College Football week nine open thread

October 29th, 2022 | Written by Rob Staton

This weekend I’ll be watching them following games:

Florida vs Georgia
Kentucky vs Tennessee
Michigan State vs Michigan
Stanford vs UCLA

Plus there will be others I dive into later in the week to watch specific players as I continue to build my horizontal board.

Meanwhile, Tony Pauline is reporting that Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson is leaning towards entering the 2023 NFL draft:

88 Responses to “College Football week nine open thread”

  1. Blitzy the Clown says:

    The physical talent and upside are enormous for Richardson, but he needs a ton of work on his game. While I presently have a third-round grade on him, there’s no denying a team could reach for him during the first frame with the hopes of developing his game and harvesting Richardson’s talent. TP

    Tell me if you’ve heard that one before…

    https://twitter.com/afc2nfc/status/816002946584420352?s=20&t=FRa7gQtT-5QldYTr0xXqYg

    Tony Pauline reports Josh Allen is considering declaring. Both TP & Greg Gabriel have said it would be a mistake

    For me, Richardson is Target One in this draft. He won’t go top 4 so as long as they have a top 10 pick from Denver, they have the draft capital to get him.

    • TomLPDX says:

      Is that assuming that we are able to sign Geno to a new contract for next year?

      • 509 Chris says:

        I find myself going back to Drew Locke. With a year in the system could he be that place holder? If geno becomes too expensive it might be the only option. I suppose a lot will depend on how the team progresses throughout the season. I tend to agree that Richardson is the guy I’d most like to see sea draft. Just way too much upside.

        • Hawks4life says:

          Would prefer it if Richardson had a year to sit under Geno and learn, not sure he would learn anything from Locke. It’s going to be an interesting off season

          • Elmer says:

            He might be able to learn what not to do. Unfortunately Lock has shown some erratic tendencies. In spite of potential upside, the Hawks prefer a reliable, efficient QB.

      • Roger Davis says:

        Tom

        Gino is as good as gone – IM(H)O.

        He is having a year for the ages and at his age his ONLY concern will be the bucks, yens, pounds or peso’s on the table. Period.

        IF – he comes back it’ll only be because he shits the bed in the rest of the season and the offers fall off the table!

    • Simon McInnes says:

      All the Richardson comparisons we read are based on physique and relate to Josh Allen. In terms lack of experience, I think Trey Lance. I would be comfortable with picking him – but high in the first round? Hmmmm

      • GoHawks5151 says:

        On Richardson vs Lance, I’m not sure you can compare a full season and change in the SEC to a season of DII. You can make the argument they are similar athletes but Richardson has passed well at times in a more projectable offense. He’d be a potential steal

      • Rob Staton says:

        I’ve watched every college game for Lance and Richardson.

        They’re nothing like each other.

      • Big Mike says:

        Lance had barely played a game in a year and a half or two when the 9ers took him. Richardson is playing every week this season and gaining experience. That’s a huge difference. On top of that, Lance played against FCS “competition” while Richardson is playing against the best defensive players college football has to offer.

  2. Blitzy the Clown says:

    My goodness DE JT Tuimoloau is having a monster game for Ohio St vs Penn St.

    Sack, strip sack, fumble, interception and a pick six interception! And I probably forgot something

    • Hawk Finn says:

      And it was all on the same play!

    • Donovan says:

      Tuimolau is a local product, graduating from Eastside Catholic. #1 overall recruit when he signed w Buckeyes. Glad to see him doing well!

      Buckeyes also have Emeke Egbuka, from Pierce County, starting for them.

      Both seem to be likely high 1st rounders in future drafts.

  3. Blitzy the Clown says:

    It wasn’t the hit as much as the way Richardson went down. Looks like his cleat caught and his knee/ankle twisted a bit

    Hope he’s ok

  4. Rob Staton says:

    Commentators still pronouncing ‘Etienne’ wrong I see now that his brother is playing in college

    The NFL broadcasters also continue to say Ee-tee-en even though the correct pronunciation was made clear pre Travis’ draft

  5. cha says:

    Travis Homer activated

    Bruce Irvin & Cade Johnson are practice squad elevations for tomorrow.

    https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-activate-travis-homer-from-ir-elevate-bruce-irvin-cade-johnson-from-pra

  6. Sea Mode says:

    👀 Wynn available per Breer

    The Patriots are another team that could add an off-ball linebacker or offensive line help or subtract ahead of the deadline. They’ve certainly shown an openness to moving Nelson Agholor and Isaiah Wynn, both of whom are in contract years and have a lot of money coming to them over the balance of the season.

