The college football schedule expands significantly in Week 8 as the Big Ten and Mountain West finally kick off their 2020 seasons. There are a lot of outstanding games both from a conference and a scouting perspective. We’ll be here all day with analysis, opinions, and news. Information on how and where to watch the Week 8 college football action, including kickoff times and TV schedule, can be found below.
All of the live Week 8 college football news and live analysis will get underway at noon and wrap up after midnight ET in our College Football Live Game Day Blog, which is below the college football TV schedule. Be sure to also keep up with NFL Draft stories and analysis from the PFN NFL Draft Crew.
Week 8 College Football Live Blog with Tony Pauline, Ian Cummings, and Nick Farabaugh
Updates for the Week 8 college football action through midnight ET will be timestamped once we kick off at noon, and each update will be followed by the initials of the analyst. “IC” is Ian Cummings, “NF” is Nick Farabaugh, and if there are no initials, it’s me (Tony Pauline).
Dax Milne a budding star in Provo (12:00 AM)
While Zach Wilson is proving he is more than capable, he has to have someone to throw to as well. Dax Milne has turned into that go-to guy for Wilson this season. With 89 receiving yards and a touchdown today, Milne has proven his ability as an explosive player. Coming into the night, Milne has 550 receiving yards on only 33 receptions. That brings his yards per reception to an explosive 16.7.
Milne was a walk-on and his growth as a deep threat has been delightful to watch. His real strength is winning off the line, where Milne’s hand fighting is phenomenal. Press coverage is not an issue, as Milne understands how to win with his feet and then stack the cornerback once he has won deep. A Junior, Milne could come out this year as his stock continues to rise as an explosive playmaker. NF
Shane Buechele has concerning arm talent issues (11:50 PM)
I have no doubt that Shane Buechele can go on Sundays and be a quality backup. The accuracy he has to all levels of the field and special ability to make some nice processing decisions even when the picture changes post-snap is genuinely impressive. This is a smart quarterback that fits well into the backup mold. It helps that he also has some semblance of pocket movement and can escape pressure to extend the play outside of structure.
However, he just has okay physical traits. It becomes especially noticeable outside the numbers when Buechele tries to push the ball down the field and it just dies. I mean it really just floats up there and Buechele can not put enough mustard on his throws at times. With an awkward, long release and only okay arm talent, Buechele’s ceiling is capped. In fact, he does limit what offenses ran by him can do in general. Again, I like Buechele to have some role in the NFL, but I just can not see him starting with the lack of consistent throws outside of the numbers. NF
Myjai Sanders is Cincinnati’s best-kept secret (11:35 PM)
Every single rep I watched tonight of Cincinnati EDGE Myjai Sanders, he was doing something different to prove he is a standout player. Despite only having one tackle for loss, Sanders has registered five pressures on the day against SMU. Shane Buechele has been running all day. Sanders has a great mix of burst, flexibility, and length that allows him to win in a variety of ways that few edge rusher prospects can at this level.
Despite having a raw frame and pass-rush plan, Sanders has all the natural tools you would love to see in an edge rusher. As a run defender, he uses his powerful hands to register a jolt and hold an extremely strong edge. Sanders does not get a lot of love on the national level, but if he continues to standout, he will get more love from scouts. The guy can seriously play. NF
Boye Mafe impresses against Michigan (11:25 PM)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers suffered a tough loss to Michigan to open the season, but it was not all bad. On the defensive side of the football, Redshirt Junior defensive lineman Boye Mafe showed a lot of good things for them. With one sack, the stat line will not jump out at the average viewer. However, four pressures on the day proves just how much Mafe was in the backfield all game.
His natural first step is great. Mafe has natural juice to fly off that snap and produce it into a jolt through his hands. He can convert speed-to-power and get excellent push up front to blow up plays. Mafe’s hands are savvy and extremely active. That innate ability to his hold his due to a dense frame and then stack and shed was the thing that stuck out to me the most. Mafe is certainly making a case for his draft stock to improve. NF
Jarrell White continuing his breakout season (11:15 PM)
In what is his breakout season, strongside linebacker Jarrell White is having a fantastic senior season. Another guy who was on no one’s radar prior to the season, White has a sack and two tackles for loss against a talented SMU team. White’s sideline-to-sideline range has always been something that is there. The natural athletic ability of White extends his coverage ability where he is above-average for the position.
