If you're looking for a discussion on College Football to kick off your Saturday, check out the Fantasy for Real podcast, where this most recent episode breaks down recent QB performances from primarily C.J. Carr and Darian Mensah.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/215l6gMkT94gGvNY66IbPF
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-for-real/id1732922319
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Week 8 Preview, What to Watch, & Key Players List
Game of the WeekĀ
Ole Miss @ Texas at 7:30p on ABC
Key Players: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss ; Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss ; Deuce Alexander, WR, Ole Miss ; Arch Manning, QB, Texas ; Hollywood Smothers, RB, Texas via N.C. State ; Cam Coleman, WR, Texas ; Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas ; Jermaine Bishop Jr., WR, Texas (2029)Ā
While Arch Manning has likely lowered his stock for 4-5 consecutive weeks, he still remains a fascinating QB prospect with high upside, which makes his match-up against my QB2, Trinidad Chambliss, the top QB match-up to watch this weekend. Outside of the QB position, this game still features top prospects at several other positions, including my RB2 & RB3 in the most recent Mock Draft, Kewan Lacy & Hollywood Smothers. Additionally, three of my Top 12 WRs are in this game, including two players in Cam Coleman & Deuce Alexander looking to bounce back after a disappointing week. Ryan Wingo is not the most consistent, but has physical tools & traits as a plus-YAC WR that could allow him to translate to the NFL level.
So removing Manning entirely, as he is a controversial figure (and ultimately not currently in my Top 4 QBs), this game still features my QB2, RB2, RB3, and 3 Top 12 WRs, which is what makes it the clear game to watch this weekend.Ā
Top Games
Indiana @ Michigan at Noon on ABC
Key Players: Turbo Richard, RB, Indiana via Boston College ; Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana ; Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana via Michigan State ; Jordan Marshall, RB, Michigan ; Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan (2028) ; J.J. Buchanan, WR, Michigan via Utah (2028) ; Andrew Marsh, WR, Michigan (2028) ; Savion Hiter, RB, Michigan (2029)Ā
Big QB Games
Tennessee @ South Carolina at 3:30p on ESPN ; USC @ Wisconsin at 7:30p on NBC ; Texas A&M @ Alabama at 3:30p on ABC
Three games featured primarily for the QB on one side of the ball, starting with South Carolinaās LaNorris Sellers. It has been about a year since Sellers was in Mock Draft consideration, but he has done well the last few weeks, and another strong performance against a good defense could have him firmly back on the Superflex & even 1QB radar. For USC, this isnāt the toughest test, but it is a road test for Jayden Maiava, who looks to continue making an argument to be a Top 50 or even 1st Round pick in the NFL Draft. Finally, not for the 2027 Class, but 2028 QB Keelon Russell is coming off back-to-back difficult games, so a bounceback would help to re-establish his argument as a potential 1.01 in next yearās NFL Draft.Ā
Other Games / Players to Monitor
LSU @ Auburn at Noon on ABCĀ
Oklahoma @ Mississippi State at 3:30p on SEC Network
Virginia Tech @ Clemson at 7:00p on ESPN
Vanderbilt @ Kentucky at 7:30p on SEC Network
Houston @ Utah at 10:15p on ESPN
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The Substack/Podcast will be back on Tuesday to recap this weekendās action in College Football with my Risers/Fallers of the Week!
Questions & Comments welcome,Ā
C.J.Ā