And most importantly from our point of view; who are the best
pro-prospects in this game and what are scouts looking at? Here are some of the
better match-ups.
Can the OSU safeties stop the Wazzu wide outs?
This group includes a possible top twenty choice and three additional
prospects that may be off the
board by the fifth round. Obviously Mike Doss is the headliner as the
senior looks to right the ship after an uneasy campaign in ’01; if successful
Doss will continue to push into the first frame. Along with teammate Donnie
Nickey (a definite consideration for the middle rounds), they must stop a
trio of solid Cougar pass catchers. Mike Bush gets all the ink in this
group but has yet to take his game to another level and still looks like a very
tall guy in a football uniform running around, displaying inconsistent pass
catching skills. A good performance against a quality opponent may change that
line of thinking. Jerome Riley does not get the same press but is a solid
wide out that always comes up with the important catch and could fit in nicely
as a fifth receiver for an NFL team. The star of the group is Wazzu’s Devard
Darling, a true sophomore that looks like a stud receiver for the future.
Turn it Around: Trufant/Davis versus Vance/Jenkins
Marcus
Trufant has been one of the best kept secrets of the past three seasons; he
has all the makings to be an immediate starter at cornerback in the NFL and
should be very good from the get-go as he’s better than James Hasty, the last
good cover-man to come out of Pulman. Playing opposite Trufant is junior Jason
David, a corner that displays quickness, explosion and solid cover skills. This week the
pair go up against a terrific duo of Ohio State wide outs; Michael Jenkins,
who combines size and the speed, stretching the defense for game
breaking plays with regularity. Chris Vance does not
have the same speed and though listed as a "smaller" receiver, plays a
big game, and is terrific on third down situations or in the red zone. Jenkins, only a
junior, grades out as a first rounder while Trufant is not far behind. Vance is
a solid first day pick while David is a mid-round prospect because of size
concerns.
The Lines of Scrimmage:
Cougar O-Line versus the Buckeye D-Line
The Washington State offensive line is big and powerful but immobile, which
may play into the
hands of the Buckeyes. Derek Roche, a fundamentally sound guard and late
round choice in 2003, is effective blocking for either the run or pass, but
restricted to very confined quarters. Likewise third-year sophomore Calvin
Armstrong is a masher at right tackle and great future prospect but has
limited blocking range. They go up against a pair of athletic, yet undersized
Buckeye rushers. Junior Darion Scott has been used on both the inside and
outside positions and is a fierce lineman that makes plays all over the
field, improving his play the past two seasons. Size and size potential are a
question for Scott, something that may not be a problem for Will Smith, a
relentless pass rusher who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage,
disrupting opposing offenses and a junior that could be a high pick in the
future if he stays in school and matures physically.
Cougar D-Line versus the Buckeye O-Line
Much the same here; the Buckeyes have a trio of terrific young prospects best
blocking in a small area while Wazzu offers a pair of solid underclassmen. Adrian
Clarke is back at his natural position, guard, and can be a dominant
force up front protecting the passer or opening holes for his backs.
Sidelined with a back injury this fall, should all go
well for Clarke and he builds upon the talent displayed in the past,
he’s a first day pick in 2004. Shane Olivea is solid at right
tackle and a later round choice for the future while Bryce Bishop is a
masher at guard and a prospect with a great amount of upside potential. After
sitting out his first two seasons at OSU, Bishop moved into the starting line-up
in 2001 and emerged throughout the season, impressing scouts. Their mission is
to stop Tai Tupai, a big, tall thumper in the middle that commands double
teams and Isaac Brown, a relentless pass rusher that may project to
outside linebacker at the next level.
Finally: Jason Gesser on a National Stage
Washington State is promoting the heck out of Jason Gesser for a run
to the Heisman Trophy and this may be the best (and only) opportunity for Gesser
to impress voters in the east as well as middle America. An athletic passer,
Gesser could be running for his life on Saturday and must outsmart two very
intelligent Buckeye safety’s. A good performance will not only enhance his
Heisman status but potentially improve his draft ranking.