College Football Games Today, Week 4: TV Schedule and Live Blog with Tony Pauline

Click the dropdown tab above to view the schedule for all of the college football games today in Week 4. Find out what time each game kicks off along with the channel they will be broadcast on.

Week 4 Live Blog with Tony Pauline, AJ Schulte, and Matt Valdovinos

Updates through midnight ET will be timestamped once we kick off at noon and followed by initials of the analyst. TP is me (Tony Pauline), AS is AJ Schulte, MV is Matt Valdovinos, and NF is Nick Farabaugh.

Divine Deablo is an athletic chess piece (11:55 ET PM)

Other than being a member of the patented all-name team, Virginia Tech safety Divine Deablo continues to prove he can be an NFL talent. He notched another interception against NC State today. Deablo’s calling card is his athleticism at his size. With smooth hips and impressive long speed, not only can Deablo work in deep coverages, but he is an ideal slot cornerback who can man up on slot receivers.

Deablo has been a key piece of the Hokies defense over the past few years and only continues to prove that his athleticism and instincts make him a high-upside NFL prospect. NF

Gunner Romney an intriguing deep threat (11:50 ET PM)

BYU usually does not register NFL prospects at receiver, but they may have one in Gunner Romney. Coming into tonight, Romney led the nation in yards per catch as an explosive deep threat. After tonight, that is unlikely to change given his impressive performance.

In the first half alone, Romney has racked up 101 receiving yards on just four receptions. The big chunk play of the day for Romeny was a huge 52-yard reception down the field. Romney’s focus was getting stronger and more nuanced as a route runner over the offseason and he seems to have done that. With the speed already there, Romney could a sleeper to watch as the season carries on. NF

Tutu Atwell proves he’s a gamer (11:40 ET PM)

I was live in attendance for the Pitt-Louisville matchup today and despite a stat line of only three receptions for 33 receiving yards and a touchdown, it was clear that Tutu Atwell was a guy that changes games. Atwell was consistently working against another future NFL player in Damar Hamlin and torching this Pitt defense down the field.

Related | Breaking down wide receiver Tutu Atwell’s Week 1 performance

Atwell’s speed is his calling card. However, his release off the line, vertical route running, and quickness are three other key traits that allow him to change how a defense attacks this Cardinals offense. If Malik Cunningham had been more accurate today, Atwell could have had a monster game. Despite size concerns, Atwell will find a home in the NFL as a playmaker. NF

Carlton Martial flying around the field early (11:25 ET PM)

Troy is fighting an uphill battle as they face a ranked BYU team, but their leader on defense has shown up in a big way already. Linebacker Carlton Martial has racked up a team-leading four tackles along with a quarterback hit already on the day.

Related | Troy linebacker Carlton Martial is one of college football’s best-kept secrets

The Trojans trail 14-0 in the second quarter, but Martial’s instincts and athleticism to get sideline-to-sideline are showing up. His impressive third-down stop of BYU on a screen pass was a key play to halt a promising Cougars drive. Even in coverage, Martial has largely neutralized the middle of the field thus far and has been the peskiest force for BYU to overcome tonight. NF

Tamorrion Terry the victim of circumstance (11:15 PM ET)

There was lots of hype coming into the season for the height-weight-speed monster that is Tamorrion Terry. The lofty comparison Terry drew as a 6’4″ player who reportedly runs a 4.4 40-yard dash were guys like DK Metcalf. However, with James Blackman getting almost no time to actually throw the football and some early season struggles, Terry has not started off the season on the right foot.

Related | 2021 NFL Draft: FSU’s Tamorrion Terry deserves more attention

Against Miami today, Terry had negative four receiving yards. In the past weeks, Terry has dropped easy passes at times or struggled to separate. While his stock was sky-high, Terry could be falling back down the draft board a bit after a tough go of things early on. NF

Miami safety Bubba Bolden is a gem (10:55 PM ET)

While most fans know Quincy Roche, Al Blades Jr, Cam’Ron Harris, Brevin Jordan, and D’Eriq King to be the big pro prospects on this Miami team, safety Bubba Bolden has been the best player on the Hurricanes defense today. A USC transfer, Bolden is really coming into his own this season.

