North Carolina at No. 6 South Carolina
Thursday, August 29th at 6:00pm on ESPN
Prospects: #68 James Hurst, OT (UNC) vs. #7 Jadeveon Clowney, DE (SC) and #90 Chaz Sutton, DE (SC)
North Carolina’s James Hurst is a left tackle prospect who’s looking to establish himself in the early-round mix. He’ll have no better opportunity than during North Carolina’s first game of the season against South Carolina.
Hurst will have to deal with consensus No. 1 prospect Jadeveon Clowney and the explosive Chaz Sutton. Both players are ferocious pass-rushers with the ability to dominate a game. Hurst’s performance in this contest will set the tone for the rest of his season.
For Clowney and Sutton this game really only offers an opportunity to fail. While Hurst is seen as a solid prospect, he isn’t someone who should be able to shut down either pass-rusher. A poor performance will raise question marks. This is especially true for Sutton who’s looking to get himself into the first-round discussion.
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
Thursday, August 29th at 9:15pm on ESPN
Prospects: #87 Jordan Matthews, WR (Vandy) vs. #3 Charles Sawyer, CB (Ole Miss)
Ole Miss’s Charles Sawyer ranks high on my list of cornerback prospects. He’s a smart, explosive and aggressive player. His matchup against Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews in week one will be very entertaining.
Matthews is a strong route-runner who knows how to find openings in the defense. Sawyer will need to uses remain aware of his surroundings and use his fluid hips to stick close to Matthews.
Buffalo at No. 2 Ohio State
Saturday, August 31st at 12:00pm on ESPN2
Prospects: #46 Khalil Mack, LB (Buf) vs. Upper-level Ohio State Talent
Buffalo’s Khalil Mack is an outstanding athlete with the potential to move into the upper part of the first round. It’s unlikely he’ll see another offense as talented as the one he will face when he takes on Ohio State.
Mack will not only need to navigate past a powerful offensive line, but also try to keep the elusive Braxton Miller in check. A strong performance in this game would be the spark Mack needs to really gain some national attention.
Mississippi State vs. No. 13 Oklahoma State
Saturday, August 31st at 3:30pm on ABC/ESPN2
Prospects: #61 Gabe Jackson, G (Miss St) vs. #99 Calvin Barnett, DT (OKST)
Both Mississippi State’s Gabe Jackson and Oklahoma State’s Calvin Barnett feature an explosive first step off the ball. It’s this step that allows them to quickly engage their opponent and gain position. Jackson is going to have his hands full with Barnett, as his ability to penetrate the pocket is one of the best in all of college football.
The winner of this matchup should be able to cement themselves as one of the top prospects at their respective position.
No. 1 Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, August 31st at 5:30pm on ESPN
Prospects: #99 James Gayle, DE (VT) vs. #71 Cyrus Kouandjio, OT (Ala)
Virginia Tech’s James Gayle has the size and athletic ability to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback. The issue is that he’s never quite put it all together. He’s facing a make-it or break-it year as far as his draft stock is concerned.
His first game against Alabama and offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio is a great opportunity for Gayle to show some development.
Kouandjio is seen by most as a first-round prospect, but there’re some holes in his game. He doesn’t show great foot speed which limits his ability to quickly get to the edge. Kouandjio also struggles changing direction and adjusting to countermoves. Gayle possesses the suddenness and quickness to exploit those weaknesses.
Prospects: #17 Kyle Fuller, CB (VT) vs. #83 Kevin Norwood and #9 Amari Cooper, WR
The guy to keep an eye on in this matchup is Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller. He faces the challenge of having to deal with the wide-range of talent Alabama has at the receiver position. With Antone Exum still recovering from a knee injury, Virginia Tech will look to Fuller to keep Alabama’s passing game in check.
Amari Cooper is an extremely talented player, but he’s only a Sophomore so he’s not eligible for the draft. Kevin Norwood has good size and shows some quickness but needs to produce bigger plays.
No. 12 LSU vs. No. 20 TCU
Saturday, August 31st at 9:00pm on ESPN
Prospects: #3 Odell Beckham Jr., WR and Zach Mettenberger, QB (LSU) vs. #2 Jason Verrett, CB (TCU)
LSU is going to have a lot of trouble making plays on Jason Verrett the talented cornerback from TCU. Verrett is an exceptional athlete who features top-notch instincts. He just knows who to read the routes developing around him and the quarterback.
Odell Beckham Jr. will really need to work to create separation. Verrett’s fluid movements make it tough for any receiver to find some space. Mettenberger must be careful with his throws because Verrett won’t hesitate to jump a route and grab an interception.