Matchup's to Watch

Nebraska DE Randy Gregory vs Iowa LT Brandon Schreff

With this game possibly deciding the West Division, this is a huge match up. The player who wins this match up could be a precursor to which team wins. Gregory is a freak athlete while Schreff relies on his power and technique.

Clemson DE Vic Beasley vs Florida State LT Cameron Erving

Taking place early in the season we get to see two of the best at their position. Beasley is undersized as a DE and that could hurt him against the imposing Erving. Beasley will have to use his speed and quickness to keep Erving's hands off of him.

Louisville WR DeVante Parker vs Florida State CB PJ Williams

What might be the best match up this fall we'll get to learn a lot about this two players. Williams has shut down ability, but Parker's ability to get in and out of breaks will give Williams fits. It will be interesting to see how Parker does since he never faced a corner like Williams in the AAC.

Auburn QB Nick Marshall vs Miss State ILB Benardrick McKinney
Marshall isn't going to throw the ball much, so the real key with be if McKinney can get the defense in the right spot to slow down the Tiger running attack. Marshall has elite speed, while McKinney is a freak athelte for somebody whose 6'5.

Stanford WR Ty Montgomery vs Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

One of the biggest reasons Stanford's rushing attack is so good is they have Montogomery's speed to take defenders out of the box. If Ifo Ekpre-Olomu can lock down Montgomery by himself that could really help the Ducks keep a safety in the box.

Florida DE Dante Fowler vs LSU LT La'el Collins

Power vs Explosion can describe this match up. Fowler uses his speed and quickness to explode off the ball and create havoc. Collins is a physical mauler who moves defenders off his spot. Fowler needs to use his quickness to keep Collins' hands off him.  If he can't he could be washed out on a frequent basis. Expect the Tigers to run at Fowler quite a bit.

Oregon C Hroniss Grasu vs UCLA NT Ellis McCarthy

If UCLA wants to win this game, they need to shut down the Ducks inside zone game. The way to do that is for run stuffing nose tackle to lock down the middle of the line. Grasu is a very talented run blocker, but he isn't going to move many defenders off the ball. If McCarthy can force double teams and create penetration that would really throw the Ducks running game off.

Georgia RB Todd Gurley vs Tennessee ILB AJ Johnson

Gurley is the best RB in the nation and might be he best player in college football while Johnson is one of the best inside linebackers in the SEC. Gurley can do it all and if Tennessee wants to pull and upset they need to slow him down. Johnson is the heart and soul of the Volunteers defense and if he can flow and make plays.

Stanford LT Andres Peat vs Washington DE Hau'oli Kikaha

Strength on strength should be fun to watch. Andres Peat and the Stanford line will want to appose their will on the Huskies. However Kikaha is stout against the run and won't be pushed around. Whose going to break?

Alabama WR Amari Cooper and WR Christion Jones 

vs LSU CB Jalen Mills and CB Jalen Collins

The Crimson Tide will always be a run based team, however when you have the best WR in the nation your going to get the ball to him. LSU always has top flight secondary talent and the Jalen's are not different.  Both have the size and athletic ability to cause Cooper and Jones fits.

Baylor WR Levi Norwood & WR Antwan Goodley 

vs Texas CB Quandre Diggs

Texas has the pieces in the front seven to slow down the Bears running game, but they'll need their talented CB to play big against Baylor's two weapons on the outside. Norwood and Goodley have elite speed to kill while Diggs isn't much of a CB to be left out on an island. This may be one sided.

Oregon QB Marcus Mariota 

vs Stanford ILB AJ Tarpley and FS Jordan Richards

Even though Mariota is a good passer, his ability in the run game is what makes their offense go. To slow him down they'll need a team effort.  Tarpley's can help plug the holes in the middle while Richards flys to the ball from the safety position on the outside runs.

Michigan TE Devin Funchess 

vs Michigan State CB Trae Waynes and FS Kurtis Drummond

Michigan may not be a contender this year, but they have an elite tight end prospect. He's a match up nightmare with his combination of size and athletic ability. Michigan State will likely uses a committee approach. Waynes has good size and length and could get most of the time, but Drummond can play man coverage and they could show some bracket looks.

USC DT Leonard Williams vs UCLA LG Malcolm Bunche

Leonard Williams is one of the best players in this draft, but he doesn't play many elite guards.  Bunche is a Miami transfer and could be the best he sees. Bunche will have his hands full as the Bruins try to run the ball with success.  But Williams combination of strength and speed will be too much.

Texas A&M LT Cedric Ogbuehi vs Missouri DE Markus Golden

If Ogbuehi wants to live up to the hype he's received so far he'll need to shut down players like Golden. Ogbuehi is a agile tackle who moves easily.  Golden is also a good athlete and was the Tigers second best pass rusher last season.  Now as a starter we'll see this match up more often.