His stat line today is rather ridiculous. Bolden has an interception, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, two tackles for loss, and a sack on the day. It has been his athleticism, specifically his explosiveness and instincts combined, that have allowed Bolden to really thrive today and thus far on the season. A relative unknown on radars prior to this season, Bolden’s fantastic start to the season is putting the country on notice. NF

Jaelan Phillips impressive thus far on the season (10:50 PM ET)

While Gregory Rousseau’s opt-out hurt the Hurricanes stout defensive line to a degree, Jaelan Phillips has stepped into Rousseau’s role and done well. Thus far on the day against Florida State, Phillips has an interception, a tackle for loss, and three pressures.

Phillips has always been a guy with an extremely high pedigree, as he was a five-star prospect when he committed to UCLA. Thus far on the season, he now has 2.5 tackles for loss and two pass deflections as well. After being given the opportunity at Miami he seems to be capitalizing on it. With his traits, Phillips is an intriguing riser to keep an eye on. NF

Hunter Long a rising prospect (10:35 PM ET)

Boston College fought tooth and nail with Texas State today at home, but their big target Hunter Long showed up in a big way. Coming off a strong performance against Duke, Long notched nine receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown as Phil Jurkovec’s safety valve.

Related | Boston College TE Hunter Long is a Top 5 2021 Tight End

Long’s vice grip-like hands are his best trait. However, the most impressive thing is how impressive Long is for his size. A 6’5″, 265-pound tight end, Long finds the perfect medium between physicality and finesse to become a mismatch weapon. The Eagles use him all around the field as that mismatch weapon and he is the go-to guy in that offense. Long’s would fit perfectly to exploit safeties, slot cornerbacks, and linebackers as a move tight end in the NFL, and he could be a day two pick when it is all said and done. NF

Watch out for Shi Smith (10:25 PM ET)

South Carolina has produced a few receivers in recent years. Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards both ended up as a day two picks. Do not be surprised if Shi Smith follows in those footsteps. 

Smith is going off against the Tennessee defense right now. He has 10 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown. Smith has done it through various modes and has savviness to burn a defense up the seam with outstanding releases and quickness of the line. He has strong hands and uses his frame to bully defensive backs as well. Mostly a slot receiver, Smith has the traits to be a chain mover at the NFL level with those traits. Now the main weapon in the Gamecocks offense, Smith has a chance to elevate his stock. NF

Jaylen Waddle proving he is a top receiver prospect (10:10 PM ET)

Alabama is comfortably winning against Missouri with backup quarterback Bryce Young now in the game. While the Crimson Tide are rolling to another victory, speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle is proving he is not just a deep threat, but an all-around problem on offense.

Related | 2021 NFL Draft: Jaylen Waddle’s route running is underrated

Waddle’s put up an impressive 134 receiving yards for two touchdowns on eight receptions. While Waddle’s explosiveness and long speed have been shown off, so has his underrated quickness and underrated ability to win above the rim.

Waddle can elevate and win those combat catches when needed. Even more impressive, Waddle has shown off smooth and crisp route running, which I was impressed by last season. Waddle is clinching himself in as a first-round prospect and is my top-rated receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. NF

Isaiah Moore coming of age (9:55 PM ET)

North Carolina State is getting handled by ACC opponent Virginia Tech by a score of 31-10 at halftime. If there’s a silver lining for the Wolfpack, it would be the play of Isaiah Moore.

The linebacker totaled 7 tackles, 2 TFL’s and 1 sack during the first half and has really elevated his play.  As a freshman in 2018, Moore made an immediate impact and impressed me to the point where I stamped him as a potential day two pick.  His play took a step back last season when NCSU moved to a 3-4 defense and Moore struggled to adjust.

