Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week Five, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated.
Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend:
Featured Game: Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech, Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00pm
The 3-1 Panthers start off their ACC schedule with a matchup against the 2-2 Yellow Jackets. This matchup will be a clash between the high-powered Pitt offense against a tough Georgia Tech defense. Led by senior signal-caller Kenny Pickett, the Panthers will look to take advantage of his big arm and push the football downfield. Competing to prevent that is cornerback Tre Swilling who possesses good size and physicality as well as the feisty demeanor required to succeed at the next level.
Featured Game: #6 Oklahoma at Kansas State, Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30pm
Despite going into the year as favorites, the Sooners have looked vulnerable to start the season. Trying to orchestrate an upset, Kansas State defensive linemen Timmy Horne and Bronson Massie are facing tough matchups against Oklahoma’s stout offensive line led by mauling guards Marquis Hayes and Tyrese Robinson. Staying in the trenches, the Sooners have two players with an NFL future on the defensive side of the ball as well in Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas who pair intriguing size with the necessary athleticism to get after the passer.
*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!