Another week of college football is upon us and it may not bring the marquee matchups to which fans are accustomed. There are no meetings between ranked teams this week, but there are some intriguing upset specials. And there will be plenty of 2022 NFL Draft prospects to keep an eye on.
Here are the names to know in this week across college football:
No. 8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State
Saturday, Oct. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX
Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders stepped up in last week’s win over No. 25 Texas. The Cowboys remain undefeated but hit the road against a team responsible for many upsets over the years. They have some quality players along the offensive line, while safety Kolby Harvell-Peel might be the next best prospect on their roster. He leads the team with two interceptions.
Fans are familiar with running back Breece Hall, but the Cyclones have talent beyond the talented runner. In addition to tight end Charlie Kolar, Iowa State has a deep, gifted secondary. Safety Isheem Young is one of the most explosive defensive players in the nation. Cornerback Anthony Johnson Jr. and safety Greg Eisworth II have also been productive. Linebacker Mike Rose is one who could rise. He currently leads the team in tackles.
No. 10 Oregon at UCLA
Saturday, Oct. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is the name on the tip of everyone’s tongue when thinking about Oregon, but the Ducks’ strength is the secondary. Safety Verone McKinley II is stepping in for Jevon Holland as the defensive back capable of carrying out a number of different tasks. Cornerbacks D.J. James and Mykael Wright have made plays for that unit.
The Oregon offense is heavily run-inclined. They have just 97 receptions compared to 247 carries.
UCLA’s win over then-No. 16 LSU was impressive, but the season has humbled the Tigers and that win no longer looks as eye-opening. Chip Kelly’s offense is led by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is a dual-threat in nature. The Bruins have offensive tackle Sean Rhyan, tight end Greg Dulcich and running back Zach Charbonnet.
Defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, linebacker Mitchell Agude and safety Qwuantrezz Knight are some of the names to know on defense. Does UCLA have a little more magic in them against LSU?
LSU at No. 12 Ole Miss
Saturday, Oct. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS
LSU will be without a few key players, including cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Those injuries are a few examples of the issues that the Tigers have encountered this season. In the first game since news of Ed Orgeron moving on after the season, they will lean on linebacker Mike Jones Jr., safety Todd Harris Jr. and others against Ole Miss. LSU knocked off No. 20 Florida last week but this week presents a new challenge on the road.
Lane Kiffin has entrusted quarterback Matt Corral to run his Ole Miss offense. Corral has shown a lot of leadership and improved decision-making this season. He is not asked to throw to the third level often but, when he does, he has shown accuracy and touch. The California native does not have prototypical size but each week in the NFL showcases quarterbacks with similar frames having success.
Ole Miss also has offensive tackle Nick Broeker and running back Jerrion Ealy on offense. Ealy’s explosive nature allows that offense to create mismatch problems through the use of run-pass options. Edge rusher Sam Williams is another to watch.
Clemson at No. 23 Pittsburgh
Saturday, Oct. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Clemson has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball but they are not living up to the potential yet. On offense, the Tigers have wide receivers Joe Ngata and Justyn Ross, and tight end Davis Allen. Defensively, linemen K.J. Henry and Tyler Davis are a few of the draft prospects to know up front. Davis will be out for this particular game.
Cornerbacks Andrew Booth Jr. and Sheridan Jones are expected to be available. Booth is drawing a lot of first-round consideration.
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett had previously shown intriguing traits, such as an ability to throw on the run, an ability to drive the ball, good pocket presence and poise. However, his decision-making had been lagging behind. The 2021 season has brought improved decision-making to the tune of 21 touchdowns compared to just one interception. The Panthers finished top two in dropped passes each of the past two seasons. Although improved, it remains a problem this season as well. According to TruMedia, they rank No. 18 in dropped passes (16).
Clemson has certainly not played to their standards this season but the Tigers are still a name brand. A win would go a long way for Pickett’s image.
No. 22 San Diego State at Air Force
Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
San Diego State running back Greg Bell has good size but needs to improve in pass protection. He shows good burst, an ability to break tackles and loose ankles for easy change of direction. Defensive lineman Cameron Thomas is an intriguing prospect with strength. A bit of a tweener, Thomas has 3.5 sacks this season.
Air Force does not have as many draft prospects and they are held to different standards because of their military obligations. Defensive tackle Jordan Jackson is a name to know. The Florida native has good size and 2.5 sacks on the year.