However, more importantly, White is proving that his instincts are following his athleticism. White has improved exponentially at reading his keys and has made quite the presence in the Bearcats run defense as a result. The Bearcats will bring White on blitzes, and White has nifty club-rip and swim moves that allow him to defeat linemen, tight ends, and running backs. Despite likely only being a day-three prospect right now, White’s improvement is encouraging for his NFL prospects. NF
Zach Wilson proving to be legit (11:05 PM)
The competition level for Zach Wilson has not been great thus far on the season, and the schedule down the line does not look too promising either. However, there is no denying that Wilson is playing at an extremely high level. Once not even on the radar of most scouts, Wilson’s stock is rising faster than any other quarterback’s in this class. The arm talent he has is truly impressive. Early in the game, Wilson threw a rocket to split the cover two safeties. It was the definition of a dime with precise accuracy.
Even of his back foot, Wilson made a beautiful throw on a wheel route down the left sideline for a touchdown. Wilson’s arm talent is special. The flashes that are there unquestionably are some of the most exciting throws we have seen in college football this season. Mobility is no question, either, as Wilson continues to extend plays with his legs and make great throws outside of structure. Wilson started out as fun, but he is now becoming a legitimate prospect. NF
Kwity Paye terrorizes Minnesota (10:55 PM)
You would have a hard time finding someone who has had a better night than Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye. With three tackles for loss and two sacks, Paye has been everyone. Late in this game, Paye gave a sharp stun to the chest of a Minnesota lineman, and walked him back into the quarterback as he secured the sack. That has been his bread and butter. The natural power Paye has thanks to his filled out, thick frame is phenomenal.
Paye’s improved in a few key areas, namely his pass rush plan this year. He has had the frame and explosiveness to take his game to the next level and has done so. As a pure pass rusher, I am not sure if Paye will ever be among the top players in the NFL thanks to a lack of length, but his all-around game is impressive. Paye is proving that to be true with a dominant performance against the Golden Gophers. NF
Charles Snowden troubling Miami (10:45 PM)
Miami has put up a lot of yards, but at this point only has 13 points and Virginia is firmly in the game against the ranked Hurricanes in Coral Gables. A huge part of the effort defensively, especially in the red zone, is standout linebacker Charles Snowden. With special athleticism at 6’7″, Snowden’s coverage ability and pass rush hybrid ability will be unique in this class. Teams will be want to see how the all-around game of Snowden comes together, however.
Today, Snowden has dismantled the Hurricanes offensive line and has been all over the field. He still has rather good sideline-to-sideline range despite his size. With a sack and 3.5 tackles for loss today, Snowden has been a disruptive force. In the pass rush, it is his potent long arm and length that are issues for teams. At the second level, he uses his length well to stay clean and scrape over to make tackles. Right now Snowden is a day three pick, but he has real starter upside. NF
Terrace Marshall proving to be a touchdown machine (10:40 PM)
LSU got a big 52-24 win over South Carolina today and it was in large part due to a big game from their top receiver Terrace Marshall. The stock of Marshall is heading to the moon after two more touchdowns today and 88 receiving yards as well. Marshall has proven to be a physical playmaker with good shiftiness for his size.
With 14 touchdowns in his last seven games, Marshall is winning in a variety of ways. Not only is he winning underneath, but he is proving he has elite ball skills and combat catch skills. Marshall can climb that ladder and with his strong hands, reel it in with ease. In hte NFL, Marshall would fit into the big slot role well. His physicality and size over the middle is a huge mismatch. Marshall is firmly in the day two conversation and could go even higher than that if he keeps this up. NF
Bateman struggling to find his groove (10:20 PM)
After a wild start which saw Michigan score on a fumble return and special teams, Minnesota is trying to claw their way back into the game but are 18 points down with the score 42 to 24. Rashod Bateman had a slow start but is slowly picking it back up. The junior had one big play of 38 yards and has totaled 8 receptions for 89 yards. Part of the problem is the poor play of quarterback Tanner Morgan, but Michigan has done a good job shutting down the potential first-round pick.
