The college football Week 13 slate is upon us, and the team of draft evaluators and CFB analysts at Pro Football Network are here with instant takeaways from the weekend slate.
Find our immediate reactions to all the action from start to finish in college football’s Week 13 Saturday games.
College Football Week 13 Live Blog
Taking into account all of the weekend’s slate of action, our CFB/Draft department will all be on hand for their instant reactions as they come in.
For clarity’s sake, each takeaway, reaction, and result will be culminated by the initials of the analyst responsible: TP for Tony Pauline, IC for Ian Cummings, and CM for Cam Mellor.
Brents Making a Big Charge up Draft Boards
9:25 p.m. — The Kansas-Kansas State affair has been a wild one, with the score 31-21 in favor of KSU with five minutes remaining in the first half. Keep an eye on Wildcats cornerback Julius Brents, No. 23.
Entering the season as a fringe late seventh-round prospect, Brents has stepped up his game and now grades as a mid-round pick who could slide into Day 2. Scouts love his size (6’2 1/2″), speed (mid 4.4s in the 40), and physicality. His ball skills have really improved this year, and I’m expecting to see Brents in a postseason all-star game. TP
Word Out West Is Tuipulotu Is Headed to the NFL Draft
9:05 p.m. — After showing flashes of ability a year ago, USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu has taken his game to another level this season. Entering tonight’s Notre Dame contest, the junior had 11.5 sacks, 19 TFLs, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles on his ledger.
He’s been a little slow out of the gate this evening and has recorded just a single tackle as the game moves to halftime. I’m told Tuipulotu will enter the draft and has chosen a west coast agency located in the state of Washington to represent him (or at least that’s the word as of now). The junior has decent size and the scheme versatility to line up in both three and four-man fronts. TP
Achane Playing Lights Out in a Game That Means Nothing
8:50 p.m. — Texas A&M is finishing out a very disappointing season and have nothing to play for against LSU, but don’t tell that to running back Devon Achane, who looks as though he’s playing for a Super Bowl title.
The Aggies are up 17-10 at halftime, and Achane already has 119 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He’s a swift, incredibly quick back with a terrific burst of speed. And while he hasn’t caught a pass this evening, Achane has 36 receptions and three TD catches this season.
The junior is a smaller back who will barely measure 5-foot-9 and has limitations. Yet, his quickness, ability to create yardage, and versatility will make him a terrific Day 3 pick for a team needing a third-down/change-of-pace RB. TP
Scouts Like KU’s Bostick
8:25 p.m. — Kansas answered a touchdown from Kansas State by pushing the Wildcat defense down the field and into the end zone for the tying score in this rivalry contest. Left tackle Earl Bostick Jr. did his part, and scouts are taking notice.
I wrote about Bostick over the summer and mentioned him in the game-day blog back on Oct. 8. Bostick is a tall, nimble blocker who moves well on his feet and has an upside. In recent conversations, scouts tell me Bostick now has a draftable grade on their boards, after entering the season as a PFA. TP
Ryan O’Keefe Just Keeps Producing for UCF
8:15 p.m. — UCF receiver Ryan O’Keefe is a prospect who does not get enough love, in my opinion. The big play wideout has a smaller build at 5’9″ and 170 pounds, yet possesses legitimate deep speed and reliable hands. He’s used in a variety of roles for the Knights and offers potential as a slot receiver/return specialist on Sunday.
MORE: Top Wide Receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft
Tonight, against South Florida, O’Keefe leads all receivers with two receptions, 35 yards, and one TD, as UCF holds a 28-0 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. TP
Tough Times for Jarrett Patterson
8:05 p.m. — Just a few years ago, Notre Dame center Jarrett Patterson was projected by some as a top-45 selection. Since then, injury and poor play have plagued Patterson, and scouts have not been impressed with his play recently.
Entering the season, scouts I spoke with had a fifth-round grade on Patterson, yet in recent conversations, they’ve downgraded the senior a full round, pushing him into the Round 6 frame. Some even believe there’s a chance Patterson ends up not being selected next April. TP
Myles Brooks’ Season and College Career Come to an End
7:40 p.m. — Louisiana Tech just suffered a 10-point loss to UAB to finish out a disappointing 3-9 campaign. And from what I was told earlier this week, so ends the college career of La Tech cornerback Myles Brooks, who will enter the NFL draft.
