NCAA College Football Live Blog With Tony Pauline: Week 4

Week 4 on the NCAA college football schedule is littered with exciting games of national prominence.  Many of these contests will impact the national rankings, the landscape of the college football playoffs, and the 2020 NFL Draft. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often throughout the day as we’ll have game breakdowns, analysis, and breaking news from noon until midnight, EST. 

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the PFN Draft Insiders Podcast with myself and Andy Herman. We give you the latest inside information from around the NFL and also preview today’s slate of games. In addition, be sure to check out the latest from PFN regarding the 2020 NFL Draft.

You’ll notice initials at the end of every update. TP is myself (Tony Pauline), MV is Matt Valdovinos, and AJ is AJ Schulte.  

12:20 AM

I mentioned Wazzu quarterback Anthony Gordon as a big winner last week and so far, he’s still playing well, albeit against UCLA. 305 passing yards and 5 touchdowns with an impressive touch down the field is nothing to sneeze at.

The two picks are bad, but one completely bounced off his receiver into the hands of UCLA’s star corner Darnay Holmes. With how well Jacksonville Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew has been playing, more attention is being drawn to Wazzu QBs. Gordon could continue to rise as the season goes on, especially if Washington State continues to remain undefeated. 

12:09 AM

It was announced earlier today that North Texas senior WR Rico Bussey tore his ACL against Cal and will be out for the season. I had him graded as a fifth-round player who could break into the fourth-round if he tested well. But with this news, it’s likely he will opt to take a medical redshirt and return next season. 

Related | Conference USA Prospect of the Week: Rico Bussey Jr.

Another big wide receiver injury that was just announced was Colorado WR Laviska Shenault, who suffered an injury against Arizona State in the first half and went to the locker room. He has also been ruled out for the rest of the game. Shenault has primetime playmaking ability, but he cannot seem to shake the injury bug. It could drop his stock out of the first round if these injuries continue to mount. AJ

11:58 PM

Arizona State senior WR Brandon Aiyuk has been a breakout player for the Sun Devils. With N’Keal Harry off to the NFL, Aiyuk has taken his role and played phenomenally. His speed and ability after the catch have been a pleasant surprise this season. Thus far against Colorado at halftime, He has 5 catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.

Speaking of Pac 12 players, how about the guys on the Cal defense? LB Evan Weaver posted 22 (!!) total tackles in their win against Ole Miss today, while the DB duo of Camryn Bynum and Ashtyn Davis had pass breakups and several tackles as well. I have Davis as a potential top-50 player. He is one of the top safeties in the country with elite range and coverage awareness.

A surprise of the day was SMU upsetting TCU 41-38. The SMU WR duo of Reggie Roberson and James Proche outdueled the much-ballyhooed Jalen Reagor today. Fellow PFN writer Matt Valdovinos highlighted these two in his article this week, and their playmaking abilities were on full display this afternoon.

Reagor has really struggled to make plays this season but his quarterbacks aren’t helping him much either. I would label him as a faller so far this season. 2 receptions for 2 yards against a non-P5 team won’t win him many fans with his playmaking ability.  AJ

11:52 PM

Somebody needs to tell these coaches that they can use all of the field when calling offensive plays. Oregon came out slinging it early against Stanford and jumped out to a lead. Then, they started getting conservative on offense and limited their offense like they did against Auburn. Notre Dame did the same thing against Georgia and started playing safe, despite almost never having the lead. Really poor management of the game by both, but Oregon pulled out the W. 

Notre Dame LT Liam Eichenberg came into the season ranked fairly high for me, but I wanted to see him be more consistent and more violent with his hands. So far, he’s been consistently poor in his play, and he was flagged multiple times. Eichenberg is a faller for me so far this season. AJ

11:44 PM

The Oklahoma State-Texas had some interest. WR Tylan Wallace has been one of my biggest risers of this season and has been a phenom for the Pokes. His elite body control and the way he attacks the football in the air when paired with his very good athleticism makes Wallace an enticing receiver prospect. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up getting picked in the top 50.  AJ

11:41 PM

What a day for all these quarterbacks. Tua Tagavailoa, Justin Herbert, Jacob Eason, and Joe Burrow all had phenomenal games today, albeit against poor levels of competition. This quarterback class looks strong so far, and that isn’t mentioning Jordan Love or the breakout star of the season, Jalen Hurts. 

This UGA-Notre Dame matchup has been really exciting so far. Notre Dame has been physically keeping up with Georgia all game long, but they have looked gassed as the game goes on. Brian Kelly mismanaged the clock really poorly in this game and Notre Dame paid the price as they lost.