Tony Poljan continues to chug along (10:05 PM)
Poljan made a career move he’ll surely cherish as he transferred to Virginia from Central Michigan over the summer. Highly graded by scouts, Poljan is a solid three-down tight end effective primarily as an underneath receiver who can also be relied upon to block. Coming into tonight’s game against Miami, his totals included 18 receptions for 142 yards with 2 TD’s. Against the Hurricanes this evening Poljan leads the Cavaliers with 4 receptions, 26 yards, and 1 TD.
He’ll be a solid day three selection whose draft stock will rise if he tests well before the draft.
Two good quarterbacks tonight in a major AAC match-up (9:25 PM)
I’m a bit late with this as SMU and Cincinnati, two unbeaten teams vying for American Athletic Conference supremacy, kicked off 25 minutes ago. This is a battle between two good next level quarterbacks.
Just about everyone is aware of Shane Buechele, the former Texas transfer who looked terrific in 2019 and is having another good season. Buechele is headed to the late rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Not many are aware of Desmond Ridder, another solid quarterback that scouts like. Ridder is an athletic passer with a big arm as well as the foot speed to pick up yardage with his legs. If he continues to progress scouts feel Ridder, just a junior, could end up in the early part of day three.
Peyton Ramsey’s successful debut at Northwestern (9:15 PM)
After a good season at Indiana in 2019, Peyton Ramsey was booted from the starting job and decided to transfer. He landed at Northwestern and thus far it looks like a good move for both player and program. Northwestern is hammering Maryland 30-3 as the first half closes out.
Ramsey has completed 12 of 16 passes at the time of posting for 132 yards and added 30 yards rushing. There was talk of Ramsey entering last April’s draft but the signal-caller made the right choice and returned for another season, albeit with another school. He’s a sandlot/RPO quarterback who lacks the great size as well as arm strength but has enough ability to get late-round consideration and make an NFL roster as a third signal-caller.
Texas Tech safety one to keep on the radar (9PM)
DaMarcus Fields comes off another strong game as Texas Tech just finished off West Virginia by a score of 34-27. Fields posted 5 tackles and broke up 2 passes, both late in the game as WVU was driving for the tying score. Fields is short but aggressive and effective stopping the run or covering the pass. I presently grade the senior as a sixth-round prospect.
Carson Strong improving by leaps and bounds (8:30 PM)
Over the summer, I mentioned that Carson Strong could be the next quarterback from the Mountain West to be selected in the first round during my Nevada preview. The strong-armed passer has already shown a lot of improvement during the first game of the season for the Wolfpack. His timing, poise, and accuracy are all markedly improved. Strong’s arm strength and pass velocity are outstanding, as is his resiliency.
With three minutes left in the first half, Carson is 20 of 26 passing for 206 yards with one score. He must stop staring down primary targets, but I love the potential and upside Strong brings and stand by my belief he could be the next quarterback from the conference to end up in the first round. TP
Lots of love in the scouting community for Cam McGrone (8:10 PM)
Cam McGrone, who had a terrific season last year as a redshirt freshman, is getting a lot of love in the scouting community as next-level decision-makers have high expectations for the linebacker. McGrone is a shorter but intense and explosive defender, exceptional at making plays in the box or up the field. While he needs to complete his game, I am already hearing McGrone as a potential day two selection. TP
Tylan Wallace production doesn’t always show up on the stats sheet (7:55 PM)
During the OSU victory over Iowa State, Tylan Wallace came away with solid numbers, five receptions for 76 yards. His attention to detail and the little things Wallace did, production that doesn’t show up on the stats sheet, was impressive. His blocking was outstanding as Wallace gave effort and got results. I like his route discipline and how Wallace stays with assignments rather than freelance around the field. TP
Shaka Toney Comes up big for PSU (7:35 PM)
Universally graded as a day three pick, Penn State edge rusher Shaka Toney is off to an explosive start to the delayed season.
