Three College Football Players To Watch
Samaje Perine. (USA TODAY Sports)
After a lackluster set of matchups last weekend, the third week of the college football season should be entertaining. Four games featuring top-25 teams facing off against each other highlight the weekend, including a top-10 showdown between No. 2 Florida State and No. 10 Louisville.
This weekend will be great for some players to showcase their skills for the NFL Draft in April. Here are three possible Eagles draft picks you should keep an eye on.
1. Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
This week’s opponent: vs. No. 3 Ohio State — 7:30 p.m. (FOX)
The junior’s first two games of 2016 have been lackluster to say the least. He’s carried the ball 16 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns after back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. Perine was ineffective in the season opening loss to No. 6 Houston, gaining only 31 yards on six carries, but also injured his left shoulder. Perine needs to make an impact against the Buckeyes if the Sooners want to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
2. Travis Rudolph, WR, Florida State
This week’s opponent: @ No. 10 Louisville — Noon (ABC)
The junior wideout made seven catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win over Charleston Southern last week. While Dalvin Cook is the team’s biggest weapon on the run, Rudolph’s the Seminoles’ top wide receiver for quarterback Deondre Francois. The Cardinals will try to contain him with corners Jaire Alexander and Shaq Wiggins.
3. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
This week’s opponent: @ No. 19 Ole Miss — 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
The redshirt-sophomore is already one of the top cornerbacks eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft. After playing a role in dismantling USC two weeks ago, Humphrey will take on Ole Miss’ explosive wide receivers, led by quarterback Chad Kelly. He’ll likely be covering either junior Damore’ea Stringfellow or perhaps freshmen A.J. Brown and Van Jefferson. This Rebels offense conquered Florida State in the first half two weeks ago, and they’ve been on the winning end of this matchup for the last two seasons.
Game Of The Week: No. 2 Florida State @ No. 10 Louisville — Noon (ABC)
This will be Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s first true test. After a sensational game last week against Syracuse, Jackson will have to face one of the top defenses in the country in Florida State. He showed glimpses of being a Heisman candidate against the Orange, but he can solidify his status with a big game at home against a favorite to make it to the College Football Playoff.
Honorable Mentions: No. 1 Alabama @ No. 19 Ole Miss (3:30 p.m., CBS), No. 12 Michigan State @ No. 18 Notre Dame (7:30 p.m., NBC), No. 3 Ohio State @ No. 14 Oklahoma (7:30 p.m., FOX)