The regular season is now over for college football, and we are on to bowl season! And whether you are watching the National Championship or the Fruit Ninja Blender Bowl, there are always some prospects to watch. Keep reading to see the best prospect matchups in every bowl game.
Celebration Bowl, Dec 16th @ 12PM, North Carolina A&T vs Grambling
Prospect Matchup: Grambling QB DeVante Kincade and RB Martez Carter vs the North Carolina A&T defense
Sleeper alert! DeVante Kincade is one of the best small school prospects in this year's class, and his arm and athleticism should be on full display. Martez Carter is also a name to watch for, as he is starting to get draft twitter buzz. Analysts think he could find his way into a Tarik Cohen like role in the pros. Both prospects will have their hands full, as the Aggies held 6 of their regular season opponents to 10 points or less. Also be on the watch for Aggie OT Brandon Parker, a Senior Bowl invite.
New Orleans Bowl, Dec 16th @ 1PM, Troy vs North Texas
Prospect Matchup: Troy QB Brandon Silvers vs. the North Texas Defense
This game should be an easy win for Troy, as North Texas really isn't all that good, but I really want to see Brandon Silvers take this game over. Silvers only has 13 TDs on the year, but this North Texas secondary is pretty weak (it gave up 4 TDs to Courtland Sutton). Silvers has a golden opportunity to ball out in this matchup.
Cure Bowl, Dec 16th @ 2:30PM, Georgia State vs Western Kentucky
Prospect Matchup: Western Kentucky QB Mike White vs the Georgia State Defense
Georgia State is a rare team that has no prospects listed on the mega database nfldraftscout.com, but that does not mean they will be a push over. The unit as a whole is only surrendering 145 passing yards per game, so sleeper QB Mike White might have his hands full in this one. If he balls out though, it could help his draft stock.
Las Vegas Bowl, Dec 16th @ 3:30PM, Boise State vs Oregon
Prospect Matchup: Boise State QB Brett Rypien and his weapons vs Oregon QB Justin Herbert and RB Royce Freeman
If you love offense and basketball-like final scores, this might be the game for you. Justin Herbert appears to be everyone's choice for the 2019 class' QB1 and he is surrounded by great weapons. Sleeper quarterback Brett Rypien and his premier weapons WR Cedrick Wilson and TE Jake Roh are gonna have to win a shoot out and avoid making mistakes if they want to win this game.
New Mexico Bowl, Dec 16th @ 3:30PM, Marshall vs Colorado State
Prospect Matchup: Marshall QB Chase Litton vs Colorado State QB Nick Stevens
Marshall gave up 19.3 points per game this season and Colorado State gave up 27.5 points per game, so expect this one to be a shootout. Chase Litton and Nick Stevens both operate is pass-heavy offenses and both have NFL traits. If you like sleeper QBs, this is your game.
Camellia Bowl, Dec 16th @ 8PM, Arkansas State vs Middle Tennessee State
Prospect Matchup: Grambling QB DeVante Kincade and RB Martez Carter vs the North Carolina A&T defense
 |
| DeVante Kicade |
New Orleans Bowl, Dec 16th @ 1PM, Troy vs North Texas
Prospect Matchup: Troy QB Brandon Silvers vs. the North Texas Defense
This game should be an easy win for Troy, as North Texas really isn't all that good, but I really want to see Brandon Silvers take this game over. Silvers only has 13 TDs on the year, but this North Texas secondary is pretty weak (it gave up 4 TDs to Courtland Sutton). Silvers has a golden opportunity to ball out in this matchup.
Cure Bowl, Dec 16th @ 2:30PM, Georgia State vs Western Kentucky
Prospect Matchup: Western Kentucky QB Mike White vs the Georgia State Defense
Georgia State is a rare team that has no prospects listed on the mega database nfldraftscout.com, but that does not mean they will be a push over. The unit as a whole is only surrendering 145 passing yards per game, so sleeper QB Mike White might have his hands full in this one. If he balls out though, it could help his draft stock.