While his jump to the next level shouldn’t surprise anyone who visits Pro Football Network regularly, as I’ve been reporting on this possibility since October, I was assured last week Brooks has chosen an agent and will make the jump to the next level. The fourth-year junior presently holds a third-round grade on my board though many seem convinced he will end up a top-60 selection. TP
Fighting Illini Secondary Duo Stand Out — Again!
7:25 p.m. — It was a huge game for two former risers from the Illinois secondary. Safety Sydney Brown, a Week 9 riser, intercepted two passes against Northwestern and recovered two fumbles, bringing one back for a touchdown.
His cornerback teammate Devon Witherspoon, a Week 12 riser, also picked off a pair of passes. Both Brown and Witherspoon are terrific players whose ultimate draft position will rely heavily on pre-draft workouts. TP
Will Anderson Provides a Glimpse of Frame-Defying Power
7 p.m. — Will Anderson Jr. isn’t going to be lauded for the same power capacity that prospects like Myles Murphy and Tyree Wilson boast. At around 6’4″ and 245 pounds, one of the few knocks on Anderson is his mass and ultimate power capacity. But even at that size, he can generate surprising power, as he showed on his most recent sack against Auburn.
Mass and length are notable components of overall power, but prospects who can properly load power with twitch, explosion, and leverage off the snap can be equally dangerous. That’s what Anderson showed on his bull rush, surging into the tackle, using his length to blast open a path, and then capitalizing with his lateral agility.
At times, Anderson hasn’t been quite as consistent in pursuit as one would have expected. But he’s still the blue-chip prospect many believed him to be in the summer. IC
Rice Breaks SMU Record for Receiving Yards in a Season
6:55 p.m. — With 147 yards on 13 catches today against the Memphis Tigers, Rashee Rice broke the SMU Mustangs’ single-season record for receiving yards, previously set by former standout NFL receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Rice now has 1,355 yards on 96 catches this year — elite production from the arguable top senior WR in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Rice has it all for a WR prospect. He has size at 6’2″, 203 pounds, with arms over 33″. But he’s also a twitchy athlete with separation ability, and he arguably has the best catch-point instincts in the class as well. SMU has produced several quality wide receivers, but Rice could go on to be the best of the bunch. IC
Keeanu Benton Starting To Catch Fire
6:05 p.m. — At times, Keeanu Benton has struggled to manage his leverage against Minnesota. But the flashes of brilliance are there for the massive nose tackle.
On Minnesota’s most recent offensive drive, Benton was a key player in two early-down run stuffs, first slabbing his man with raw power, then wrenching inside for a TFL with a brutal swim move.
There are several quality nose tackle prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, but none have the combination of athleticism and length that Benton has. That length affords him awe-inspiring power capacity, and his violent style only maximizes that trait. IC
Joe Tippmann a High-Upside Sleeper for Wisconsin
5:55 p.m. — There’s been a lot of talk about the depth of the 2023 NFL Draft center class. But one name that isn’t always mentioned in the scrum is Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann. It’s not a guarantee that Tippmann declares, but the 6’6″, 320-pound interior blocker has some of the best top-end traits in the entire group.
Today against Minnesota, Tippmann has been a bit up and down. He’s been called for holding, and his balance has been an issue at times. But for as big as he is, Tippmann explodes off the line and can get out in space incredibly easily as a puller.
He has the flexibility to hinge around and seal on reach blocks, as well as the grueling power to displace defenders with ruthless extensions. Tippmann has traits worth betting on as a potential NFL starter. IC
Two Purdue Defenders Making Plays in Support
5:50 p.m. — Most of Purdue’s high-profile 2023 NFL Draft prospects rest on the offensive side of the ball, but there are a couple players worth knowing on defense in linebacker Jalen Graham and cornerback Cory Trice. Both have made eye-opening plays today in run support and have the size to generate appeal at the next level.
Graham, of course, lives in the box as a 6’3″, 220-pound hybrid linebacker. He’s adept at snuffing out lateral running plays and has the size, closing speed, and physicality to overwhelm runners.
