Analysis
10/11/21
12 min read
College Football: Week 6 Draft Stock Watch, Matchups and Notable Games
Top SEC Matchups
1. Ole Miss QB Matt Corral vs Arkansas Drop 8 Defense
Matt Corral’s well-documented 2020 struggles against Arkansas’ drop 8 coverage scheme (6 INT’s, 0 big time throws) dominated storylines heading into the weekend. Corral responded, cutting down on his turnover-worthy plays and taking what the defense allowed. He remained patient all day; making his 15 completions (on a season-low 22 attempts) count for 312 yards. Further, Corral displayed his skills as a runner, accounting for 3 explosives and 8 missed tackles forced on his way to 94 rush yards. Corral’s statement to his largest looming question Saturday will pay dividends come April.
2. Alabama RB Brian Robinson Jr. vs Texas A&M Front 7
Robinson Jr. added to his impressive 2021 resume against one of the country’s toughest fronts. Alabama’s latest rugged runner moved the chains all night, racking up five 1st downs and 77 yards after contact. With his explosive ability off of one-foot, Robinson Jr. got vertical and into A&M’s second level in a hurry, where he finished with authority. What's more, Robinson flashed more “make you miss” ability – forcing five missed tackles on just 24 attempts. Robinson Jr. is rounding into form, improving each week as Alabama’s schedule stiffens.
3. Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard vs LSU ED Ali Gaye
Kinnard largely passed the test Saturday against one of the SEC’s best edge players. Matched up with Ali Gaye without help on many of Kentucky’s 20 drop backs, Kinnard surrendered just one pressure (75.4 pass block grade). Other rushers facing Kinnard fared no better, failing to record any hurries, hits, or pressures. However, Kinnard was not his usual self in the run game (62.0 run block grade); often off balance and unable to generate the movement Kentucky’s right side run game is accustomed to.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Up:
- Ole Miss QB Matt Corral: 15/22 – 312 yds – 3 TD – 94 rush yds – 2 TD – 8 forced missed tackles
- Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller: 86.0 receiving grade – 4 forced missed tackles – 6 total 1st downs
- Alabama WR Jameson Williams: 11 rec – 149 yds – 2 TD – 4 explosive plays – 9 1st downs
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down:
- Arkansas CB Montaric Brown: 40.9 cov. grade – 5 targets – 3 comp. allowed – 145 yds – 2 TD
- Texas A&M DL DeMarvin Leal: 56.6 PFF grade – 60.6 run defense grade – 2 missed tackles
- Alabama LB Christian Harris: 42.2 PFF grade – 3 targets – 3 comp. allowed – 57 yds
Eyes On Next Week
Week 7: Notable Games
Alabama vs Mississippi State
- Alabama CB Josh Jobe vs Mississippi State WR’s Jaden Walley, Makai Polk
- Alabama DL Phidarian Mathis vs Mississippi State OL Charles Cross
Kentucky vs Texas A&M
- Kentucky OT Darian Kinnard vs Texas A&M DL DeMarvin Leal
- Kentucky WR Wandale Robinson vs Texas A&M Secondary
Top PAC-12 Matchups
1. Utah OT Bamidele Olaseni vs USC ED Drake Jackson
Olaseni was prepared for Jackson. He understood what Jackson does best (beating OTs around the Edge with speed) and shut it down. When Jackson tried to beat him outside, he just used his momentum so he would overshoot the quarterback or redirect his pass rush with his heavy hands. An effective run blocker, he utilized his size well to be imposing but struggled getting back to a defenders body if he lost the hand battle.
2. UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet vs Arizona LB Treshaun Hayward
Charbonnet did a great job of making defenders miss in the hole. If the hole was covered up, he did show the awareness to cut to a different one. He made Hayward miss at the LOS and showed good power, balance, and tackle breaking ability. Hayward struggled getting off blocks from linemen and avoided blockers making his route to the plays much longer. He needs to improve block shedding ability.