Las Vegas Bowl, Dec 16th @ 3:30PM, Boise State vs Oregon
Prospect Matchup: Boise State QB Brett Rypien and his weapons vs Oregon QB Justin Herbert and RB Royce Freeman
If you love offense and basketball-like final scores, this might be the game for you. Justin Herbert appears to be everyone's choice for the 2019 class' QB1 and he is surrounded by great weapons. Sleeper quarterback Brett Rypien and his premier weapons WR Cedrick Wilson and TE Jake Roh are gonna have to win a shoot out and avoid making mistakes if they want to win this game.
 |
| Chase Litton |
Prospect Matchup: Marshall QB Chase Litton vs Colorado State QB Nick Stevens
Marshall gave up 19.3 points per game this season and Colorado State gave up 27.5 points per game, so expect this one to be a shootout. Chase Litton and Nick Stevens both operate is pass-heavy offenses and both have NFL traits. If you like sleeper QBs, this is your game.
Camellia Bowl, Dec 16th @ 8PM, Arkansas State vs Middle Tennessee State
Prospect Matchup: Arkansas State EDGE Javon Rolland-Jones vs Middle Tennessee State QB Brett Stockstill
Brett Stockstill is a decent quarterback coming off of a shoulder injury, but he isn't a 2018 draft prospect unless he declares because he is a junior. Still, it will be fun to see how he performs in this game as one of college football's finest pass rushers will be chasing him down the entire game. Javon Rolland-Jones is an absolute monster, racking up 62. 5 TFLs and 42 sacks during his time at Arkansas State. He is a major sleeper going into the year.
Boca Raton Bowl, Dec 19th @ 7PM, Florida Atlantic vs Akron
Prospect Matchup: FAU RB Devin Singletary vs Akron LB Ulysees Gilbert III
You probably read the matchup and wondered "Who the hell is Devin Singletary and why should I care that he is going against a Civil War general?" Well here is why. Devin Singletary has quietly been one of the top 3-5 backs in college football, racking up 1796 yards and 29 FREAKING TOUCHDOWNS IN ONE SEASON!!! To put this in perspective, only 11 quarterbacks in college football have thrown for more touchdowns than Singletary has scored. He will be going against First-Team All-MAC stud and Antietam survivor Ulysees Gilbert III, who racked up 122 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 forced rumbles this past season. Watching the Junior linebacker try to take down Singletary will be a pleasure.
Frisco Bowl, Dec 20th @ 8PM, SMU vs Louisiana Tech
Prospect Matchup: SMU WR Courtland Sutton vs the Louisiana Tech defense
Courtland Sutton tends to put up some pretty inconsistent stat lines, such as having 8 catches, 163 yards, and 4 TDs in one game then the next week having 1 catch for 0 yards. Sutton can leave a good final taste in scout's mouths by tearing up a weak LA Tech secondary.
Gasparilla Bowl, Dec 21st @ 8PM, FIU vs Temple
Prospect Matchup: FIU WR Thomas Owens vs Temple DBs Sean Chandler and Delvon Randle
Thomas Owens is a 1st team All-Conference USA player who grabbed 59 balls for 887 yards and 6 touchdowns in only 9 games. I really want to see if the Temple defensive back tandem of Sean Chandler and Delvon Randle can shut the senior down. They have a combined six picks on the year and have led a stout Temple defense to their bowl game.
Bahamas Bowl, Dec 22nd @ 12:30PM, UAB vs Ohio
 |
| Quentin Poling |
Prospect Matchup: UAB RB Spencer Brown vs Ohio LB Quentin Poling
Spencer Brown is a monster freshman running back at 6' and 230 pounds. He is a bruiser reminiscent of former UNC running back Elijah Hood. He will be going against Quentin Poling, a Senior and Ohio's all-time leading tackler. Poling is smaller at 5'11'' and does have some baggage (arrested for a fight outside of a pizza shop), but his production makes him a sleeper in this class.
Idaho Potato Bowl, Dec 22nd @ 4PM, Central Michigan vs. Wyoming
Prospect Matchup: Central Michigan QB Shane Morris vs Wyoming QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen (somehow) still has people talking about him in the top ten, but actually preforming well in a big game might actually convince us skeptics that he might deserve such talk (it won't happen but whatever). Central Michigan QB Shane Morris is a Michigan transfer who I wrote about earlier could be a sleeper pick due to his impressive tools. I am anxious to see whether or not he outplays Josh Allen.
Birmingham Bowl, Dec 23rd @ 12PM, Texas Tech vs USF
Prospect Matchup: Texas Tech Quarterback Nic Shimonek vs USF QB Quinton Flowers
Expect points, points, and more points in this matchup. Nic Shimonek is a pocket passer with great arm talent and production, while Quinton Flowers would be the most electric QB in this class if it weren't for Lamar Jackson. Expect this to be an exciting, high-scoring duel.