UGA’s offensive line was dominant tonight. Fromm was rarely touched despite Notre Dame’s talented group of pass rushers. Their tackle duo of Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson had a phenomenal game which opened up their offense in the second half. Thomas is my top left tackle prospect in the country and looked just as dominant in the run game as he did in pass protection. AJ 

10:50 PM

Tight end Cole Kmet is really having a nice game against Georgia.  Besides his production, he leads all pass catchers with 7 receptions for 68 yards with 1 TD at the start of the 4th quarter. He does a great job selling route and opening alleys up for teammates.

I stamped Kmet as a UDFA as he lacks next-level speed, but I could see him making a next-level roster as a third tight end. TP

10:30 PM

You can plainly see what right tackle Isaiah Wilson means to the Georgia offense.  When he was on the sidelines during the first half of the game, the right side of the Dawgs line was a sieve, which Notre Dame exploited.

Now Fromm has time to throw the ball with Wilson back on the field. As stated previously, I stamped Wilson with a first-round grade over the summer. TP

Related | Tony Pauline gives first-round grades to Swift and Thomas

10:20  PM

Oklahoma State and Texas have a good one going on down in Austin.

Keep an eye on Longhorn linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch, another underrated prospect graded as a street free agent by scouts despite terrific size-speed numbers and flashes of ability. 

McCulloch comes in at 6-feet-2-inches and 245 pounds, timing and playing in the low 4.7’s.  He’s a terrific pursuit linebacker who can be used in the middle or on the outside, but he needs to increase the production. TP

10:00 PM

Looking for a sleeper at the tight end position?  Keep a close eye on Jake Breeland of Oregon, who has 5 receptions for 78 yards with 2 TD’s tonight.  He was graded as a street free agent by scouts coming into the season, but is a potential late-round pick – something I mentioned entering the season. 

Breeland has outstanding size (6-feet-5.5-inches, 240 pounds), speed (4.75s) numbers, and is starting to produce on the football field.  TP

9:30 PM

You can’t help love the skill and tenacity of Georgia running back D’Andre Swift.

Notre Dame has been exploiting the right side of Georgia’s line, and as a result, have shut down drives all night.  Swift took it upon himself to carry his team into the end zone on that last drive – it’s almost as if he said, “C’mon boys, get on my shoulders.”  Swift did it with a combination of inside power and perimeter speed.  No surprise, but he’s my highest-rated next level prospect in this game.

This is in direct contrast to my criticism of Justin Herbert below. TP

9:20 PM

One of my criticisms of quarterback Justin Herbert has been his inability to come through in the big spot.  That’s not the case tonight, but watching him against a Stanford defense that’s barely better than average, it is concerning he’s thrown for 189 yards and led the offense to just 14 points three quarters into the game.

I’m not bashing Herbert for the sake of bashing a player, but a quarterback that’s expected to be an early pick in the draft should be able to carry his team against an inferior opponent. Too many times in his career, Herbert has not been able to move his team down the field. TP

8:50 PM

Notre Dame is keeping the contest close in the early going and I’m noticing two things: 1) What a great left tackle prospect Andrew Thomas is, and 2) How much the Dawgs are missing right tackle Isaiah Wilson.

On back-to-back passing downs, Thomas stoned Julian Okwara and Daelin Hayes, stopping both dead in their tracks.

Georgia’s drive ended when Notre Dame was able to penetrate the right side where starting guard Cade Mays, a true sophomore, is filling in at tackle for the injured Wilson, who I grade as a potential 1st-round pick. TP

8:25 PM

One of the match-ups Andy Herman and myself spoke about during our podcast was the Texas receivers against the Oklahoma State cornerbacks.

In the early goings, it seems the Longhorns want to run the ball and prevent any challenge to OSU cornerback A.J. Green, a nicely-sized cover man with good ball skills who should be selected during the second day of the draft next April. TP

8:00 PM

Obviously one of the most important games from the first month of the season is about to kick off, as Notre Dame takes on Georgia in Athens. I broke down the prospect match-ups with a full game board in yesterday’s preview. TP

7:55 PM

I’m told Kevin Colbert, general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is on hand at the Oregon – Stanford game.  Not unusual since the Steelers are playing the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow.

You’d have to wonder if Colbert wishes he hadn’t made that trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick after watching Justin Hebert tonight, a trade myself and Andy Herman talked about this week in our podcast. TP

7:40 PM

The other “7:30” game about to kick off is a Big 12 battle between Texas and Oklahoma State. OSU receiver Tylan Wallace has been everything people expected him to be during the early goings of the season.  He’s a solid route runner with dependable hands.

