Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week seven, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Lorenz Leinweber 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: California at #9 Oregon, Friday, October 15th, 10:30 pm
On Friday night, the Ducks will be looking to get back on track after their loss to Stanford and the subsequent bye week. Quarterback Anthony Brown and the rest of the team will be without CJ Verdell who is out for the season. This gives Travis Dye a chance to step in at running back against a California defense that features the likes of Kuony Deng and Cameron Goode at the second level.
Featured Game: #10 Michigan State at Indiana, Saturday, October 16th, 12:00 pm
Both teams have taken different paths than what was expected of them before the season. Michigan State and head coach Mel Tucker are looking to stay unbeaten against an Indiana defense, which is loaded with talents such as linebacker Micah McFadden and defensive back Jalyn Williams. Michigan State has one of the most experienced offensive lines in the nation including tackle Anthony Arcuri and center Matthew Allen.
Featured Game: #13 Ole Miss at Tennessee, Saturday, October 16th, 7:30 pm
Head coach Lane Kiffin has his Ole Miss offense rolling through six weeks with a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback. The attention in this matchup will go to Volunteers cornerback Alontae Taylor who is facing a tough matchup against physical wideout Dontario Drummond.
Featured Game: #18 Arizona State at Utah, Saturday, October 16th, 10:00 pm
In this Pac12 after-dark matchup, the Sun Devils travel to Salt Lake City where they will face a tough Utah team led by linebacker Devin Lloyd. Arizona State is loaded from top to bottom with running back Rachaad White and tackle Kellen Diesch being some of the best at their position in college football. On defense, they feature the cornerback duo of Jack Jones and Chase Lucas who will once again try to get their hands on the football.
*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 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!