South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart, a guy everyone expects to be a Round 1 pick, had a full-blown meltdown on the sideline last week. Now, he’s back at practice, but we’ve got zero word on if he’ll even play today against the Florida Gators. This week is all about separating the real contenders from the teams just pretending before these squads get deep into their conference schedules. I’m locked in on ten games, but you already know, feel free to shout out your takes on any prospect or matchup that catches your eye!
Early Battles Setting the Tone
Kicking off at 9 AM PDT, we’ve got a couple of absolute grinders. Number 7 Indiana, sitting pretty at 5-0, is squaring off against an equally undefeated Nebraska. Keep your eyes glued to Indiana’s quarterback Josh Hoover, who’s been a total Texas gunslinger and hasn’t thrown a single interception since landing in the upper Midwest for his senior year. Their offensive line, with C Bray Lynch, G Drew Evans, and T Carter Smith, is absolutely paving the way for them. But Nebraska is no joke, running the ball almost 40 times a game behind their jitterbug QB Anthony Colandrea and running backs Jamal Rule, Mekhi Nelson, and Isaiah Mozee. That’s old-school football right there, and it’s going to be a battle.
Also at 9 AM, Wake Forest, currently 4-1, takes on North Carolina State, who are 3-2 after a couple of tough early losses. Shoutout to Frankie Cusano, a linebacker for Wake Forest, who was just named to Pro Football Network’s All ACC team. NC State is loaded with prospects like QB CJ Bailey, RB Duke Scott, and left tackle Jaccarius Peak. This one could be a sneaky good game!
Then you’ve got Texas A&M, at 3-2 and frankly trending down after an offensive line rebuild, going up against number 14 Missouri, who are 4-1. A&M’s QB Marcel Reed and RB Ruben Owens are hot and cold, and that’s not going to cut it against a Missouri team that absolutely needs to win this game to prove they belong at the top of the SEC. Everyone needs to watch Missouri’s QB Austin Simmons, RB Jamal Roberts, WR Cayden Lee, and T Cayden Green. These guys are all top prospects, and Simmons is flying up draftboards. This is where Missouri either steps up or gets exposed.
Midday Mayhem Across the Map
The 12:30 PM PDT slate is absolutely packed with heat. You know the drill for number 1 Texas, 4-0, versus Oklahoma, 2-2, playing in Dallas. Throw the records out when these two meet. This is going to be straight-up hard-nosed football. Texas has some serious talent with E Collin Simmons, defensive tackles Maraad Eaton and Hero Kanu, plus safety Jelani McDonald. OU is countering with DT David Stone, E Taylor Wein, and linebackers Cole Sullivan and Owen Heinecke. This rivalry never disappoints.
Then you’ve got number 21 UCLA, 4-0, heading up to play number 13 Oregon, 3-1. Is UCLA for real? Their new coach brought a ton of his best players with him from James Madison, including running back Wayne Knight, wide receiver Landen Ellis, edge Sahir West, and cornerback DJ Barksdale. The big question for Oregon is at quarterback: no decisive word on Dante Moore’s activity. If he’s out, Dylan Raiola is going to take the reins for the Ducks again. That could be a huge factor!
Also at 12:30 PM, number 22 Houston, 4-1, faces Kansas State, 3-1. Houston’s got a wide-open offense led by QB Conner Weigman, running back Makhi Hughes, tight end Patrick Overmyer, and wide receivers Amare Thomas and Trent Walker. On the other side, Kansas State features dangerous quarterback Avery Johnson, one of the best runners in the NCAA who can absolutely throw the ball too. Get ready for some fireworks.
Primetime Showdown & What’s at Stake
Rounding out the day, we have number 10 LSU, 4-1, squaring off against Kentucky, also 4-1, at 4 PM PDT. LSU’s offense is triggered by QB Sam Leavitt, and their defense is legit. Ends Jordan Ross and Princeton Umanmielen bring the pass rush, backed up by a strong safety unit of Ty Benefield, Dashawn Spears, and Tamarcus Cooley. Kentucky’s QB Kenny Minchey is efficient, but they’re going to need more than just efficiency to take down LSU’s D.
This weekend is setting the stage for everything. Every single one of these games matters, especially with conference schedules heating up. Who’s going to step up? Who’s going to falter? It’s all on the line right now. You just know these results are going to shape how the rest of the season plays out for these teams.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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