Trice is a similarly imposing player at CB, with a long 6’3″, 215-pound frame. But what’s striking today is his relentless energy coming downhill. He’s explosive as a click-and-close defender and can make some jarring hits with his size. IC
Graham Mertz an Intriguing QB To Watch in 2023
5:40 p.m. — 2022 has been the best full year of Graham Mertz’s career at Wisconsin, but that’s not saying a lot. Heading into today’s game against Minnesota, he’d completed 148 of 259 passes (57.1%) for 1,966 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions — with five of those scores coming in one game.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist
For Mertz, qualities like accuracy and decision-making remain issues on tape. But assuming he returns to school, Mertz does have talent worth keeping tabs on. Today against the Golden Gophers, he’s made several impressive throws, both on the run and in structure, layering passes into windows outside the numbers.
A former highly-touted recruit, Mertz has size and visible arm talent, as well as enough athleticism to work with. Depending on who Wisconsin hires as their next head coach, he has the natural ability to potentially salvage his career late. IC
Christian Gonzalez Making a Case for CB1
5:30 p.m. — Few cornerbacks have helped their 2023 NFL Draft stock across the entirety of the 2022 season more than Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. The 6’2″, 200-pound cover man notched his fourth interception of the year today against Oregon State, and it was one of his most impressive plays yet, from start to finish.
The play began with a rollout to the right, accompanied by a drag route from the left side. Gonzalez, looming in zone, recognized this quickly and hawked over the drag route, but was forced to adapt when the WR suddenly turned upfield on the scramble drill. At that point, the QB threw after pump faking, but Gonzalez was able to undercut the pass and notch the pick with his high-level athleticism and ball skills.
There are a few cornerbacks in the mix for the CB1 mantle, but perhaps Gonzalez needs more credence in the discussion. In a short span, he’s shown incredibly exciting development as a processor. He has excellent eyes and muscle response in space, and his playmaking ability is truly elite. IC
Bo Nix Playing Well but Has One Recurring Issue
5:10 p.m. — The Oregon Ducks are fighting to reach double-digit wins today, and they’ll need help from their quarterback Bo Nix to get it done. So far against the Oregon State Beavers, Nix has been solid, completing 10 of 15 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.
But there is one issue that keeps showing up for him, particularly on intermediate throws. On occasion, passes to the intermediate range from Nix stall out and die before reaching their intended targets.
His mechanics are generally good, but at times, Nix does need to do a better job fully driving his hips through passes and pushing the ball to his targets. He has the arm strength to do it, and he’s shown to fully torque on the move. More consistency, however, could bode well for him. IC
Bryce Young Is Still Him
4:55 p.m. — You’re very rarely going to learn more about 2023 NFL Draft prospects in Week 13. But sometimes, it can be comforting to get affirmation about some of the top players. Bryce Young provides that affirmation each week with his ability to stay calm amidst chaos and make game-changing plays.
Against an upstart Auburn squad looking to score the upset, Young has been the key force of resistance. So far today, he’s 11 of 15 for 205 yards and two touchdowns, and he has a third TD on the ground as well, as his team leads 28-14.
Young’s creation capacity is elite, but it’s not something he relies on to a fault. He’s incredibly poised and patient in the pocket, and he can adjust his spacing while reading the field and identifying windows in the intermediate and deep ranges. That combination can be deadly, and for the Tigers so far today, it has been. IC
Rashee Rice Makes Big Plays Look Routine
4:50 p.m. — He’s one of the leading receivers in college football. He’s a Biletnikoff semifinalist. And with several minutes left to play in the second quarter against Memphis, Rice has seven catches for 99 yards, almost monopolizing his team’s production at the receiver position.
The highlight so far for Rice was a 39-yard completion down the right sideline, on which he used his athleticism to find a seam, then guided the ball in with laser focus in a tight spot. Rice can make big plays such as that look routine with his complete, high-level skill set, and it’s why he’s an early-round prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. IC
Alabama Defenders Imposing Their Will
4:40 p.m. — Today’s game against Auburn presents a good chance for several high-quality Alabama prospects to leave a strong final impression in the 2022 regular season. The coverage team has been a bit inconsistent to this point, but in the trenches and in the box, the Crimson Tide has been making its presence felt.
Quality swim moves on the rush from Will Anderson Jr. and Byron Young have already stood out, and players like Jordan Battle and Henry To’oTo’o are proving to be very proficient at enforcing in the box. Auburn isn’t going away quietly, but there’ll be more opportunities for Alabama’s talent to come up big. IC
Derick Hall Goes Down With Injury in Auburn-Alabama Contest
4:20 p.m. — Derick Hall went down with an injury after falling awkwardly under a pileup at the end of a pass-rushing rep against Tyler Steen. He was able to jog off the field eventually, but it remains unclear if he’ll return to the game.