During the Lions contest against Indiana, Toney produced two huge sacks on back to back snaps to stymie the Hoosier offense late in the game. Besides those two sacks, Toney finished the day with six tackles and one QBH. Toney is basically a linebacker who comes out of a three-point stance on the college level. Measuring 6-feet-2-inches and 240 pounds, along with 4.7 speed, expect a lot of projections for Toney to OLB in a 3-4 as we move closer to the draft. TP
Najee Harris is a legitimate NFL running back, despite lacking top-end speed (5:55 PM)
There are certain traits that are more important for running backs in the modern NFL, among them short-range explosiveness, contact balance, and natural receiving ability. Najee Harris may not have a maxed-out second gear, but he has the most essential components for production at the NFL level, and he’s proven that once again today.
So far, Harris has 90 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, and he also has 51 receiving yards on five catches. Harris is a fun player to evaluate, and he could end up being more proof that running backs don’t necessarily need top-end speed, so long as they have the traits to fight through congested spaces and make the most out of the space they have.
That’s it from us for now. Check back at 7:30 PM, as Tony Pauline will be back with more analysis of Week 7 college football! IC
Spencer Sanders’ volatility points to exciting upside and concerning pitfalls (5:45 PM)
The Oklahoma State offense clearly has a different edge to it with Spencer Sanders at quarterback. He’s an electric playmaker who has the athleticism and arm talent to create proactively. But Sanders also brings a startling degree of volatility, as he’s shown today against the Iowa State Cyclones.
In a recent sequence, Sanders threw his second interception of the day, but then came back to rally his team to a touchdown on the ground. At 6-foot-1, 205, Sanders is an impressive athlete for the quarterback position, and his versatility makes him a very intriguing sleeper at quarterback. His low points will have some teams skeptical of his ability to maintain consistency at the NFL level, but the developmental traits are undoubtedly there. IC
Alabama dealt a massive blow on offense, as Jaylen Waddle suffers a broken ankle (5:30 PM)
The entire college football world is now in mourning, as it was recently revealed that electric Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a broken ankle in the first half of the team’s contest against the Tennessee Volunteers. Coming into this game, Waddle had 25 catches for 557 yards and four touchdowns in four games.
Waddle is out for the year, and now, the most pressing question is what comes next for the junior standout. At this point, Waddle has enough tape out there to prove just how transcendent his explosiveness can be. But with his long-term health now in question, his draft decision becomes a bit more complicated. First and foremost, Waddle’s quick and speedy recovery is most important. With any luck, he can get back to one-hundred percent. IC
Indiana defensive back Jamar Johnson making waves against No. 8 Penn State (5:20 PM)
If you like sleeper prospects from non-trendy Power Five schools, then you’ll love Indiana defensive back, Jamar Johnson. The man is having a day against the No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions. He intercepted an overthrown pass from quarterback Sean Clifford, and just a couple of minutes ago, he stripped the ball from backup quarterback Will Levis, forcing another turnover.
The Hoosiers, up 17-7 at the half, are in the process of engineering a massive season-opening upset, and Johnson is a big reason why. Johnson, who stands at 6-foot-1, 192, had a sneakily solid season in 2019, and early on in 2020, he’s making plays in multiple phases and putting himself on the map for scouts. IC
Patrick Surtain II makes definitive pass deflection with ball skills (5:05 PM)
Players make plays. Sometimes it’s as simple as that, and Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II just proved it. Lined up on the boundary on a crucial defensive down, Surtain stayed with his man down the field and used his hand-eye coordination to break up a deep pass.
