After a weekend of college football without any signature matchups, the Big Ten brings fans two offerings. In this week's college football preview, we explore the 2022 NFL Draft prospects in five of the most intriguing games.
Enjoy!
No. 6 Michigan at No. 8 Michigan State
Saturday, Oct. 30 at 12 p.m. ET on FOX
Michigan has two defensive prospects garnering first-round buzz: edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and defensive back Daxton Hill. Hutchinson has been relentless, using his power to get to the quarterback this season. CBSSports.com's Ryan Wilson had Hutchinson going No. 2 overall to the Texans in his latest mock draft. Hill is a versatile player with great size. Defensive tackle Chris Hinton is also very talented.
The Wolverines' defensive line will be tasked with stopping one of college football's most determined runners this season: Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III. The Wake Forest transfer was noted in my Big Ten preseason preview, but even that was underselling what he would accomplish this season. Walker is averaging 142.4 rushing yards per game this season and has topped 200 rushing yards twice. He shows good acceleration and an ability to fight through contact.
The Spartans are also blessed with a few talented pass catchers: receivers Jalen Nailor and Jayden Reed. Nailor is a bit higher in my personal rankings. He shows an ability to track deep balls, has good speed and has some nuance in his route stems and breaks. Reed is a bit more of a gadget player for them.
No. 10 Ole Miss at No. 18 Auburn
Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral is likely the cleanest quarterback prospect at this time. There is some understandable concern about his transition from Lane Kiffin's RPO style offense to the NFL, but it has allowed him to show his quick decision-making and accuracy. When the opportunity to push the ball vertically presents itself, Corral has been accurate and delivering with touch.
Wide receiver Dontario Drummond is averaging an astonishing 17.2 yards on 36 receptions this season. Running back Jerrion Ealy remains one of the most explosion capable prospects in the country. Although undersized, Ealy is able to make an impact through the air as well. Offensive tackle Nick Broeker physically looks the part of a standout and has the traits to follow through on that potential.
On defense, the Rebels have edge rusher Sam Williams and safety A.J. Finley. Focusing on the talent, Williams has good size and production. He is top 5 nationally in both sacks and forced fumbles this season.
As much fun as the roller coaster ride with quarterback Bo Nix can be, the bulk of Auburn's NFL draft prospects are on defense. Roger McCreary and Nehemiah Pritchett are one of the best cornerback tandems in the vaunted SEC. Safety Smoke Monday has his share of supporters. Defensive lineman Colby Wooden has garnered attention as well. The sophomore from Georgia is tied for the team lead in sacks.
No. 19 SMU at Houston
Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2
SMU is not loaded with high-end talent like Power 5 schools, but it has done a good job of developing talent. Sophomore running back Ulysses Bentley is intriguing but lightly used of late. Wide receivers Danny Gray and Reggie Roberson Jr. have been highly productive. It was anticipated that Roberson would come out last year, but he elected to return to school. Tight end Grant Calcaterra actually gave up football at one point, but the Oklahoma transfer returned and picked up where he left off.
Houston cornerback Marcus Jones is undersized but a ballhawk. The Troy transfer has five interceptions in his career. Defensive lineman Logan Hall is warranting some discussion similar to his former teammate Payton Turner. Hall is not quite as long as Turner but they have similar body structures. He leads the team in sacks in the absence of the No. 28 overall selection.
No. 20 Penn State at No. 5 Ohio State
Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Penn State is coming off a disappointing loss to Illinois. The Illinois represented the perfect trap game as the Nittany Lions looked ahead to Ohio State. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has been the crown jewel, showcasing his ability to contribute vertically in addition to yards after catch opportunities in the short to intermediate.
Rasheed Walker is another physically imposing offensive tackle with the athletic ability to be a star.
James Franklin's team has some really good prospects on defense as well: safety Jaquan Brisker, linebacker Brandon Smith, Temple edge rusher transfer Arnold Ebiketie and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Ohio State arguably boasts the top two wide receiver prospects eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. NFL Draft insiders Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso and I discussed the top receiver prospects on a new weekly YouTube show, and Garrett Wilson was No. 1 for each of us. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert and running back Master Teague III round out the skill talent rundown.
Along the offensive line, the Buckeyes have offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere and offensive guard Thayer Munford. On defense, the Big Ten team does not have the level of elite talent to which they are accustomed. Defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, edge rusher Zach Harrison, cornerback Sevyn Banks, safety Marcus Hooker and edge rusher Tyler Friday are the names to know.
Fresno State at No. 21 San Diego State
Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener is about as tough as they come. He will do whatever is necessary to stay on the field, but his game is not a novelty. The Washington transfer throws with touch and accuracy at all levels. Wide receiver Jalen Cropper and record-setting running back Ronnie Rivers are both NFL-caliber prospects.
For San Diego State, the fanfare is centered around running back Greg Bell. He has to improve as a blocker, but he shows good burst, a desire to fight through contact and fluid ankles capable of changing directions. Defensive lineman Cam Thomas is intriguing for his size and the way that he uses his power.
The full slate of Week 9 college football games can be found at CBSSports.com.