The Longhorns graduated both cornerbacks to the NFL, but do have junior Josh Thompson, who has been given fifth-round grades by a few scouts.  I personally like UT safety Brandon Jones and feel he’s a solid center fielder who covers the pass well and stuffs the run.  Jones is graded anywhere between the second round through the fifth round by scouts, while I’ve stamped him as a third-round prospect. TP

7:30 PM

Charlotte travels to Death Valley to take on Clemson, a game broadcast on the ACC Network.  While the contest will be a mismatch in Clemson’s favor, Charlotte has three players to keep an eye on that are potential late-round picks or priority free agents next April.  Below is the board. TP

7:15 PM

One of the better matchups from the Oregon – Stanford contest is the battle between Cardinal tight end Colby Parkinson against Duck linebackers Troy Dye and LaMar Winston Jr., as well as underrated safety Nick Pickett.

A lot of people around the league believe Parkinson could be the first tight end selected if he enters the draft.  While I questioned his speed, I am told the junior is a 4.65-second forty guy at worse.

All three Duck defenders are fierce run stuffers with inconsistent games in coverage. TP

6:10 PM

Every week I come here and every week I talk about just how good Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill is. Today is no different. Hill has 86 yards and 2 touchdowns against a very talented Kentucky team. Hill has recently moved all the way up to RB4 on my board. I believe he may be the best pure runner in this class. MV

5:30 PM

Pittsburgh is currently mounting an upset vs #15 UCF. If UCF want’s to stay highly ranked, they’ll need to get their passing game on track. They boast a dynamic pair of offensive players in Gabriel Davis and of course Greg McCrae. Last year, the two combined for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. Both are explosive playmakers and both should be playing on Sundays. MV

5:15 PM

Jacob Eason has had a phenomenal game today. In the first half he’s showed off his otherworldly arm talent. Eason has consistently impressed me and if he continues to play at this level, he’s going to make a strong bid for QB1. MV

4:55 PM

Pittsburgh cornerbacks Dane Jackson and Jason Pinnock, both of whom I graded over the summer, have done a solid job holding UCF wide receiver Gabe Davis in check during the early going.

Davis has three receptions midway through the second quarter, yet no back-breaking plays, as he did a week ago against Paulson Adebo and the Stanford Cardinals.  TP

4:35 PM

BYU tight end Matt Bushman, a week one riser, continues to impress me.  He’s a terrific pass catcher who consistently finds his way down the seam and displays natural receiving skills. He’s not a poor blocker but would be best as a moving tight end on Sundays. TP

4:30 PM

Jacob Eason is showing why many are excited about his next-level potential – when he is on his game he is unstoppable. Eason has the size and arm strength to start at the next level but really needs more work on his game and a bigger body of work at the college level. That said, his upside is enticing. TP

4:00 PM

Some notes from last night’s Utah – USC contest.

Scouts and NFL personnel people from almost two dozen teams were on hand with the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars being the most prominent.

Though Utah lost the game, scouts came away very impressed with defensive tackle Leki Fotu and offensive tackle Darrin Paulo.

Fotu has the physical skills to start at the next level, but it’s a matter of playing hard on every down.  If he does this, scouts believe Fotu could move into the second day of the draft.

Paulo, who entered the season with late-round grades, has really taken well since moving to left tackle and scouts say his draft stock is taking off. 

Scouts love the athleticism of Utes linebacker Francis Bernard, who I’ve mentioned several times this season, but feel he needs to start making more plays on the ball.

Scouts were incredibly impressed by the performance of Trojans receiver Michael Pittman, who decimated Utah’s secondary.  The word is that Pittman, who is estimated to run the forty in the 4.6’s, will surprise with faster times during pre-draft workouts.

Redshirt sophomore Marlon Tuipulotu also left a positive impression on NFL people in attendance. TP

3:20 PM

Wisconsin has ridden Jonathan Taylor to success each of the last two seasons. It seems as though this year is no different. In their biggest matchup of the season, Wisconsin dominated Michigan at home. Jumping out to a 28-0 lead, the Badgers never looked back.

Jonathan Taylor showed why he is the nation’s top running back. In the first quarter alone, he had 12 rushes for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns. He displayed excellent vision and contact balance, traits we already knew he had. However, he also displayed next-level speed, something that many wondered if he possessed. If Taylor tests positively in Indianapolis, there’s a real chance he could be the first running back selected. MV

2:40 PM

Today has been yet another terrific performance from Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie, my highest rated next level prospect on the Spartans’ roster.  At the start of the fourth quarter, his stats already include 11 tackles, 2 TFL’s, 1 sack and 2 PBU’s. 

Bachie is a complete three-down defender with the versatility to line up in a variety of schemes.  He’s smart, tough as nails and gets the most from his ability.  He’s a defender who relies on his head, as much as his athleticism, to make plays. 