Disruption is one of the foundational objectives of any defensive back, and Surtain has shown this week that he can bring that to the table. He’s not as versatile as other defensive backs to come from the Crimson Tide ranks. Still, his utility as a physical, disruptive coverage defender will keep him firmly in the first-round conversation. IC
Underrated edge-tackle matchup on display in Virginia Tech-Wake Forest battle (4:40 PM)
It’s been a pretty quiet matchup so far. Still, one edge rusher-tackle battle that can’t be overlooked today is the clash between Hokies blindside blocker Christian Darrisaw and Wake Forest defensive end Carlos Basham.
Basham is an established day two prospect with the leverage and hand speed necessary to be an impact player. Darrisaw, a junior, is a breakout candidate who offers an enticing mix of athleticism, fluidity, and size at 6-foot-5, 313. With Wake Forest and Virginia Tech currently tied at 10 a piece, this competition is sure to take on more and more importance, and the winner will get some much-needed credits on the draft circuit. IC
Tyler Goodson making plays for the Hawkeyes with versatility (4:25 PM)
He’s only a true sophomore, but Iowa running back Tyler Goodson is legit and needs to be recognized. The young playmaker is making an immediate and distinct impact in the Hawkeyes’ season opener against the Purdue Boilermakers. At the end of the first quarter, he already has 76 total yards from scrimmage on seven touches, including one catch for 40 yards downfield.
Goodson has a ton of talent, and he’s not one-dimensional either. On his catch, Goodson found space downfield and earned yards after the catch, and on his carries, he’s shown an eye-catching combination of explosiveness and steely physicality. On one of the last plays in the first quarter, Goodson got caught up at the line, then hit the Purdue defense with a nasty cutback, earning ten yards and a first down before lowering his shoulder into a play-ending hit. Goodson is a weapon, and he should only get more touches as this game goes on. IC
Mac Jones off to a fast start in Alabama’s showdown with Tennessee (4:15 PM)
Ranking the top five quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft is an incredibly subjective exercise, and Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is doing everything he can to stay in that conversation. Jones was written off by some heading into 2020, but the Crimson Tide offense hasn’t skipped a beat with him under center, and early against the Volunteers, he’s upholding that standard.
Jones is nine for nine, for 145 yards, and he’s already led two scoring drives with almost three minutes left in the first quarter. Opinions are still reasonably widespread on Jones, even with his strong start. Jones is stiff as an athlete, and his arm strength, while solid, has a perceivable cap. But in a reliable system — like Alabama’s — he has the necessary mechanical consistency and the field-reading ability to produce. How scouts evaluate him, and his potential next spring will be of great interest. IC
Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth finds the end zone early in debut (4:00 PM)
It didn’t take long at all for Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth to find the end zone for the first time in the 2020 season. Freiermuth did so on the Nittany Lions’ first scoring drive, hauling in a wide-open pass from quarterback Sean Clifford.
It wasn’t anything flashy; the Indiana defense sold out against the run on the goal line, freeing up Freiermuth to run all alone in the middle of the end zone. Even so, this first touchdown is just a precursor of what may be to come for the prestigious tight end. Freiermuth dominates in the red zone with his combination of size and athleticism, and he’ll have plenty of chances to show off those traits to evaluators. IC
Justin Fields reaffirms early first-round status in Ohio State win (3:50 PM)
Justin Fields has commonly been referred to as a first-round prospect in early 2021 mock drafts, but his season-opening performance against the Nebraska Cornhuskers solidified his status. Fields was immaculate in his 2020 debut, completing 20 of 21 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Fields is just another high-upside passer who fits the modern NFL quarterback mold; he’s athletic, well-built, and he also brings impressive utility as a passer. In his first game back from the offseason, Fields showed precisely what he needed to show to earn enduring confidence from scouts: Poise, playmaking ability, arm talent, and natural accuracy to all levels of the field. IC
Marlon Williams off to another fast start (3:20 PM)
With nine minutes remaining in the first half, UCF receiver Marlon Williams is tearing it up against Tulane. The senior has four receptions for 99 yards with one TD. Williams has been mentioned several times this season in the game day blog as coming into this game, he had already accumulated 45 receptions, 579 yards, and three TD’s in four games.
