No. 12 UCLA vs. Utah - Thursday October 3rd at 10:00pm Fox Sports 1
Prospects: #17 Brent Hundley-QB (UCLA) vs. #1 Trevor Riley-LB (Utah)
With the turmoil at USC, UCLA has a great chance to continue building positive momentum in southern California. Quarterback Brent Hundley has been a major part of the UCLA revival. His success depends heavily on his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs.
Utah needs versatile linebacker Trevor Riley to help keep Hundley in check. Riley fulfills a number of roles for Utah including rushing the passer, dropping in coverage and setting the edge against the run. He’s one of the few Utah defenders who could match Hundley’s athleticism.
No. 25 Maryland at No. 8 Florida State - Saturday October 5th at 12:00pm ESPN
Prospects: #7 Christian Jones and #22 Telvin Smith-LBs (FSU) vs. #1 Stefon Diggs-WR and #45 Brandon Ross-RB (Maryland)
This weekend’s big ACC matchup features No. 25 Maryland traveling to take on No. 8 Florida State. The big thing to watch in this game is how Florida State’s defense rebounds from giving up over 200 rushing yards against Boston College.
Maryland boasts two explosive playmakers in Stefon Diggs and Brandon Ross. Both of these players get the ball in space and are always a threat to produce a big play. Florida State needs their two big-time linebackers, Christian Jones and Telvin Smith, to play disciplined football.
It’ll only take one poor angle for either Diggs or Ross to take it to the house.
No. 22 Arizona State at Notre Dame - Saturday October 5th at 7:30pm NBC
Prospects: #90 Will Sutton-DT and Carl Bradford-LB (AZST) vs. #70 Zach Martin-OT
The wheels are dangerously close to falling off for this year’s Notre Dame squad. Arizona State has an explosive offense and several playmakers on defense capable of creating plenty of problems. The key might be how Notre Dame’s offensive line holds up.
Will Sutton and Carl Bradford have created a very disruptive duo along Arizona State’s defensive line. Bradford’s quickness off the edge forces quarterbacks to step up in the pocket where Sutton is waiting. Tommy Rees will need to get rid of the ball quickly to avoid the pressure.
That pressure could also help take speedy Notre Dame receiver TJ Jones out of the game plan. Jones needs some time to outpace the defender and stretch the field.
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 16 Northwestern - Saturday October 5th at 8:00pm ABC
Prospects: #1 Bradley Roby-CB (OSU) vs. # Tony Jones-WR (NW)
Ohio State’s Bradley Roby is considered one of the top cornerback prospects eligible for the 2014 draft. He uses his fluid movements, long arms and ball skills to make life difficult for his opponent. This weekend he takes on Northwestern’s Tony Jones who is starting to turn some heads.
Jones is an excellent route runner who also features deceptive speed. He isn’t someone who’ll outpace the defender, but he uses deception and quick cuts to create separation. This s a good test for Roby because receivers at the next level know how to mask their routes.