There is just one game featuring two ranked teams on the college football docket this weekend, but that just means it is an opportunity to watch pro prospects on teams not named Alabama or Georgia. The most intriguing narrative of the day is Liberty, featuring Malik Willis, versus Ole Miss, featuring Matt Corral. Those two are strong contenders in the race to be the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.
It is a chance for Willis to prove himself against a Power 5 opponent, but it also marks Hugh Freeze’s return to Oxford, where he was fired by the program five years earlier.
Here are the NFL Draft prospects to watch this weekend:
Liberty at No. 16 Ole Miss
Saturday, Nov. 6 at 12 p.m. ET on SEC Network
Liberty has some good players like edge rusher Tre’Shaun Clark and offensive lineman Bryce Mathews, but the crown jewel is Malik Willis. The Auburn transfer is in contention to become the first quarterback taken next April. He has some Michael Vick-like tendencies. Although not as fast, fans should see a similarly long sidearm release. Willis, at times, tries to hold onto the ball too long, trying to be a hero. It has led to some unnecessary sacks.
Ole Miss will contend Willis with edge rusher Sam Williams, among others. He leads the team with 8.5 of its 25 sacks. Offensive tackle Nick Broeker, running back Jerrion Ealy, A.J. Finley and wide receiver Dontario Drummond are other talented prospects on that roster.
However, the narrative that everyone will be discussing is the presence of quarterback Matt Corral, who executes Lane Kiffin’s RPO-style offense at a high level. The California native makes quick decisions and is distributing the ball with touch and accuracy at all three levels. Willis and Corral have the best odds at being the first quarterback selected. Saturday’s game between their teams will help declare a winner in the eyes of viewers.
No. 11 Oklahoma State at West Virginia
Saturday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Oklahoma State is carrying a 7-1 record into hostile Morgantown this weekend. The Cowboys are led by quarterback Spencer Sanders, who is capable of breaking a game open with his legs or arm. With safety Tre Sterling sidelined since September, the team’s next prospect is fellow safety Kolby Harvell-Peel. Since the beginning of the 2019 season, he has registered 10 interceptions.
West Virginia defensive tackle Dante Stills is the team leader with six sacks. He has good size and taken on more of a leadership role since his brother, Darius Stills, moved on to the NFL. He is one sack away from tying his single season record set in 2019.
No. 13 Auburn at No. 14 Texas A&M
Saturday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS
Auburn senior cornerback Roger McCreary has shown improvement from last season and his stock has adjusted accordingly. The Tigers are most talented in the secondary where safety Smoke Monday and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett join forces with McCreary. Defensive tackle Colby Wooten has been fantastic. The sophomore is tied for the team lead with four sacks.
Texas A&M is among the most talented teams in the country and that is how they were able to spring an upset over Alabama. The Aggies are led by offensive guard Kenyon Green, defensive lineman Demarvin Leal and tight end Jalen Wydermyer. Green has shown the versatility to play inside or outside while Leal has shown the flexibility to play on the edge or condense inside depending upon the situation.
Running back Isaiah Spiller is a bigger back capable of making an impact on the ground or through the air. Ainias Smith, on the other hand, is smaller in stature but no less dual-capable. He is an explosive weapon in that offense. Finally, safety Demani Richardson leads that team on the back end.
Tennessee at No. 18 Kentucky
Saturday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Tennessee has stepped up its game in recent weeks. The Volunteers are not loaded with NFL talent just yet, but cornerback Alontae Taylor and offensive guard Cade Mays are the highest regarded.
Kentucky’s pro prospects are led by offensive tackle Darian Kinnard and wide receiver WanDale Robinson. Kinnard has gotten more exposure to pass protection in offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s scheme. He has shown improvement each week but still likely projects to guard. Robinson, a Nebraska transfer, has shown more of his downfield capabilities since arriving in Lexington. Robinson, like Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, has proven able to win at all three levels.
UK also has Dare Rosenthal at left tackle and Luke Fortner at center. Defensive end Josh Paschal is a bit undersized but he has been quick and disruptive. He projects as a Day 2 choice.
No. 4 Oregon at Washington
Saturday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is regarded as the likely No. 1 overall selection. He is fast around the edge, wiry strong and capable of winning in a multitude of ways. Cornerback Mykael Wright is one of the best at his position while safety Verone McKinley II occupies a role fit for Jevon Holland over the past few years. McKinley can play single high, play downhill and make plays in the box or line up over the slot.
Washington offensive tackle Jaxson Kirkland really struggled against Aidan Hutchinson and Michigan but he remains a good player. Tight end Cade Otton is a well-balanced senior tight end. The tight end class as a whole is looking rather strong.
Edge rusher Zion Tupuola-Fetui recently returned from injury. He had a Day 2 grade before the injury so it will be interesting to see if he regains form. The cornerback tandem of Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon is among the most talented in the league.
Full slate of Week 10 college football games can be found at CBSSports.com!