It looks like the light has gone on for the junior as he’s playing smart, tough, disciplined football, albeit in what seems to be a losing effort for his squad.

Damon Hazelton- a name to remember  (9:45 PM ET)

Hazelton was a player I mentioned during this morning’s preview and it’s a good news/bad news situation for the receiver.  The good news is Hazelton has 5 receptions to his credit three quarters into the Alabama game.  The bad news is he’s totaled just 34 yards receiving.

Granted, much of that has to do with the pummeling Alabama has put on Missouri this evening but the number of catches is still promising for Hazelton, a formerly productive receiver at Virginia Tech who was completely ignored by scouts coming into the season.

Vanderbilt losing, but keep an eye on Dayo Odeyingbo (9:25 PM ET)

Watch Vandy defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo – a big, strong, athletic prospect who can dominate the action. Odeyingbo sheds blocks, penetrates the line of scrimmage, and is rarely off his feet.  He’s insanely athletic for a 280 pounder and chases the action around the field with speed.

I presently grade him as a third-round prospect but I could see someone falling in love with Odeyingbo at the Senior Bowl and selecting him in the second round.

Looking for a sleeper at pass rusher? (9:05 PM ET)

Turn on the NCSU-Virginia Tech game and keep an eye on number 9 for the Hokies, Justus Reed.  Reed has been around a while- since 2014 to be exact when he began his college career at Florida.  He then diverted to Jacksonville State, struggled with injuries, played well in 2019 then transferred to Virginia Tech.

A seventh-year senior – you heard that right – a seventh-year senior, Reed is a terrific edge rusher that also displays strength at the point.  The old man has 3 tackles, 1 TFL, and 1 sack to his credit during his first half of play with the Hokies.

What can you say about the Alabama Crimson Tide? (8:50 PM ET)

Except for total domination? Despite having four players on the offensive side of the ball selected in the top half of round one last April, they don’t miss a beat. Jaylen Waddle has 7 receptions for 121 yards and 2 TDs, DeVonta Smith has 4 receptions and Najee Harris 77 yards rushing on 13 carries with 2 TD’s- at halftime!

And with all this next level talent, you also have to be really impressed with quarterback Mac Jones, who has made some incredible passes tonight.

The development of D’Eriq King (8:25 PM ET)

If nothing else, you have to be very impressed with the decision making of D’Eriq King during the first month of the season.  He’s been making good choices protecting the football, running the offense, and moving the chains.

Related | Three reasons transfer D’Eriq King is Miami’s best QB prospect in years

He’s a terrific athlete with a next level arm but measures barely 5-feet-9-inches, which is going to be an issue for some teams at the quarterback position.

Miami Hurricanes push it down the field (8 PM ET)

In the battle of the Sunshine State, the Hurricanes made that first drive look easy.  They pushed the Seminoles down the field at will and controlled defensive tackle Marvin Wilson without much more than one-on-one blocking.

Related | Marvin Wilson leads the 2021 DT class for now, but he has company

Wilson has shown the ability to clog the gaps and make plays on the ball but he’s also been very inconsistent on the field.  I handed him a third round grade before the season and that was on the high end, as a lot of scouts believe he’s more of fifth round prospect.

Welcome back Dylan Moses! (7:45 PM ET)

Dylan Moses was one of my highest-rated prospects in the summer of 2019 before a knee  injury in camp shelved him for the entire year.  Moses just showed he’s back and has not lost a step.

Related | 2021 NFL Draft: Linebacker Dylan Moses back as a potential Top-10 pick

On a 4th and 2, the linebacker displayed his patented quickness, instincts, and explosion, dropping running back Larry Rountree III for a loss to give Alabama the ball.

Another SEC pass catcher looking dominant (7:30 PM ET)

During the noon games, it was Kyle Pitts of Florida, Elijah Moore of Ole Miss, and Seth Williams of Auburn. Osirus Mitchell of Mississippi State has kept the momentum going during the afternoon.