Armed Forces Bowl, Dec 23rd @ 3:30PM, San Diego State vs Army
Prospect Matchup: San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny vs Army QB/RB Ahmad Bradshaw
If Texas Tech vs USF was the ultimate passing extravaganza, then San Diego State vs Army will be the ultimate rushing extravaganza. Rashaad Penny is the leading rusher in college football, and he will be trying to outrun Ahmad Bradshaw, who has the 5th most yards in the country.
Dollar General Bowl, Dec 23rd @ 7PM, Appalachain State vs Toledo
Prospect Matchup: Appalachian State RB Jalin Moore vs Toledo EDGE Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
This game pits two small-school stud juniors against each other, Jalin Moore has been banged up this season, but he still has 912 yards rushing with 9 touchdowns (5.7 YPC). Adeniyi has enjoyed a great season for Toledo, racking up 19.5 tackles for loss from his defensive end position. These two are unlikely to declare this year, but they are already 2019 sleepers.
 |
| Ed Oliver |
Hawai'i Bowl, Dec 24th @ 8:30 PM, Fresno State vs Houston
Prospect Matchup: Fresno State C Aaron Mitchell vs Houston DL Ed Oliver
I will take any excuse to watch future 2019 top-5 pick Ed Oliver. He is an athletic freak who has dominated his competition. Aaron Mitchell was a 2nd Team all Mountain West selection this past season (his senior season), so it will be interesting to see whether Oliver man-handles him or not.
Heart of Dallas Bowl, Dec 26th @ 1:30PM, Utah vs West Virginia Prospect Matchup: CB Julian Blackmon vs West Virginia's Wide Receivers
Julian Blackmon is only a sophomore, but 2nd team all PAC-12 selection has been good all season. Whether or not he can cover the likes of David Sills, Gary Jennings, and Ka'Raun White will significantly effect his stock going into 2018.
Quick Lane Bowl, Dec 26th @ 5:15PM, Duke vs NIU
Prospect Matchup: Duke QB Daniel Jones vs NIU CB Shawun Lurry
Daniel Jones is only a sophomore, but his name keeps flying around as a guy to look closely at in the future. He has good tools, but his Achilles' heel is taking care of the ball (12 TDs to 11 picks this past season). Shawun Lurry is the type of corner who feasts off of reckless quarterbacks (14 career picks), so this will be a great test for Jones.
Cactus Bowl, Dec 26th @ 9:00PM, UCLA vs Kansas State
Prospect Matchup: UCLA QB Josh Rosen vs Kansas State CB D.J. Reed
Josh Rosen is probably the top quarterback on most draft boards, including my own. While this bowl game will not make-or-break his current draft stock, It will be a good test. D.J. Reed was the best corner in the BIG-12 this season, racking up 4 interceptions. If Rosen exposes Reed, expect his stock to climb even higher.
Independence Bowl, Dec 27th @ 1:30PM, Southern Miss vs Florida State
Prospect Matchup: Southern Miss RB Ito Smith vs the Florida State Front-7
With 5864 career-all purpose yards and 49 all-purpose touchdowns, Ito Smith shouldn't have much to prove. However, his name isn't really being talked about by the draft community, and a big game against a talented Florida State front seven that includes Derrick Nnadi and Matthew Thomas could really help.
 |
| A.J. Dillon |
Prospect Matchup: Iowa LB Josey Jewell vs Boston College RB A.J. Dillon
A.J. Dillon balled out in his true freshman season, racking up 1432 yards and 13 touchdowns. Going against him will be All-American linebacker Josey Jewell, who will have his hands full with the 240 back.
Foster Farms Bowl, Dec 27th @ 8:30PM, Arizona vs Purdue
Prospect Matchup: Arizona QB Khalil Tate vs Purdue LB Markus Bailey
Khalil Tate has been sensational this season, looking like Lamar Jackson's clone at times. He will be lining up across from Purdue LB Markus Bailey, who racked up 78 tackles and 7 sacks this season. This will be a great game to watch for those looking ahead to 2019.