Scouts graded him as a fringe PFA before the season as speed is a big concern for Williams. If he runs well before the draft, with a time in the low 4.5’s being the definition of well, I think Williams could jump into the last round based on the pass-catching skill he’s shown this season. TP
Big play Atwell piling up the yardage today (3:00 PM)
Despite being slight of size (5-feet-9-inches, 170 pounds), Tutu Atwell continues to show why scouts grade him as a second-day prospect.
The big play wideout has caught three passes for 129 yards with one TD, a 66-yard jaunt. Atwell is doing it against a Florida State secondary that has talent; on paper anyway. He’ll be a terrific selection for an Andy Reid/Doug Pederson type of offense that will use him in the slot, and Atwell also comes with potential as a return specialist. TP
Another center impressing today (2:50 PM)
If you play offensive line in Lane Kiffin’s system, you better be versatile and on your toes. That’s exactly what Ben Brown has been all season.
The junior established himself as a terrific pass protector during the first month of the season and has shown impressive run blocking skills today against Auburn. Mississippi has rushed for 258 yards and has a one-point lead with five minutes left in the game. Brown just threw a devastating block on the second level to pave the way for Jerrion Ealy‘s five-yard TD run to put the Rebels ahead.
I gave Brown a fifth-round grade before the season began but have since moved him to the fourth frame. I’m told there is a very good chance he enters the draft after the season. TP
Schiano’s defense keeps choppin’ (2:40 PM)
“Keep chopping” and “the chop” were mantras of Greg Schiano’s motivational talk to players his first time around as Rutgers head coach and something he’s brought back with him. Two RU linebackers heard the call and have turned in outstanding performances today.
Both Olakunle Fatukasi and Tyshon Fogg have come up big today, totaling eight and 10 tackles, respectively, as we move towards the close of the third quarter. Fogg just made a huge fourth-down stop as Michigan State could not convert a turnover. Scouts like Fatukasi slightly better as he’s more athletic and faster, but Fogg is stouter at the point and more instinctive. Both players are likely UDFA’s yet have played very well today. TP
Yeboah continues to display big-play ability (2:25 PM)
Mississippi tight end Kenny Yeboah, who had a month’s worth of production against Alabama a few weeks ago, continues to impress with his big-play ability. Yeboah has just two receptions today, but they’ve gone for 67 yards, an average of 33.5 yards per catch.
Yeboah is moving up draft boards as he’s becoming one of the better big-play threats at the tight end position. He needs to polish his game and improve his blocking, but Yeboah’s potential is off the charts. TP
OSU continues to churn out offensive linemen (2:00 PM)
Earlier I was extolling the virtues of Buckeye blocker Wyatt Davis but also keep a close eye on center Josh Myers, number 71. Myers is having a terrific game, giving Justin Fields plenty of time and allowing his quarterback to patiently make decisions.
I graded Myers as a fourth-round prospect entering the season, but there are some scouts who presently rate him as a top 60 pick. TP
End the season! Rutgers is back!! (1:30 PM)
Well, maybe. The program that’s been unwatchable the past five years has looked outstanding during the first half of the game against Michigan State. During the game day blog preview, I mentioned tight end Jovani Haskins, a transfer from West Virginia.
Haskins has just a single reception for six yards in the first half, but his blocking has been outstanding. His blocks at the line of scrimmage and on the second level have been responsible for several of the RU long runs. As the first half comes to a close, Rutgers is at 100 yards rushing. TP
Justin Fields: Sharp as a tack in game No. 1 (1:05 PM)
It’s been a delight watching Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence the first two months of the season, but credit where credit is due: Justin Fields looks in mid-season form during the first half of the Nebraska game.