Related | Florida football in fine hands with Kyle Pitts, Kyle Trask in 2020

The big-bodied pass catcher has hauled in 7 receptions for 183 yards and 2 TD’s, including a score moments ago that should clinch the game for the Bulldogs.  He’s a big-bodied possession receiver who I graded as a sixth round prospect over the summer. Mitchell’s ultimate draft grade will be reliant on his pre-draft testing numbers.

Observations from college football games today in the afternoon (7:10 PM ET)

Motoring around the channels, here are a few observations from the 3:30 and 4 PM kickoffs.

• Mississippi State quarterback K.J. Costello has had his moments today but has also made some costly turnovers.  If he doesn’t fix that fast, expect Mike Leach to replace him.
• Arkansas left tackle Myron Cunningham was graded as a potential third round pick by a number of scouts.  I believe 1) Cunningham is a day three, not third round prospect and 2) he does not have the foot quickness of agility to stay on the left side in the NFL.
• There are some scouts who grade Sam Ehlinger as a third round pick but I don’t see it.  He’s a good college quarterback who doesn’t project all that well for the next level.  He lacks the rifle arm and is more a game manager than anything else.
• UVA has a bunch of solid prospects in their defensive back seven- last day guys who can play at the next level.

LSU’s Terrace Marshall taking advantage (6:55 PM ET)

LSU expected WR1 Ja’Marr Chase opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft, so a massive hole was left in an already decimated offensive unit. I wrote about how Marshall can take advantage of this and help skyrocket his stock. He’s doing just that as he just caught a one-handed touchdown to bring LSU within three points against Mississippi State.

Marshall has an excellent concentration at the catch point, and he’s a strong physical specimen. He’s still raw with his releases and route running, but the physical traits and competitive toughness are there. Marshall has the most to gain from the opt-out of teammate Ja’Marr Chase. – MV

A surprise EDGE1 for the 2021 NFL Draft (6:45 PM ET)

The overwhelming consensus is that Miami’s Gregory Rousseau is the top edge defender in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Well if you follow my Twitter, you’d know that I have never subscribed to this theory. I’m of the belief that the top draft-eligible edge defender plays in the Steel City. I’m of course talking about PITT defensive end Patrick Jones II.

Jones had a huge game posting 6 total tackles and an incredible 3 sacks. Jones is a great blend of size and explosion and, unlike Rousseau, Jones is a well-developed pass rusher who strings together pass rush moves and he’s an excellent edge setter. Jones is the top-ranked EDGE on my 2021 NFL Draft board. – MV

LSU’s regression (6:30 PM ET)

After producing one of the most potent offenses in college football history, LSU has come out flat and slow to start the 2020 season. They lost about 90% of their starters from last season, but few people expected them to spend the evening trailing Mississippi State and potentially starting the season 0-1.

While the team overall has struggled, transfer linebacker Jabril Cox has looked strong, and NFL teams will covet his blend of physical tools and his ability in coverage. Safety JaCoby Stevens has also made an impact on this game and I really like his upside as a linebacker-safety hybrid in the NFL. – MV

Kylin Hill’s return to Game Day Blog (6:15 PM ET)

When we did this blog last season, the most common name I would bring up was Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill. Well, I’m back singing his praises as Hill has once again proven himself as an elite running back.

Related | College Football 2020: Matt Valdovinos’ Top 25 Rankings

Mike Leach brings his air raid offense to the SEC as the new head coach of the Bulldogs, and some were worried that Hill’s wouldn’t be used in the offense that passes the ball so heavily. However Hill is an elite receiver out of the backfield, and he’s torching the LSU defense both on the ground and through the air. Hill should be a very intriguing running back option on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. – MV

A look back at the earlier games (5:50 PM ET)

I’ve been exclusively talking about the afternoon slot of games and haven’t discussed the noon kickoff games.