Texas Bowl, Dec 27th @ 9:00PM, Texas vs Missouri
Prospect Matchup: Texas QB Shane Buechele/Sam Ehlinger vs Missouri QB Drew Lock
With many of Texas' best defenders skipping the bowl game (DeShon Elliot, Malik Jefferson, Holton Hill), expect this game to be a shootout. 2019 draft prospect Drew Lock has an amazing set of tools and fully expect him to carve up this weakened Texas defense. Meanwhile, either sophomore Shane Buechele or freshman Sam Ehlinger will try to keep up for the Longhorns. Both are talented quarterbacks who might be hot names in the 2019 and 2020 drafts.
Military Bowl, Dec 28th @ 1:30PM, Virginia vs Navy
Prospect Matchup: UVA S Quin Blanding and LB Micah Kiser vs Navy QB Zach Abey
Navy runs that old-score triple-option offense, so Virginia's defense must be ready for runners like Zach Abey and Malcolm Perry. This will be a good test for seniors Micah Kiser and Quin Blanding, two of the best run stuffers in the nation.
Camping World Bowl, Dec 28th @ 5:15 PM, Virginia Tech vs Navy
Prospect Matchup: VT CBs Adonis Alexander, Brandon Facyson, and Greg Stroman vs Oklahoma State WRs James Washington, Marcell Ateman, and Jalen McClesky
This is the ultimate test for both for Virginia Tech and for Oklahoma State. My Hokies thrive when their defense is flustering opponents and forcing turnovers, while the Cowboys are at their best attacking vertically down the field. All three of Virginia Tech's starting corners and all three of Oklahoma State's wide receivers should be drafted, so watching how each performs will be an absolute treat.
 |
| Hercules Mata'afa |
Prospect Matchup: Washington State DL Hercules Mata'afa vs Michigan State C Brian Allen
Michigan State's Brian Allen is a 4 year player and was top topped ranked center in the Big 10 according to PFF, but his performance against the feared Hercules Mata'afa could significantly impact his draft stock. Mata'afa is undersized for a defensive tackle, but he still racked up 8.5 sacks and 21.5 TFLs this season.
Alamo Bowl, Dec 28th @ 9PM, Stanford vs TCU
Prospect Matchup: TCU EDGEs Ben Banogu and Mat Boesen vs Stanford's O-Line
Stanford always has a great offensive line, and this year is no exception, especially with freshman standout Walker Little earning a starting gig. However, they will definitely have their hands full with TCU's EDGE duo of Ban Banogu and Mat Boesen, who combined for 20 sacks in 2017 and are draft sleepers.
Belk Bowl, Dec 29th @ 1PM, Wake Forest vs Texas A&M
Prospect Matchup: Wake Forest EDGE Duke Ejiofor vs Texas A&M RB Trayveon Williams
Trayveon Williams has been a stud since he set foot in College Station, gaining 1790 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground over his first two seasons. This will be a great test for Wake Forest EDGE Duke Ejiofor, one of the best run defenders in the nation.
Sun Bowl, Dec 29th @ 3PM, NC State vs Arizona State
Prospect Matchup: Arizona State LBs D.J. Calhoun and Christian Sam vs NC State RB Nyheim Hynes and Offensive Weapon Jaylen Samuels
I know Arizona State's defense mostly sucks, but D.J. Calhoun and Christian Sam are the exceptions. The hard-hitting linebacker duo racked up 221 total tackles this season, 19.5 of them for loss. Matched up across from them are Nyheim Hynes and Jalyen Samuels, two fellow sleepers who could use big bowl games to improve their stock.
Music City Bowl, Dec 29th @ 4:30PM, Kentucky vs Northwestern
Prospect Matchup: Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson vs Kentucky S Mike Edwards
Clayton Thorson is yet another toolsy quarterback who just needs to be more consistent. On paper, a weak Kentucky defense should be a great way to raise his stock and gain momentum going into the offseason, but Mike Edwards might stand in his way. Edwards was quietly one of the best safeties in College Football this past season (89 tackles, 4 picks), so don't be surprised if he terrorizes Thorson.
 |
| Jalen Davis |
Prospect Matchup: Utah State CB Jalen Davis vs New Mexico State WR Jaleel Scott
Jalen Davis is a playmaker at the corner spot, snagging 5 picks this year and returning 3 of them for touchdowns. At only 5'10'' however, he is going to have a massive test against 6'6'' Jaleel Scott. If Jalen Davis can hang with Scott in the air, then expect his name to rocket up boards.