3. Arizona State TE Curtis Hodges vs Stanford Secondary
Hodges utilized his size (6-foot-8) and athleticism to room against Stanford’s secondary. He showed fight after the catch and athleticism in the open field. He opened up the middle of the field for the offense on drag and vertical routes. Hodges showed very good run blocking ability against defensive linemen and linebackers as both an in-line blocker and split off the line.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Up:
- Utah OT Bamidele Olaseni: 0 pressures allowed, 90.7 PFF
- Oregon State OG Nous Keobounnam: 1 pressure allowed, 86.4 PFF
- Utah Saf Vonte Davis: 6 TOT, 5 solo, 1 INT, 80.5 PFF
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down:
- Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly: 5 TOT, 5 solo, 1 missed tackle, 56.9 PFF
- Stanford QB Tanner McKee: 27/45, 356 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT, 4 big time throws, 2 turnover worthy plays, 77.1 PFF
- Arizona LB Treshaun Hayward: 6 TOT, 2 solo, 2 missed tackles, 54.9 PFF
Eyes On Next Week
Week 7: Notable Games
Arizona State vs Utah
- Arizona State TE Curtis Hodges vs Utah LB Devin Lloyd
- Arizona State ED Tyler Johnson vs Utah OT Bamidele Olaseni
California vs Oregon
- California QB Chase Garbers vs Oregon’s Secondary
- California DL JH Tevis vs Oregon OG’s TJ Bass, Ryan Walk, and C Alex Forsyth
Top Big-12 Matchups
1. Oklahoma RB Kennedy Brooks vs Texas LB Luke Brockermeyer
Oklahoma RB Kennedy Brooks was not to be denied as his 25 carries for 217 yds (177 of which were after contact) and 2 TDs paved the way for the Oklahoma comeback v. Texas. Brooks forced 8 missed tackles on the day, and 9 of his attempts resulted in first downs. In return, he received a rushing grade of 80.3 from PFF. Brockermeyer did everything he could on a day when the opposing team’s rushing attack was firing on all cylinders. Brockermeyer generated 12 tackles on the day (6 solo, 6 assisted) and registered 5 defensive stops resulting in a PFF run defense grade of 68.3.
2. Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton vs West Virginia CB Nicktroy Fortune
Baylor's WR Tyquan Thornton has the size at 6-foot-3 and the speed (former state champion in the 400m sprint) to be a threat at the next level. He demonstrated that combination of size and speed again this week, catching 8 of his 13 targets for 187 yds and 2 TDs, earning a receiving grade of 73.5 per PFF. It was a tough day at the office for West Virginia CB Nicktroy Fortune, who was tasked with covering Thornton. On the day, Fortune was targeted 8 times allowing 50% completion percentage and 104 yds. He ultimately earned a coverage grade of 52.9 on the week per PFF.
3. Texas QB Casey Thompson vs Oklahoma CB Jaden Davis
It was the Casey Thompson show on Saturday as the Longhorn was 20 of 34 for 388 yds and 5 TDs. Thompson was not afraid to air the ball out as his average depth of target (ADOT) was 13.1 yds per attempt, which was the highest out of all Big-12 QBs in Week 6. This type of performance earned Thompson the honors of being the highest graded Big-12 QB this week at 83.1 per PFF. Oklahoma Junior Jaden Davis had a tough day at the office, as did the entire Oklahoma secondary against Thompson. Davis was targeted 5 times on the day, allowing 4 receptions for 158 yds and 1 TD, and earning the second-lowest coverage grade on the week of 36.7, per PFF.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Up:
- Oklahoma RB Kennedy Brooks: 25 car 217 yds 8.7 avg 2 TDs long 65 yds. 2 rec - 4 yds
- Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton: 8 rec 187 yds 23.4 avg 2 TDs long 75 yds
- Baylor QB Gerry Bohanon: 18/29 336 yds 11.6 avg 4 TD, 6 car 6 yds 1.0 avg 1 TD long 6 yds
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down:
- Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler: 8/15 111 yds 7.4 avg 1 INT, 5 car -9 yds -1.8 avg 1 lost fumble (benched at half time)
- West Virginia RB Leddie Brown: 12 car 44 yds avg 3.7 yds long 10 yds
Eyes On Next Week
Week 7: Notable Games
Oklahoma State vs Texas
- Texas QB Casey Thompson vs Oklahoma St CBs Christian Holmes, Jarrick Bernard-Converse
- Oklahoma St QB Spencer Sanders vs Texas CBs Anthony Cook, Josh Thompson
TCU vs Oklahoma
- Oklahoma RB Kennedy Brooks vs TCU run defense IDL George Ellis II, IDL Kenny Turnier
- TCU Offensive Line OG John Lanz, C Steve Avila vs Oklahoma ED Nik Bonitto, DL Isaiah Thomas
Top Big-10 Matchups
1. Penn State WRs Jahan Dotson vs Iowa CBs Riley Moss & Matt Hankins
This matchup showcased the best cornerback duo in the conference against one of the best receivers in the country in Jahan Dotson. The cornerback duo by Iowa has been a terror for opposing teams so far this season, and this game was no different. Moss and Hankins both finished the game with coverage grades of 75-plus, according to PFF. Dotson was only targeted once when Moss was guarding him and Moss intercepted the pass. However, Moss ended up missing the second half with a lower leg injury, which he suffered from celebrating after the interception. Dotson was not able to get any success against Hankins either, finishing with zero catches on two targets. This was the first game all season where Dotson was not a difference maker. He finished the game with a 60.3 PFF grade, his lowest of the season. He caught a bunch of short passes and that was it. He finished the game with 8 catches on 16 targets for 48 yards. Moss only played a lot of time in this game due to the lower leg injury, but he finished the game with two catches allowed on three targets for 26 yards, and one interception. Hankins finished with one catch allowed on three targets for two yards, and an interception.