Hall was making an early impact for the Tigers’ defense, as he often does. On that rep, in fact, he’d managed to drive back Steen with a well-executed power rush, and was close to splicing his way around with a rip combo.
Hall is one of the most well-rounded EDGE prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hopefully, his injury is minor, because he’s already shown more than enough to potentially challenge for a Day 2 spot. IC
Quindell Johnson Taking the Fight to Rashee Rice
4:10 p.m. — One of the more underrated prospect matchups on tap heading into Week 13 was SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice versus Memphis safety Quindell Johnson. Rice has fans in the PFN Draft department, where he’s listed as a top three WR prospect and a potential first-round pick. But Johnson is an appealing player in his own right, with solid size, play speed, and physicality at the point.
All of those elements have been on display from Johnson early on against SMU. He and Rice have already made contact a couple times, and against an alpha like Rice, Johnson knows he needs to bring everything he has. He’s diagnosing and closing quickly on out routes, and with his tenacious style, he’s prevented Rice from getting comfortable in zones so far. IC
Jermaine Burton Making Plays Downfield Early for Alabama
4:05 p.m. — It’s been an up-and-down year on and off the field for Jermaine Burton after transferring to Alabama — so much so that it’s not a certainty that he declares for the 2023 NFL Draft. But his best chance is to leave a strong impression in his final game of the 2022 season, and he’s doing that so far.
Midway through the first quarter, Burton has already made an impression with his natural playmaking ability. He was a crucial part of Alabama’s first TD drive, connecting with Bryce Young on a 52-yard completion off a deep crosser. Burton used his explosive athleticism to get upfield quickly and executed a smooth inside-outside counter to create separation against the deep zone defender. From there, his tracking ability took over, and he was able to make the catch.
Burton has a very appealing separation skill set, and his brand of athleticism is tailor-made for the modern NFL. Consistency is the biggest thing he needs now. Whether he declares or stays, it’ll be good to carry this momentum into 2023. IC
Eyabi Okie Flashes Upside in Michigan Win Over Ohio State
3:50 p.m. — Everyone’s getting in on the action for Michigan in this win over Ohio State. But one of the more impressive flashes came from 2023 NFL Draft prospect Eyabi Okie, who notched a crucial sack on Stroud on the Buckeyes’ final drive.
Okie, a 6’5″, 244-pound senior, hit first-round OT prospect Paris Johnson Jr. with a wicked spin move, before enveloping Stroud and nearly forcing a fumble. The spin was a masterful display of athleticism by Okie, but he also did a good job using his length to place the ice pick and pin Johnson behind him.
When he’s on, Okie is tough to deal with, and his upside is easy to bank on at the NFL level. IC
C.J. Stroud Has Bittersweet Conclusion to Regular-Season Career
3:45 p.m. — Nothing will change on the 2023 NFL Draft stock front for C.J. Stroud after this game. Stroud is still an early first-round QB prospect with franchise potential. And all things considered, he had his fair share of excellent plays against the Wolverines. But nonetheless, Michigan has knocked Ohio State out of the playoffs for two straight seasons.
Stroud was efficient and accurate for most of the day, and that uncanny ball placement and vision is what makes him so appealing. But one of Stroud’s biggest knocks — his inconsistent comfort out of structure — came back to bite him, when he flipped an inaccurate ball to a receiver in the flat and ultimately had it intercepted.
For Stroud, the book remains the same. In structure, in a stable environment, he’s one of the best there is. But seeking more comfort in off-script situations remains an area of needed improvement. IC
Olusegun Oluwatimi Getting the Job Done Like He Always Does
3:35 p.m. — The Michigan Wolverines are on the verge of upsetting the Ohio State Buckeyes and getting into the Big Ten Championship game. For a second straight year, the Wolverines have outmuscled the Buckeyes at the point, and particularly in the trenches, they’ve done their best work. An unheralded star, as he often is, is center Olusegun Oluwatimi.
