Penn State vs. Notre Dame
The Nittany Lions were the
darlings of the media after a comeback campaign in '05. Things may
not be so easy for them this year. Notre Dame fell short in their BCS
contest yet will compete for the national crown this time around.
How will Penn State stop the aerial
assault of Brady Quinn and the Irish? It won't be easy. Quinn, a top
three pick in next April's draft, has an assortment of weapons at his
disposal. Jeff Samardzija is a big possession wide out and a top 45-pick
while Rhema McKnight played well last week, his first game since tearing a knee ligament
last September. Prior to the '05 season NFL scouting concerns gave
McKnight high grades and the receiver could sneak into the draft's first day.
If that's not enough Notre Dame's
running attack combines an outstanding ball carrier and several highly
considered blockers. Darius Walker flashes tremendous skill when healthy
and looks like a big time NFL prospect. Guard Dan Santucci and tackle
Ryan Harris open holes for their ball carriers and help Quinn stay
upright. Both are first day prospects for April's draft.
On their behalf Penn State is very
strong in the defensive front seven. Jay Alford is a tough tackle who makes
plays laterally. Undersized, he's a middle round choice who may have a
home as a three technique lineman. The Lions welcome back Ed Johnson, a
one-time dominant tackle and solid NFL prospect who was suspended all last season.
State's linebackers will draw lots
of opinions and debate. Paul Posluszny gets top headlines 
across the
nation and is one of college football's finest linebackers. That being the
case we feel he is not the top ten pick some are casting him to be.
Possessing marginal computer numbers (6'2"-228lbs-4.80) Posluszny is deficient
in pass coverage and offers limited sideline-to-sideline range. And though
a solid prospect we feel he only deserves a second round grade.
Tim Shaw is
actually a little larger and a hair faster then Posluszny. Equally as instinctive
compared to his teammate, Shaw does not get his just due and is a solid NFL linebacker prospect.
The match-up of the night could be
PSU offensive tackle Levi Brown trying to ward off Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame's
outstanding pass rusher. Brown has been productive for State College since
his freshman campaign and is fundamentally outstanding. Yet with that Brown does
not show the top footwork or adjustment wanted in a blind-side protector. Abiamiri
could be the most underrated defender in the nation. A disruptive force,
he is a top athlete with growth potential. Both players offer first round
grades with Abiamiri likely a top 15 selection.
Ohio State-Texas
Last year Texas went to Columbus
and stole the game from the Buckeyes, setting the tone for their national
championship run. This year Ohio State hopes to turn the tables. The
NFL talent in this game is outstanding.
The Buckeyes have a trio of ball
handlers to watch. Quarterback Troy Smith is a big-armed
athlete who can
make all the throws. Needing to complete his game and fine-tune the
details of his position, Smith now sits as an early second day pick but could move
up boards with a knockout senior season. Antonio Pittman is an
explosive back with terrific playing speed and ball carrying instincts.
While he needs to physically mature, Pittman offers big-time NFL ability and the
junior presently carries a second round grade. None compare to
game-breaker Ted Ginn Jr. Offering home run hitting speed, Ginn Jr.
possesses big play ability as a receiver or return specialist. If he enters next
April's draft as expected he will slide into the initial 20 picks.
The Longhorn defense will have
their hands full, especially with the loss of cornerback Tarell Brown. A
shut down cover man with potential as a top 40 pick, Brown was arrested earlier
this week on gun charges. His match-up against Ginn Jr.
would've been great. It'll be up to cornerback Aaron Ross and safety
Michael Griffin
to try and contain the Buckeye wide out. Ross is a developing corner and
outstanding punt returner while Griffin shows a lot of athleticism in
centerfield. Griffin is top 50 material at safety while Ross will be a top
100 pick.
There battle on the lines of
scrimmage will be one to watch.
Longhorn tackle Justin Blalock
rates highly and offers a first round grade. Built low to the ground 
and
looking more like a guard, Blalock is a dominant force who stands out in pass
protection while also sealing holes for the running game. Kasey Studdard
and Lyle Sendlein
are both late round choices from their guard and center positions
respectively. On the other side of the ball Ohio State offers a pair of solid prospects.
Quinn Pitcock is highly thought of by some but a late round pick in our
opinion. A high intensity defender, he chases hard from his tackle spot
but is a limited athlete best in a straight line. David Patterson is
better at making plays down the line yet has limited size. He is also late
round material.