*No, I won’t be discussing the Oklahoma game*

Louisville-Pitt was an impressive showing by the Pitt defense all-around. It’s difficult to account for Tutu Atwell but Pitt forced three interceptions and a fumble and held Louisville to just 107 yards passing. EDGE rusher Patrick Jones II is one of the best pass rushers in the country that no one is discussing, and he capped off an impressive day by accounting for three sacks. Safety Damar Hamlin was a big part of stopping Atwell and had his own INT on the day. Both of those guys are firmly in the Day 2 conversation for the Draft.

Kentucky’s offensive line did a good job setting the tone offensively upfront. I was pleasantly surprised by center Drake Jackson’s performance, as I thought he made a few tone-setting blocks early on against an always-physical Auburn front. On defense, DT Quinton Bohanna is a massive space-eater upfront who was largely negated today by Auburn’s quick screen game. Wasn’t his best game statistically, but look for bigger games moving forward for the nose tackle. -AS

Arkansas and Mississippi State looking for the upset (5:30 PM ET)

Mississippi State’s offense looks outstanding so far against the LSU Tigers. QB KJ Costello has been great outside of the pick-six, and the offense looks like a well-oiled machine. LSU has struggled to respond offensively. Going into halftime, it will be interesting to see the adjustments Ed Orgeron and the LSU coaching staff make to get their offense going. MSU defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer has been abusing the LSU offensive line and the coaching staff will have to adjust to him in the second half.

Arkansas just stuffed UGA on 4th down. The debut of Todd Monken’s new offense has not been what UGA fans were hoping for after years of struggling offensively. Arkansas hasn’t looked much better on offense, but defensively they’ve been harassing the UGA offensive line and started clogging up running lanes. Another potential upset to keep an eye on this week. -AS

Another LSU defensive star in the making? (5:15 PM ET)

Anybody watching the Mississippi State-LSU game has seen LSU defensive lineman Ali Gaye step up and make plays for the LSU defense upfront. He has been in the backfield consistently for the Tigers and been putting pressure on KJ Costello. LSU will need him to continue this playmaking all season with all of their defensive losses this season. -AS

Sleeper LB makes a game-winner (4:50 PM ET)  

Iowa State LB Mike Rose is one of the most under-the-radar linebackers in the country. At 6’4, 245 pounds, Rose is a jacked-up linebacker who continues to make plays across the field for the Cyclones. I like his instincts in coverage, and they showed up big on a game-winning Herculean effort interception to stop TCU’s potential game-winning drive. He’s a player to keep an eye on, depending on his Combine testing. -AS

Potential First-Round DB declares for the draft (4:33 PM ET) 

Oregon DB Jevon Holland has officially announced his declaration for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Without further adieu… pic.twitter.com/7JVvLXw0xq

— Vón🧞 (@HollywoodVon) September 26, 2020

Tony Pauline had this to say about Holland in his summer scouting in the Pac-12: “Safety Jevon Holland is someone I really like. He combines terrific size, athleticism and explosion. Holland is a fierce run defender who also displays solid ball skills and makes a lot of game-impacting plays. Holland is another who possesses big upside, and I’m told at this point he’s leaning towards entering the 2021 NFL Draft.”

I’m a big fan of Holland’s game as well. I recently mocked him in the first round to the Minnesota Vikings. His versatility will be a big plus for NFL scouts, as he can play safety and in the nickel at an NFL level. -AS

Keep an eye on the Texas WR group (4:25 PM ET)

Texas has a deep and very talented WR group, even with the loss of Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay in the offseason. Joshua Moore, Brennan Eagles, and Brenden Schooler have already made big plays against a poor Texas Tech defense. Keep an eye on this group to bail out QB Sam Ehlinger the rest of the season and make big plays downfield. -AS

SEC Offensive Studs are shining today (4:11 PM ET)

Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts, and Kadarius Toney all shined this afternoon to the tune of 6 total TDs against the Ole Miss defense. Ole Miss’s stable of skill position talents of Elijah Moore, Jerrion Ealy, and Kenny Yaboah exploded onto the scene, led by exceptional downfield throws by QB Matt Corral. Moore’s explosiveness is NFL-worthy, but his frame and his slot-only play might limit his viewing by NFL scouts.