Oluwatimi has been solid all day. And on Michigan’s most recent TD — a long run to Donovan Edwards — Oluwatimi was the one who was able to get to the second level and seal out linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, giving Edwards a free lane. Oluwatimi doesn’t have elite physical upside, but he always gets the job done. Centers who can do that are valuable. IC
Uiagalelei Struggling Again
3:20 p.m. — It’s been another awful outing for Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who looks undraftable at this point. The junior is 7 of 25 for just 96 yards with one touchdown and an interception, in a game in which the Tigers are down by a point to South Carolina.
Uiagalelei has been pulled from games multiple times this season due to poor play, yet Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney continues to come back to him. It will be an interesting offseason for Uiagalelei, who really hasn’t played well the past two seasons. TP
JMU Proving They Belong
3:05 p.m. — What a season it’s been for James Madison. A year after making the jump from the FCS to the Sun Belt, JMU won their first five games of the season and is presently pounding Coastal Carolina on their way to their eighth win of the season.
The Dukes have an outstanding pass rush, which is led by senior Isaac Ukwu, who has 7.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6 QB hits this year. Ukwu is a bit of a tweener; small for defensive end and slow for a linebacker. Expect him to sign as a PFA then get looks as a pass-rush specialist in camp next summer. TP
Terps Jarrett Expected To Enter the Draft
2:50 p.m. — After a tough home loss to Ohio State last week, Maryland is crushing Rutgers today in College Park, and they are on their way to a bowl game. One player quiet in today’s contest is Terp receiver Rakim Jarrett, the favorite target of Taulia Tagovailoa this season.
Jarrett has come up big for Maryland on several occasions this season, despite his numbers being down from a year ago. Those in College Park, Maryland, are saying Jarrett will enter the draft and forgo his senior season. The third-year junior presently holds a fourth-round grade on my board. TP
Davis Allen Is an Underappreciated Tight End
2:40 p.m. — One tight end I like, and a prospect who does not receive the credit he deserves, is Davis Allen of Clemson. The senior is a well-rounded player at the position, effective as a pass catcher and dominant as a blocker.
MORE: Top Tight Ends in the 2023 NFL Draft
He’s not a deep threat, as proven by his 11-yard average on 32 receptions, but rather very dependable. Allen will be a late-round pick and possibly even a PFA, yet I fully expect him to make an NFL roster as a third tight end. TP
McIntosh Finally Meeting Expectations
2:25 p.m. — After a poor start to the season, Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh has seemingly come alive. Entering the season with a Day 2 grade from scouts, McIntosh did not have a single 100-yard rushing game until last week against Kentucky. Today, in the close battle against Georgia Tech, McIntosh has 74 yards on eight carries.
McIntosh does have seven rushing touchdowns this season, as well as 33 receptions. From a size-speed (6’0, 4.5 seconds) perspective, McIntosh has early-round measurables, yet has never been overly productive until the past few weeks. TP
Cornelius Johnson — Another With Great Upside but Poor Production
1:35 p.m. — In similar fashion to Zach Harrison, Michigan receiver Cornelius Johnson is another interesting case study in scouting. Johnson — like Harrison — entered the season highly regarded in the scouting community, but his production has fallen below expectations.
But as shown on that 65-yard scoring reception against highly regarded Buckeye corner Cameron Brown, there is big-time potential with Johnson, who did most of the damage with his legs running to the end zone. Johnson has Day 2 ability and potential, though he’s been playing like a Day 3 prospect most of the season. TP
Harrison Looking Awesome!! On Occasion…
1:20 p.m. — Zach Harrison of Ohio State is going to be an interesting prospect to watch in the lead-up to the NFL draft. The senior pass rusher hasn’t had great numbers this season, as his totals include 26 tackles, five TFLs, three sacks, and three forced fumbles.
At 6’5 1/2″, 265 pounds, and a 40 that times under 4.7 seconds, Harrison is insanely athletic and proves as much on the field. He’s come up big lately, as two of those three sacks came late in last week’s game that sealed the victory over Indiana. He just turned in two pressures on consecutive plays against Michigan, one of which resulted in a deflected pass.
Harrison will be one of those prospects who wows people in Senior or Shrine Bowl practice then is grilled at the Combine about his lack of productivity. TP
Wypler, Stover, and Other Buckeyes — Staying or Leaving?
1:05 p.m. — The Michigan-Ohio State battle is living up to expectations, with the Buckeyes up by seven as the first quarter ends. While everyone focuses on C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr., as well as Paris Johnson Jr., when talking about the Buckeyes offense, two other underclassmen have played well and are getting a lot of chatter in scouting circles.