Scouts guesstimate Bachie is a 4.8 second forty guy.  If he runs faster, let’s say under 4.7 seconds during combine or pro day workouts, Bachie could jump into the second round of the draft. TP

2:20 PM

During the Q&A Mailbag earlier this week I was asked about Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith, who I presently grade as a sixth-round prospect.

Smith is a solid lineman who has displayed a lot of ability throughout the game against Florida at the left guard position he presently mans. Still, he seems out of sorts on occasion, lacks balance, and struggles to adjust.

These are elements Smith can improve on and traits he previously showed when he lined up at left tackle before being sidelined with an illness.

I just don’t believe he’s near the top-75 grade many outside the scouting community are presently touting him to be. TP

2:05 PM

Going back to the center position, another next-level prospect I really like, who coincidentally comes from the Big 10, is Matt Allen of Michigan State. Like Biadasz he’s tough, smart and fundamentally sound.

What has really stood out today during the Spartans battle with Michigan State is the efficiency and effectiveness of Allen when asked to pull across the line of scrimmage then block a moving target.

I presently grade Allen as a third-round prospect. TP

1:25 PM

I began the day mentioning the disappointing results from Vanderbilt during the early part of the season. It hasn’t gotten better against LSU.

Quarterback Riley Neal has barely completed 50% of his throws during the first half while tight end Jared Pinkney has two receptions for a paltry nine yards.

Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn has been the one highly rated Commodore prospect on offense meeting exceptions this season and he’s doing it again today against LSU with 58 yards rushing on nine carries (6.4-yard average) and one touchdown against the tough Tigers defense. TP

1:05 PM

Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz is a joy to watch. He blocks with great fundamentals, intellect, and intensity. Watch how Biadasz bends his knees, keeps his head on a swivel and keeps his feet moving. While he needs to improve his run blocking strength, offensive line coaches will fall in love with this guy.

I fully expect Biadasz will enter the draft, be the first center off the board and will have his name called in round one. TP

12:55 PM

One player who continues to impress me and someone really developing a complete game is defensive end Jon Greenard of Florida. The Louisville transfer, who missed almost all of the entire 2018 campaign with injury, started the season hot against Miami and there’s been little let-up in his game.

He’s impacted the Gators defense as a pass rusher, shows the ability to competently defend the run, and has even done a good job dropping into coverage on zone blitzes.

Greenard is not a classic edge rusher. Rather, he is a three-down defender that I presently grade as a third-round selection. TP

12:35 PM

While I’m impressed with Garbers, it’s becoming more and more apparent Shea Patterson of Michigan will be looked at to play positions other than the quarterback on Sunday. Patterson’s game has left him from where he was in 2017 at Mississippi.

He misses too many open receivers, has wide-open pass-catchers adjusting for errant throws, and shows no positive consistency in his game. TP

12:20 PM

During my preview of the Cal Bears, I mentioned how much I like quarterback Chase Garbers and how he reminds me of for Cal signal-caller Jared Goff. That first drive displayed why.

Garbers is a thinly built passer but shows a great head for the quarterback position and a nice feel for what’s happening on the field. I like his decision making and accuracy, and it projects well to the next level. TP

11:30 AM

There will be no rest for the weary today as NFL scouts will closely monitor the Noontime games. These games are followed by some exciting afternoon contests before the headliners later this evening, which includes Notre Dame vs. Georgia. Yesterday, I previewed this matchup and gave my thoughts on what to expect and who to watch for. 

LSU Tigers vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

LSU travels to Vanderbilt for an SEC matchup of little consequence as the Commodores have failed to meet expectations in the early going. Their struggles are in large part due to the failures of three offensive players who are all next-level prospects that are highly regarded in the scouting community.

Quarterback Riley Neal has not been effective since transferring from Ball State and stepping on the field for Vandy. Considered a third day prospect with the potential to move up draft boards, Neal has shown no rhythm in his passing game and has not been effective in moving the Vandy offense. 

Receiver Kalija Lipscomb, graded by some scouts as a potential top-45 NFL Draft selection, has just 11 receptions for 106 receiving yards in two games.  Pass-catching tight end Jared Pinkney, who received higher grades from scouts than his teammate, has just 5 receptions through those two contests.

Related: Jared Pinkney leads trio of top-100 grades (Summer Scouting Series)

As we’ve illustrated and talked about ad nauseam, the Commodore trio faces possibly the most talented secondary in the nation as the LSU defensive back-seven is full of top-75 prospects. 

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators

Tennessee is another team that has been slow out of the gate but can save its season against Florida.  Highly rated linebacker Darrell Taylor of Tennessee has been spotty and inconsistent thus far in 2019, which is in line with my main criticism of his play entering the season.  He looked terrific in the overtime loss to BYU, but that was sandwiched between a game against Georgia State and UT-Chattanooga where Taylor was virtually invisible. TP