This upcoming weekend offers another handful of great college games. Below is a list of several games that have matchups feature 2014 NFL Draft prospects:
Utah State at San Jose State
Friday, September 27th at 9:00 pm ESPN
Prospects: #16 Chuckie Keeton-QB (UTST) vs. #10 David Fales-QB (SJSU)
Both Chuckie Keeton and David Fales need a strong finish to the season to improve their draft stock. These are two prospects who have a legitimate chance to work their way into the third-round range. The fact they play on teams with limited surrounding talent makes it tougher to really get a sound evaluation.
These two quarterbacks are very different in the way they play the game. Fales is an accurate thrower who relies on his anticipation and feel for the game. He lacks great arm strength and overall athleticism. Keeton is a great athlete who generates zip on all his throws. However, he needs to tighten up his mechanics and accuracy.
The NFL tends to lean towards player with higher upside like Keeton. However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a spot in the league for someone like Fales.
No. 6 LSU at No. 9 Georgia
Saturday, September 28th at 3:30 pm CBS
Prospects: #8 Zach Mettenberger-QB (LSU) vs. #11 Aaron Murray-QB (Georgia)
Zach Mettenberger has shown major improvements so far this season. However, he now needs to show that he can raise his level of play in big games. LSU’s matchup against Georgia this weekend will have major implications in the SEC.
Mettenberger will have to out duel seasoned Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray if he hopes to pull off a big win. Murray is also fighting to improve his draft stock by showing he can overcome arm strength concerns.
No. 14 Oklahoma at No. 22 Notre Dame
Saturday, September 28th at 3:30 pm NBC
Prospects: #64 Gabe Ikard-C (Okla) vs. #7 Stephon Tuitt-DL and #1 Louis Nix-DL (ND)
The big matchup to watch in this game is Gabe Ikard vs. Louis Nix. These are two explosive players who are responsible for controlling the line of scrimmage. This will be a real test for Ikard as he really relies on his quickness off the ball to open running lanes.
Nix may look like a player who mainly occupies blockers, but he also features exceptional quickness. He’s more than capable of beating Ikard off the ball and wreaking havoc in the backfield. The winner of this matchup will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.
Connecticut at Buffalo
Saturday, September 28th at 3:30 pm ESPN3
Prospects: #33 Yawin Smallwood- LB (Uconn) vs. #46 Khalil Mack-LB (Buff)
Yawin Smallwood and Khalil Mack don’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve. These are two of the more talented linebackers available for the 2014 draft. There’s a good possibility that both are off the board by the middle of the second round.
Smallwood and Mack are different players who fit different schemes. Mack has higher upside and is more versatile. He has shown the ability to rush the passer, drop in coverage and hold up against the run. His potential as a pass rusher is what really sets him apart.
Teams looking for a more traditional player will turn to Smallwood. He plays with great instincts and does a great job tracking the ball. Smallwood has just enough quicks to make plays from sideline to sideline. He really stood out this past weekend against Michigan’s talented offense.