2. Iowa ED Zach VanValkenburg vs Penn State OT Rasheed Walker
This matchup featured the best edge rusher on the conference’s best defense and one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the conference. Rasheed Walker got the best of Zach VanValkenburg in this matchup. Walker was stellar in pass protection versus VanValkenburg, only allowing VanValkenburg to get by him twice. On one occasion, Walker and the guard were confused by the defensive front and VanValkenburg was able to shoot the C gap before Walker could get there, which led to a pressure. The other occured when VanValkenburg caught Walker off balance and was able to use good hand usage to get by him. In the run game when facing VanValkenburg, Walker had a solid game as well. Walker was able to displace VanValkenburg occasionally, which impressed us. VanValkenburg finished the game with two total pressures (only one against Walker) and six total tackles.
3. Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III vs Rutgers Defense
Kenneth Walker III has been one of the big surprises this season, and he has seen his draft stock shoot up so far this season. This week he went against a stingy Rutgers defense and he was clearly up for the challenge. Walker ran the ball 28 times for 223 yards and a touchdown. In addition, he broke off a 94-yard touchdown run. Rutgers had no answer for him all day long. Walker is someone to continue to keep an eye on.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Up:
- Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor: five catches, 221 yards, three touchdowns
- Michigan ED Aidan Hutchinson: eight total pressures, six tackles, 92.7 PFF grade
- Michigan RB Hassan Haskins: 21 carries, 123 yards, 2 touchdowns
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down:
- Maryland WR Dontay Demus Jr.: Season ending knee surgery
- Penn State WR Jahan Dotson: 8 catches, 16 targets, 48 yards
- Ohio State TE Jeremy Ruckert: 1 catch, 5 targets, 18 yards, 47.9 PFF, 49.3 Run Block grade
Eyes On Next Week
Week 7: Notable Games
Indiana vs Michigan State
- Indiana OTs Luke Haggard & Caleb Jones vs Michigan State EDs Jacob Panasiuk & Drew Beesley (Beesley may not play)
- Indiana LB Micah McFadden vs Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III
Iowa vs Purdue
- Iowa CBs Matt Hankins & Riley Moss (Moss may not play) vs Purdue WR David Bell
- Iowa OTs Nick DeJong & Mason Richman vs Purdue ED George Karlaftis
Top ACC Matchups
1. Louisville QB Malik Cunningham vs Virginia LB Noah Taylor
Louisville QB Malik Cunningham finished the day 17 of 25 for 270 yards and touchdown. His most impactful play of the day came early in the 1st quarter when he hit Tyler Harrell for a 92-yard score. Surprisingly, his rushing prowess was limited as he only ran for 38 yards. Noah Taylor had a strong day with 7 tackles and a PFF grade of 67.0. His highest rating was in run defense where he was a key piece in holding Cunningham to a season-low in rushing yards.
2. Virginia Tech QB Braxton Burmeister vs Notre Dame DB Kyle Hamilton
Kyle Hamilton had a good game against Virginia Tech this week, playing solid coverage and cleaning up on the back end of the defense. His presence made life difficult for Burmeister, who struggled in this one. Burmeister completed just 50% of his passes at a 6 yards per attempt clip with 2 turnovers and one rushing TD. On their second to last drive, with the game tied at 29 and just over two minutes left, Burmeister had an opportunity to win Virginia Tech the game. Instead, he led a three-and-out that set up Notre Dame’s winning drive.
3. Wake Forest WR Jaquarii Roberson and QB Sam Hartman vs Syracuse Secondary
Lining up mostly in the slot, Roberson was a menace for the Syracuse 3-3-5 defense to deal with. His speed, size, and route running ability were on full display as Syracuse struggled to cope with him. For Hartman, his OL gave him plenty of time (3.34 Avg Time to throw) that he often used to try to push the ball downfield. His average depth of target was 15.4 yards, which shows the emphasis he was putting on trying to beat the defense vertical, something he succeeded with on a couple occasions including for the game-winning TD.
2022 NFL Draft Stock Up:
- Wake Forest WR Jaquarii Roberson: 10 targets, 9 receptions, 135 yards, 0 TDs, 89.6 PFF Grade)
- Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong: 40/60 (66.6%), 488 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 87.3 PFF Grade
- Notre Dame C Jarrett Patterson: 2 pressures allowed, 85.2 PFF Grade
2022 NFL Draft Stock Down:
- Syracuse CB Garrett Williams: 5/8 completions allowed, 106 yards, 1 TD allowed, 49 PFF Grade
- North Carolina OG Joshua Ezeudu: 2 pressures allowed, 60.7 PFF Grade
- Georgia Tech LB Charlie Thomas: 4 tackles, 1 missed tackle, 2 receptions allowed, 40 receiving yards allowed, 66.5 PFF Grade
Eyes On Next Week
Week 7: Notable Games
North Carolina State vs Boston College
North Carolina State EDGE Daniel Joseph vs Boston College OT Tyler Vrabel
North Carolina State WR Emeka Emezie vs Boston College CB Josh DeBerry
Clemson vs Syracuse
Clemson WR Justyn Ross vs Syracuse CB Garrett Williams
Clemson LB James Skalski vs Syracuse RB Sean Tucker