Cotton Bowl, Dec 29th @ 8:30 PM, Ohio State vs USC
Prospect Matchup: Ohio State CB Denzel Ward vs USC WR Deontay Burnett
Denzel Ward looks like a first round lock at this point thanks to his aggression and ball skills, but Deontay Burnett will still give him a challenge. Burnett is a great route runner with clamps for hands, so watching him fight for balls against Ward will be a treat.
Taxslayer Bowl, Dec 30th @ 12 PM, Louisville vs Mississippi State
Prospect Matchup: Louisville QB Lamar Jackson vs Mississippi State EDGE Montez Sweat
Because of Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald's season ending against Ole Miss a few weeks ago, this game should be an easy win for Louisville. However, it will be fun to watch breakout star Montez Sweat (9.5 sacks in 2017) try to corral the ultra-athletic Lamar Jackson.
Liberty Bowl, Dec 30th @ 12:30 PM, Iowa State vs Memphis
Prospect Matchup: Iowa State CB Brian Peavy vs Memphis WR Anthony Miller
Due to their size, Brian Peavy and Anthony Miller will likely play in the slot at their respective positions at the next level, but that doesn't mean they aren't great players. A big performance from either player, especially Peavy, will see a boost in their draft stock.
Fiesta Bowl, Dec 30th @ 4 PM, Washington vs Penn State
Prospect Matchup: Washington DL Vita Vea and LB Keishawn Bierria vs Penn State RB Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley is an athletic, do-it-all freak, but Washington is one of the few teams in the country that may be able to stop such a player. With Vita Vea filling gaps up front and Keishawn Bierria running sideline to sideline, Barkley is going to have a hell of a time finding any room against this defense.
 |
| T.J. Edwards |
Orange Bowl, Dec 30th @ 8 PM, Wisconsin vs Miami
Prospect Matchup: Wisconsin LB T.J. Edwards vs Miami RB Travis Homer
Mark Walton was the Hurricanes best offensive player for the first half of the season, but after going down with injury, somebody had to step up and fill his shoes. Sophomore Travis Homer has so far, rushing for 907 yards and 7 touchdowns in Walton's absence. It will be fun to see if he can find similar success against the Wisconsin defense, led by star linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Outback Bowl, January 1st @ 12 PM, Michigan vs South Carolina
Prospect Matchup: Michigan LB Devin Bush vs South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst
With linebacker Ben Gedeon leaving for the NFL, sophomore Devin Bush stepped in to lead the Wolverines in tackles. In this matchup, however, it will be his coverage skills that will be tested the most against Hayden Hurst, a great athlete who already declared for the draft.
Peach Bowl, January 1st @ 12:30 PM, UCF vs Auburn
Prospect Matchup: UCF EDGE Shaquem Griffin vs Aubrun QB Jarrett Stidham
Shaquem Griffin is one of the most badass players in college football due to the fact that he plays the EDGE position with one hand. He will be tasked with putting pressure on Jarrett Stidham, who will need to ball out against this fast defense in order to win.
Citrus Bowl, January 1st @ 1 PM, LSU vs Notre Dame
Prospect Matchup: LSU EDGE Arden Key vs Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey
Arden Key hasn't had a great year due to a weight gain and lingering injury issues, with a month of recovery time, hopefully he will be good to go against Mike McGlinchey, who has had issues with faster rushers this year. This might have the biggest impact of the player's stock than any other matchup on this list.
Rose Bowl Game, January 1st @ 5 PM, Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Prospect Matchup: Georgia Defense vs Oklahoma Offense
This game is loaded with prospects and different matchups. Roquan Smith is going to have to cover tight end Mark Andrews and fullback Dimitri Flowers while also containing Baker Mayfield, while tackle Orlando Brown is going to have to deal with Lorenzo Carter and David Bellamy off the edge. This will be a great test for many prospects and should have a big impact on their stock.
Sugar Bowl: January 1st @ 8:30 PM, Clemson vs Alabama
Prospect Matchup: Clemson D-Line vs Alabama O-Line
 |
| Dexter Lawrence |
P.S. Sorry for not posting for awhile and for this article being late. Exam season hit like a brick wall, but I made it through. Winter break is in a few days, so hopefully I can put out some more content for y'all. Have a great day!
Follow 4 Down Scouting on twitter @4DownScouting
All statistics come from ESPN stats on ESPN.com expect for TFLs, which come from sports-reference.com
No comments:
Post a Comment