Auburn’s WR duo of Anthony Schwartz and Seth Williams were all over the Kentucky secondary this week. Williams consistently bailed out Bo Nix’s poor accuracy all game long with his catch radius and hands. I’m not sure where Williams will be viewed in terms of NFL potential, but his possession-style of play will stick him on as a WR2/WR3 in the NFL.

Mississippi State’s duo of QB KJ Costello and RB Kylin Hill have looked exceptional so far in Mike Leach’s offense. Costello looked exceptional leading the MSU offense downfield in that first drive and looked comfortable against a tough LSU defense. Hill is one of the best running backs in the SEC and broke off a few big runs to start this game. People wanted to see his ability as a receiver, and he already has a catch so far in this game. Keep an eye on him to take over against LSU. -AS

Small School Notes (3:05 PM)

With a number of FCS Conferences postponing the season until next spring, several draftable prospects have decided to bypass the delayed start of the 2020 campaign and prepare for the draft.

Two such players are offensive tackle Spencer Brown and pass rusher Elerson Smith- both from Northern Iowa. I’m told Spencer Brown has looked terrific in the early going of training and is working out with Joe Staley, the six-time Pro Bowl tackle who recently retired.

One player who has chosen to stick around is receiver  Isaiah Weston, another draftable prospect who I spoke of numerous times last season.

Pitts defensive line continues to impress (2:40 PM)

Rashad Weaver, a week three riser, is having another fine performance and has four tackles, two TFL’s and one sack as the third quarter is closing out in the Louisville-Pitt contest.  But his teammate, Patrick Jones, has been the star today.

Jones leads all Pitt defenders with six tackles and two sacks while adding two TFL’s.  Jones was given a firm second-round grade by scouts, which ranged from the middle part of round two through late third round before the season began, and he’s living up to expectations.

Seth Williams turning heads (2:25 PM)

Kentucky and Auburn are locked up in a tight contest, but Tiger receiver  Seth Williams is another pass catcher having himself a heck of a season debut.

The junior, whom I handed a fourth-round grade over the summer, has caught five passes for 108 with one TD, which was a terrific grab in the back of the end zone.  Williams is a nice sized wideout with consistent hands.  Some scouts have already graded him as a third-round prospect.

Updates from the MAC (1:50 PM)

As we get ready to kick off the second half of the noon games, here are a few updates from Wednesday nights live podcast on the upcoming MAC season, which was officially announced last night.

Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson, who was planning on sitting out the spring season and entering the 2021 NFL Draft, will take the field once play resumes on November 4. I’m told this will be Patterson’s final season at UBuff, and the junior will enter next April’s draft.

As reported during the podcast, offensive tackle Tommy Doyle and cornerback Manny Rugamba of Miami of Ohio both want to rescind their initial decisions to opt-out of the season and take the field once play resumes. I’m told their official status for this fall is expected by next Tuesday.

Kenny Pickett has his fans (1:10 PM)

Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett has fans in the scouting community. While I’ve graded him as a PFA, a few people I spoke with this week believe Pickett is worthy of late-round consideration.

They point to his game management, decision making, and accuracy as reason teams will consider using a late-round selection for Pickett, who they feel could make a roster as a No. 3 quarterback.

Kiffin showing another dimension to Moore’s game (1 PM)

Over the summer, I graded Elijah Moore as a late-round pick, as I wanted to see the explosive receiver develop on the field. He’s taken to Lane Kiffin’s offense like a duck to water, and made an immediate impact in the early goings of the Florida-Ole Miss game, presently tied 14-14.

Moore is small but quick with the extra gear. Kiffin has devised plans to get the ball in Moore’s hands and let him work his magic, which he’s done with three receptions for 48 yards three minutes into the second quarter.