Fields’ timing, accuracy, and pass placement has been spot on, and he looks better than a year ago. It’s still early, but with six minutes left in the first half, Fields is 9 for 9 passing with 134 yards and one touchdown. Fields was a vocal supporter for the Big Ten getting back on the field sooner rather than later, and it looks like he’s definitely put his money where his mouth is on the field. TP
Carter keeps finding ways to produce (12:55 PM)
North Carolina running back, Michael Carter was graded as an early Day 3 pick entering the season, and the senior is exceeding expectations. He’s a quick, elusive ball carrier who continually finds ways to create yards and produce. Early in the interstate rivalry against North Carolina State, Carter has 25 yards on five carries with one touchdown.
At 5-feet-9-inches and under 200 pounds with average speed, Carter’s final draft grade really won’t move much higher, but he should be a solid third-down back/situational runner for the next level. TP
Another solid play by Moehrig (12:35 PM)
Trevon Moehrig is highly considered in some areas of the scouting community, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a physical safety with terrific ball skills between the numbers. Moehrig just made another PBU on third down against Oklahoma, forcing the Sooners to kick a field goal. Moehrig lacks speed as well as range, which I believe limits him to a strong safety/zone scheme, but if properly used, he will be effective at the next level. TP
Wyatt Davis displaying impressive power (12:25 PM)
Buckeyes guard Wyatt Davis decided to play this season after initially opting out. The highly-rated junior looks much improved in the early goings against Nebraska.
Davis is known for his quickness, agility, and ability to block in motion. In the early goings against Nebraska, Davis has displayed much more strength at the point — an element I felt was missing from his game. He’s opened up holes on the offensive line with power and engulfed opponents, helping to lead the way for Ohio State’s first touchdown of the year. TP
BAM! POW! Huskers run game pounds it downfield (12:15 PM)
While Ohio State is a big favorite in today’s game, one question looms large for me: Can the Buckeyes defensive line contain the Nebraska offensive line, which lines up at least three NFL prospects?
I presently grade left tackle Brenden Jaimes, who just made a great block on that long run, as a fifth-round prospect. Junior center Cameron Jurgens and senior guard Matt Farniok are just a round behind, earning sixth-round grades on my board. TP
Tight end Jovani Haskins to make Rutgers debut today
Rutgers hopes they are starting a new era by reaching back to their past with Greg Schiano as head coach. RU has been a disaster the past five years — literally unwatchable.
Related | Pauline’s 2020 Big Ten Summer Scouting Preview
On my board, they have a single draftable prospect — tight end Jovani Haskins, who is a transfer from West Virginia. The junior is listed as a starter for Rutgers and he’s a player to watch against Michigan State, who’ll match up the likes of safety Xavier Henderson and linebacker Antjuan Simmons to stop the tight end.
Pitt rushers Patrick Jones & Rashad Weaver to test Notre Dame OL Liam Eichenberg & Aaron Banks
Notre Dame travels to Pittsburgh for a Week 8 college football game that scouts will keep a very close eye on. There are several match-ups to watch, but the most important pits the Irish offensive line against the Panthers pass rushers.
Patrick Jones — who has already been boosting his draft stock — and Rashad Weaver of Pitt are both off to fast starts and they rank as the best tandem of pass rushers in the nation. On the other side of the line, Notre Dame left tackle Liam Eichenberg and left guard Aaron Banks have both played well this season. This is a statement game for Eichenberg, who must show he can stop the speed and athleticism Jones and Weaver bring.
Wide receiver/cornerback matchups highlight the primetime slate in Week 8
The Week 8 college football primetime games feature some great battles between receivers and cornerbacks.
Week 7 riser Jaycee Horn of South Carolina hopes to capitalize on his spectacular performance against Auburn, but the competition is a bit tougher today. LSU receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. picked up the slack after teammate Ja’Marr Chase chose to opt-out of the season. Horn has all the makings of a Day 2 choice but could boost his stock with a strong performance against LSU.
Rashod Bateman of Minnesota is universally hailed as a first-round receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s a great combination of size, speed, and pass-catching ability. In the Big Ten opener against Michigan, he faces cornerback Ambry Thomas, a second-day prospect who has a size disadvantage but comes with terrific ball skills and next-level speed.