Wild Card Preview…Another Common Cowboys L? – DraftID Podcast
Close One in T-Town Saved by the Tide Stars
The Alabama Crimson Tide found themselves in a much closer game than they had hoped for, but pulled off a win over Texas A&M despite missing QB Bryce Young. All signs point to Young returning next week to face #6 Tennessee. Although Alabama was a mess offensively, Edge Will Anderson wreaked havoc all night and recorded 11 QB pressures, which ties his single game career high. On the other side of the ball, RB Jahmyr Gibbs had another strong game with 154 yards rushing and a highlight reel ankle breaker against Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson. Johnson, who is a top 20 prospect on my big board, got banged up early and missed a large majority of the game.
Nearly Perfect day for Stroud
Despite an early pick 6 on a miscommunication between QB and receiver, Stroud had a near perfect game over the Michigan State Spartans. On his 26 attempts, he completed 21 passes for 361 yards and 6 TDs. Stroud is looking like both my lead Heisman candidate as well as top QB in the draft class. As a Panthers fan, he has me licking my chops after watching the worst QB in the league, Baker Mayfield. Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to shine and is undisputedly looking like a top 5 pick for the 2024 class, but I also have my eyes firmly set on fellow receiver Emeka Egbuka. The sophomore now has over 100 yards in 4 of his 6 games and at least a TD in all but one game. We could see another draft class with two Buckeyes receivers in the first round next spring. As for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the team continues to rest his hamstring while his teammates continue to dominate, but I’ve got Penn State on October 29th as the game circled for his likely return.
Jalen Carter Out, Dawgs are Just Fine
Top 3 prospect DT Jalen Carter missed Saturday’s game against Auburn, but the Bulldogs defense seemed undeterred as they were dominating the Tigers OL all day. Auburn’s QB Robby Ashford looked like a freshman as he was frequently forced out of the pocket and sent into a full-blown panic play after play as the Dawgs combined for 18 pressures. Carter’s injury has been described as a minor MCL injury that is week-to-week, but he is likely being very conservative as UGA is at their easiest point of their schedule.
Clemson Continues their Redemption Tour
Clemson had a bit of slow start against the Boston College Eagles, but finished the game with a 31-3 win. QB DJ Uiagalelei had a modest game, especially with the deep ball and on the ground. On the BC side, WR Zay Flowers was bottled up but still was able to have a 8 reception, 75 yard game.
Scare for Addison
USC fans held their breath as their star receiver left the game with a knee injury, but Jordan Addison returned to the game. Despite having his worst game of the year, it is good to see that he was not seriously injured. The Trojans have a huge matchup ahead next week, as they travel to Utah to play the #20 Utes.
Levis Out, Wildcats Struggle
1st Round prospect Will Levis sat out on Saturday, which in turn may cost Kentucky their season. Kentucky put on a vintage performance and reminded us that they are a basketball school, as lost to South Carolina. South Carolina’s lockdown CB Cam Smith pitched a shutout as he wasn’t even targeted once on Kentucky’s 28 pass attempts.
Hendon Hooker is LEGIT
Every week the polished veteran QB continues to shine this season. Hooker put together a solid performance despite missing his top target, Cedric Tillman. Hooker’s highlight reel has a new clip after this game, as he tossed a beautiful 45 yard TD pass perfectly into the bucket and had social media buzzing. The QB has shown that he has the tools, but age and ceiling continue to be potential detractors. However, the QB has shown that he can toss it as well as nearly anyone and certainly has been one of the biggest draft risers this fall. Tennessee has vaulted all the way to the 6th overall team in the nation, but they face SEC rival Alabama this weekend, which will be Hooker’s biggest challenge this year.
UCLA a Sneaky Contender?
UCLA continues to amaze me as they once again put on a dominant performance over a ranked team. The Bruins have now won back-to-back top 15 matchups and look to make it a trio against #12 Oregon this weekend. If this team can survive the third leg of this gauntlet, they should be viewed as serious contenders to make the College Football Playoff. RB Zach Charbonnet continues to shine and rise up draft boards as he put on another strong performance with 198 yards and his 6th TD in his 5th game this year. I also have been loving what WR Jake Bobo has been doing week-to-week. Despite being somewhat bottled up by a strong Utah secondary, he was able to break off two incredible red zone routes that went for 6.
Best of the Rest
My top sleeper QB Will Rogers goes off again and adds another 3 TDs and now leads the nation in passing yards. Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke stacks up another loss, but aired it out for 496 yards. Pittsburgh RB Israel Abanikanda went scorched earth mode for 320 yards and 6 TDs and is breaking out as a potential draft riser. Big bodied receiver Jonathan Mingo and QB Jaxson Dart (’24) continue to play in sync as the two connected for 9 completed passes for 247 yards and 2 TDs. TCU WR Quentin Johnston finally broke out for 14 receptions for 206 yards and 2 TDs. My biggest draft faller, LSU WR Kayshon Boutte, finally got on the board with his first TD this year, but don’t buy the hype. The WR found himself open on a busted coverage in garbage time and lazily got just one foot in bounds. In the NFL, that is a play that could lose a receiver his job. Boutte looks like a completely different player this year and and has not shown any explosiveness or dynamic playmaking ability this year. Buyer beware.
draftidsports.com 