Moore projects well as a slot receiver and return specialist at the next level.

Christian Tutt making his presence felt (12:45 PM)

Entering the season, I graded Tutt as a free agent off his sophomore film, in large part because he was a rotational defensive back/nickel cornerback last season. Early in the 2020 season, Tutt has shown a lot of progress in his game. He’s made several big plays and broke up a number of passes during important situations in the first quarter and a half.

Tutt is still listed at the STAR position, a nickel back in the Auburn scheme, rather than a starter at cornerback. Regardless, he has the size and has shown the ball skills to play at the next level.

Kyle Pitts = Matchup nightmare (12:30 PM)

Pitts is proving why so many grade him as the top tight end prospect in the nation. As stated in this morning’s preview, he plays the position like a possession receiver. Pitts made several nice catches during the Gators’ first scoring drive of the season, and looked much improved as a blocker.

Pitts also showed great route discipline, which drew the coverage in his direction, opening up opportunities for his teammates.

He’s too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. I fully expect Pitts to enter the draft and turn into a top-42 selection if he plays like this all season.

Watch the UK offensive line (12:20 PM)

The Wildcats could make a statement today as UK travels to Auburn for the SEC opener.  Keep an eye on the UK offensive line as they have three seniors who are draftable prospects, and a fourth that grades as a PFA.

Offensive tackles Darian Kinnard and Landon Young both grade as mid-Day 3 prospects, guard Luke Fortner is a late-round pick, and center Drake Jackson presently grades as a PFA, but could jump into the late rounds with a big senior campaign.

Florida and Ole Miss kick off SEC action

Florida and Ole Miss kick off at noon and the contest features one of the best move tight ends in the nation against two highly-rated linebackers.

Gator tight end Kyle Pitts is a tall, rangy target who plays the tight end position like a possession receiver. He has the speed to split the seam and also has a great pass-catching radius.

Related | Pauline’s 2020 SEC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview

Rebel linebackers Lakia Henry and Jacquez Jones will have their work cut out for them.  Grades from scouts on Henry range as early as day two while others have stamped him as a fifth-rounder.  Right now I have Henry graded as a late fifth/early sixth-round prospect, more than a full round lower than his teammate.  Jones is fast, displays better range on the field, and though shorter than Kyle Pitts, has the ball skills to at least slow him down.

Talented Duke TE Noah Gray to challenge Virginia linebackers in ACC matchup

The winless Duke Blue Devils travel to Virginia for the Cavaliers’ first game of the season.  This is another contest with a talented pass-catching tight end facing off against athletic linebackers.

Noah Gray of Duke was graded as the top senior tight end in the country by a number of scouts. He’s a lot like Florida’s Kyle Pitts, though not as athletic.

Related | Pauline’s ACC 2020 Preseason Summer Scouting Preview

Virginia has a pair of terrific linebackers starting with Charles Snowden, who looks like he should be on the basketball court with his tall, lanky frame.  Snowden is smart, tough and polished in all aspects of the position.  He looks as though he’ll be a good fit on the outside of a 3-4 once he fills out his skinny frame.

His teammate Noah Taylor does not get the mention he deserves but is another productive linebacker with next-level potential.  Taylor has safety size but plenty of growth potential. He’s an explosive sideline to sideline linebacker with terrific speed and I’ve already graded him as a third-day prospect.

Missouri WR Damon Hazelton will look to challenge Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II

The evening games kick off with Alabama traveling to Missouri. Keep a close eye on Missouri receiver Damon Hazelton, someone who really stood out to me as a sophomore at Virginia Tech before watching his game regress a bit last season.

Hazelton is a big-bodied receiver with solid hands but an up-and-down career. He first played at Ball State then moved on to Virginia Tech before taking the graduate transfer route to Missouri. He wasn’t even mentioned by scouts this summer. A big contest against Alabama’s dominant cornerback Patrick Surtain II will assuredly put him on the scouting radar.