College football Week 8: Big Blue is scouting the Crimson Tide

Happy Saturday, everyone! And welcome to Week 8 of the college football season.

Once again we have a strong slate of games to enjoy today, and should have plenty of good football to watch all afternoon and evening. There are a few top-25 matchups worth watching today, such as (22) Mississippi State at (5) LSU, or (12) Oregon at (25) Washington State.

However, we wanted to highlight some teams we haven’t gotten a look at yet, as well as one game at which the New York Giants will have a credentialed scout.

So, without further ado, let’s get to the games!

(24) Michigan State at (6) Michigan

FOX - Noon

The intra-state showdown between rival Michigan and Michigan state is one of the highlights of the college football calendar, and could be the headline of this week’s slate of games.

Michigan lost their opening week match-up against Notre Dame, but are coming off of a 38-13 win over Wisconsin. Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines have a poor record against ranked opponents, and this game could be a pivotal one in Michigan’s post-season dreams.

This is also a solid game for QB scouting. Both teams have passers who could interest scouts at the next level. Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke is interesting as a “Dual Threat” quarterback who is experienced in “pro style” concepts in the Spartans’ offense.

Players to watch

Michigan State

• Brian Lewerke (QB)

Michigan

• Shae Patterson (QB)
• Rashon Gary (DL/EDGE)
• Lavert Hill (CB)
• David Long (CB)
• Devin Bush Jr. (LB)

(1) Alabama at Tennessee

CBS - 3:30 p.m.

The Giants will be scouting this game.

Once again, Nick Saban’s team is college football’s Juggernaut. He always recruits well, drawing some of the best and most talented athletes in the nation to Alabama, but in a break from previous years, he finally has a quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa is a true sophomore, and therefore ineligible for the 2019 draft, but he is one of the top QB’s in the country. The lefty from Hawaii is both a talented and smart passer, who’s presence allows the team to fully unleash their athletic potential. While ‘Bama is almost always good, they’re just a different team with Tua running the offense.

From a scouting perspective ... Alabama is simply stacked with talent at every level and every position. At this point in the process, the only thing to do is watch and enjoy.

Players to watch

Alabama

• Jonah Williams (OT)
• Ross Piersbacher (OG)
• Lester Cotton (IOL)
• Damien Harris (RB)
• Quinnen Williams (DT)
• Raekwon Davis (DT)
• Deionte Thompson (S)
• Mack Wilson (LB)

Tennessee

• Darrell Taylor (EDGE)
• Drew Richmond (OT)

(16) NC State at (3) Clemson

ESPN - 3:30 p.m.

Finally, this game sees one of the more interesting quarterback prospects in his game against one of the best defensive fronts in college football.

Ryan Finley was described by Mark Schofield as a “Solid, if unspectacular” quarterback prospect. Finley is smart, experienced, savvy, and has the ability as a passer to make the throws teams need him to. He will face a Clemson defense that boasts future NFL players all across the defensive front, two of whom could go in the first half of the first round this April.

Players to watch

NC State

• Ryan Finley (QB)
• Kelvin Harmon (WR)
• Garrett Bradburry (OC)
• Germaine Pratt (LB)

Clemson

• Clelin Ferrell (EDGE)
• Austin Bryant (EDGE)
• Christian Wilkins (DT)
• Dexter Lawrence (DT)
• Mitch Hyatt (OT)