Third-year sophomore Luke Wypler, the highest-rated center on my big board, and tight end Cade Stover are both playing very well today, as they have all season long. I’ve raved about Wypler since the summer when I gave him a second-round grade. Stover, meanwhile, has really improved his game this year and grades as a middle-round prospect.
I’m told both players are leaning towards entering the draft, and many tell me they expect the pair will declare for the event. That being the case, I am also told OSU head coach Ryan Day is already making a big push to re-recruit Wypler and Stover, as well as other underclassmen, with the hopes they return to the Buckeyes in 2023. TP
Georgia’s Other Tight End Ready To Enter the Draft?
12:35 p.m. — When the conversation turns to the Georgia offense, the talk usually centers on their outstanding tight end Brock Bowers, who would battle Michael Mayer of Notre Dame as the top player at the position if he were draft eligible. But don’t sleep on Bower’s teammate, Darnell Washington, a third-year junior.
Washington starts when Georgia lines up two tight ends at the beginning of the game and he’s impossible not to notice. He looks like a power forward on the football field with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He’s also a damn good tight end who would be the No. 1 on most other teams in the nation were he not on the same depth chart as Bowers.
Coming into today’s rivalry game against Georgia Tech, Washington has 24 receptions for 392 yards (16.3-yard average) with one touchdown. Last week, I was told there’s about an 80% chance Washington declares himself eligible for the draft — and it makes sense.
If he returns for his senior season, Washington will still be playing behind Bowers. If you want a comparison, think of Jelani Woods, the former Virginia tight end selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. TP
Smith Ready To Say ‘Adios’ to USC
12:20 p.m. — I fully expect this to be the last regular-season game for South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith, as the Gamecocks take on interstate rival Clemson. In fact, it could be his last game on the college field if Smith chooses to bypass the bowl game.
I’m told Smith will enter the draft and is in the process of deciding on representation. I’ve also been told it’s a crazy situation with Smith being offered all types of goodies from agents. While I have a second-round grade on Smith, people in the league tell me Smith will end up a first-round pick. TP
Word Out of Gainesville Continues To Be Richardson Leaving for the NFL
11:45 a.m. ET — After getting a preview with Mississippi State squeaking by Mississippi and Florida State holding off Florida, Rivalry Weekend kicks into high gear today, starting with Michigan vs. Ohio State at noon. It’s the latest version of the “Game of the Century,” and this contest will be a scout’s dream with so many top-notch, next-level matchups.
Earlier this week, when I was speaking with someone close to the Florida Gators program, I was again told the belief that Gainesville’s quarterback Anthony Richardson will enter the draft. There’s been no word coming from his camp as of yet.
Last night’s game against Florida State proved why Richardson is such an exciting prospect and why he’s not ready for the NFL.
He made some magnificent throws throughout the game and even a few of his incomplete passes were right on the money. But he also struggled to see the field, locked on to the primary target, and showed a lot of indecision.
At this point, the ceiling is huge for Richardson, but there’s also a big bust factor.
The game in Columbus between the Wolverines and Buckeyes has great head-to-head battles between players who will be top 100 picks over the next few drafts.
Paris Johnson Jr. has done a terrific job at left tackle for the Buckeyes since moving over from guard. Today, he faces Michigan edge rusher Mike Morris, a Week 5 Riser, with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season. Both players seem to improve weekly and have Day 2 grades on my board.
One of the better battles will be in the middle of the line, where Wolverine defensive tackle Mazi Smith faces off against Buckeye center Luke Wypler. This is a battle for the ages between two players I’ve written about often this season, and both underclassmen have second-round grades on my board.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has not shown a lot of improvement, in my opinion, against Michigan cornerback DJ Turner, who has first-round ball skills, is a battle everyone will watch.
Finally, keep an eye on the Wolverines’ big tight end, Luke Schoonmaker, when he’s matched up against Buckeye linebacker Steele Chambers. Schoonmaker has a size advantage over Chambers, a second-round prospect I’m told who is considering the draft.
So, who wins the big game?
I think Michigan has a slight advantage on the field. Ohio State cannot settle for field goals, and Stroud must get the Buckeyes’ offense into the end zone – early in the game.