.
WEST VIRGINIA AT NO. 4 OKLAHOMA, 7:30 p.m. ABC
There’s a considerable talent gap in this matchup. West Virginia did a good job getting to the QB last week against a good Virginia Tech line. West Virginia will need a big game from their top player, RB Leddie Brown, to control the TOP and keep the Oklahoma offense on the sideline.
OU has had two games that were a lot closer than the experts expected. I think that changes on Saturday- I expect Oklahoma to roll and look like a national title contender.
Here’s who I am watching:
West Virginia
Leddie Brown (RB) #4: He’s been the workhorse of the Mountaineer offense and has 5 TD’s so far this season. Pass pro and pass catching are where he needs to improve. Good college speed but will be challenged to reach the corner at the next level. Day 3 pick because of how the NFL evaluates RB’s.
Dante Stills (DT) #55: Stills has the most upside of any Mountaineer prospect. He has the length and athleticism to play in either 4-3, or 3-4 edge. His brother was a good college player but didn’t make roster cuts for the Raiders. At this point, Stills is all potential but this game is a big opportunity for him going against a strong Sooner line.
Oklahoma
Spencer Rattler (QB) #7: The presumed top QB/top pick in most mock drafts. I am going against the grain and saying he won’t be the top QB. He’s not big (listed as 6’1) and there are questions about him being a leader/culture builder that you’d want as a QB (especially as a top pick).
The arm talent and production (he’s going to put up big numbers) for the Sooners will lead to someone taking a chance. He’s extremely accurate when he sets himself and can pick a defense apart on short and medium routes. He doesn’t always square himself to throw on platform. It’s exacerbated when he takes chances downfield (which he does because of his arm strength and above-average accuracy). The comparison is that he's a combination of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. He’s not as good as either, at least not yet. Likely Round 1.
Nik Bonitto (LB) #11: One of the best pass rushers in the country and I expect him to be a first-team All-American by the end of the season. His top trait is the speed off the LOS, displaying his elite twitch. Bonitto finds ways to make plays in every game and he’s really efficient against the pass. Better prospect than current Patriot Ronnie Perkins. To get on the field, beyond sub-packages, he’ll need to get bigger and play more off the ball. Someone will draft him for his upside, likely 1st round.
Isaiah Thomas (DL) #95: Moves along the line for the Sooners but his position at the next level is as a DE. He’s got a pro-frame and great length with the ability to pack on more “good” weight. He’s a bit of a late bloomer, not really playing much until last season and he’s also a smart kid. If he has a good season his draft stock will skyrocket. Even so, I could see an organization betting on his potential and frame (like the Vikings did with Danielle Hunter) to pick him within the first 100 selections.
Kennedy Brooks (RB): Underrated RB that should be a well-known name by the end of the season. I like Kennedy because of his size and elite production. He averages over 7 YAC and if he stays healthy this year he'll have 3 years over 1,000 yards rushing. He’s very patient, trusts his vision and is smooth in his cuts (think former Steeler Le'veon Bell). His battery mate RB Eric Gray is also a good draftable player. Brooks will be a top 75 player.
Perrion Winfrey (DT) #8: Good defensive line prospect who is more of a penetrator than occupier at the DT position. He’s a threat as a pass rusher but would start as a sub package player at the next level. Think of a slightly bigger version of former Patriot Adam Butler. He’s a round 3 or round 4 prospect.
Follow Kevin Field on Twitter via @onFIELDaccess.