Some big games are on this weekend’s CFB slate. Our Friday Walkthrough will get you ready for all the action including the Florida State Seminoles visiting the Boston College Eagles. Head writer Mark Schofield breaks down what to expect this CFB weekend.
Film Reviews
First up are Mark Schofield’s play reviews from Week 2, in case you missed them:
Deshaun Watson Shows off his Arm: The Clemson Tigers were impressive in a win over Appalachian State, where the talented quarterback showed elite arm strength on this deep route just before halftime.
Michigan State Did Their Homework: The Spartans emerged victorious in this season’s first meeting between Top Ten teams. The MSU defense intercepted Oregon twice. R.J. Williamson’s interception came on a play very similar to one that the Ducks ran against MSU in 2014 ‒ and threw a touchdown on.
Dancing Dalvin Cook: Florida State’s running back Dalvin Cook had 30 carries for 266 yards and three touchdowns against the Bulls, including a 74-yard touchdown run that needed the breakdown treatment.
Oklahoma Wins in Knoxville: The Sooners knocked off the Volunteers with a perfectly-executed fade route late in the game to force overtime. Mark Schofield took a look at how the visitors were able to make this connection despite the tight coverage.
NCAA Throw of the Week: Oregon’s Vernon Adams struggled at times against Michigan State, but late in the game when the Ducks needed it, he made in a perfect throw along the sideline on a fourth down.
Schofield’s Film Previews:
Georgia Tech’s Flexbone Against Notre Dame: Paul Johnson’s flexbone option offense travels to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. Mark Schofield broke down how Johnson’s offense works ‒ and the middle linebacker who might wreck Georgia Tech’s afternoon.
LSU’s Lead Toss Against Auburn: A big SEC West clash takes place Saturday in Baton Rogue when the Tigers meet the…Tigers. This game might come down to whether Auburn is able to stop one of LSU’s offensive staples – their lead toss.
BYU Against UCLA: The Cougars are undefeated thanks to two last-second miracles, but they face a big test this weekend when they meet UCLA ‒ and talented linebacker Myles Jack.
Playoff Implications:
There are two huge SEC West clashes on the schedule. First, the battle of the Tigers in Baton Rouge between LSU and Auburn, followed later in the night by the tilt between Mississippi and Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium. But a game to keep an eye on takes place Friday night when Florida State travels north to take on Boston College. The Seminoles have traditionally struggled on trips to Chestnut Hill, and the Eagles are coming off a huge win over Howard, and should be primed to take on FSU.
Heisman Implications:
FSU’s Dalvin Cook added his name to Heisman considerations last weekend with his big day against South Florida. As predicted in this column last week, Alabama’s Derrick Henry had another big day against Middle Tennessee, carrying the ball 18 times for 96 yards and three touchdowns, as did Georgia’s Nick Chubb, who gained 189 yards on 19 carries against Vanderbilt.
One name that is gaining steam in the Heisman conversation is USC quarterback Cody Kessler, who completed 26 of 41 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns. The Trojans signal-caller has completed 45 of 57 passes for 650 yards and seven TDs in USC’s first two games, with no interceptions.
But another name to know is the nation’s currently rushing leader: Ray Lawry from Old Dominion. The sophomore started 2015 by gaining 223 yards on 28 carries against Eastern Michigan ‒ scoring four touchdowns ‒ in ODU’s 38-34 victory. In Week 2 Lawry gained 215 yards on 24 carries against Norfolk State, scoring three times. His numbers may slow, especially with N.C. State coming to southeastern Virginia this weekend, but right now Lawry has asserted himself as one of the many talented RBs in college football.
Draft Implications:
Scouts will definitely have their eyes on the two big SEC clashes, but another game to keep an eye on is the battle of North Dakota when ND and North Dakota State renew their in-state rivalry. Scouts and #DraftTwitter are beginning to grouse over the quarterbacks in the 2016 class, particularly Christian Hackenberg. NDSU’s Carson Wentz completed 19 of 29 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns in NDSU’s victory over Weber State last week. Wentz has completed 35 of 57 passes for 479 yards and five touchdowns over his first two games, and another solid performance will keep his name on the lips of scouts. Western Michigan wide receiver Corey Davis, profiled on ITP by Shawn Spencer, is hoping to have a bounce back game after missing some time due to injury. The 6’3” receiver is a key red zone target and has the size, aggressiveness, and athleticism of top a pro prospect, despite subpar speed. Davis put up big numbers for the Broncos in Week 1 against Michigan State, but was slowed last week.
Also in the FCS ranks, take a look at William & Mary visiting Virginia. Tribe linebacker Luke Rhodes gets to show his talents against an FBS squad this weekend. A good performance will impress many player evaluators.
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