    Jacob Martin for a R6, anyone?

    The Jets have shown a willingness to add, but also have a few pieces they could move—receiver Denzel Mims, defensive end Jacob Martin and corner Bryce Hall are in that group.

    And confirming what some have already suggested:

    Thanks to the progress of rookie corners Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant, the Seahawks have explored dealing veteran Sidney Jones.

    https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/10/29/2022-nfl-trade-deadline-buzz-rumors-players-available

    • Rob Staton says:

      There’s no point trading for Wynn. It’d be a rental for a few weeks. A team desperate on the O-line might do it but we aren’t desperate there.

      He’s a player I’d have an interest in as a free agent but not via trade.

      • HOUSE says:

        Rob,

        Agreed. I know you previously mentioned Wynn as a name to potentially watch in Free Agency. Obviously it’s way too early, but do you think he’d play at RG (leaving Lewis at LG) or Wynn at LG/Lewis at RG?

  7. Jed Simon says:

    I’m liking this Orin Patu from Cal. Lanky, versatile, physical, good ball awareness; personally wrecked one Oregon drive today. Cal lists him at 6-4 235; not sure about his SPARQ metrics, but he looks fairly explosive on the field. Seems that a player with his skill set could be put to good use in the Hawks’ evolving defensive scheme. Granted, Patu is playing in the Wac-12, and Oregon always plays down to the competition in Berkeley (read: apply asterisks as necessary), but he looks like he’s got some upside.

  8. cha says:

    If you turned Georgia-Florida off at halftime, you may want to turn it back on.

    28-20 Georgia. Richardson hit his receiver with a laser for a 73 yard TD on a blown Georgia coverage.

  9. Sea Mode says:

    I’m always interested in looking into an Alpha.

    Jim Nagy
    @JimNagy_SB
    ·6h

    Penn State DS Ji’Ayir Brown has one of coolest pre-game routines @seniorbowl has seen this year. Can do this when you have 10” hands. Coaches tell us Brown (5110v, 211v) is THE Alpha and voice of @PennStateFball team, not just DB room. Good player!

    https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1586395232370757633

  10. Sea Mode says:

    I feel like this play has equal chance of TD or getting your kicker absolutely clobbered…

    https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1586402553415143427

  11. Trevor says:

    My four favorite offensive players in the draft for the Hawks are all playing in the Ten / UK game.

    Levis QB
    Jalen Wyatt Wr
    Darnell Wright RG / Backup OT
    Chris Rodriguez RB2

  12. Blitzy the Clown says:

    Tough INT for Levis. Not his fault. Nice play by the defender.

  13. Palatypus says:

    I think Will Levis just made a tackle.

  14. Palatypus says:

    That was not how to run a two minute offense.

  15. Rob Staton says:

    You’re not going to beat Tennessee if you keep letting Jalin Hyatt run downfield on his own for easy touchdowns

  16. HOUSE says:

    Wow… Hyatt just allowed to score at will. Safety clearly blew that play. 🤦‍♂️

  17. cha says:

    Mazi Smith making impact plays in the first half. Great call Rob, he’s the real deal.

  18. 206 says:

    What’s up with Levis?

    • Mark says:

      Looks like he is pressing some, mixed in with some kinda head scratching throws. The pick before this latest one was poor decision making, threw it late.

    • Chawks1 says:

      Really looks bad vs 130th ranked pass D in CFB. Carson Wentz 2.0

    • Rob Staton says:

      He’s playing QB for a team being totally outclassed, that’s what

      Kentucky’s OL is abysmal. The defense has no answer. He’s throwing to freshman receivers who appear allergic to contact. The running game has gone at this deficit. His top receivers’ most meaningful contribution was a dropped pass at 13-6.

      He’s pressing trying to make things happen but the last two picks at 1v1 coverage and the receivers don’t seem interested.

      Tennessee on the other hand look like a team completely in control, with talent everywhere

  19. HOUSE says:

    Looks like Levis has forced some passes tonight. When he’s not getting dumped in the back field, it appears to me he’s looking for the bigger plays. For his sake, he needs to survive this OL for the rest of the year.

    • Rob Staton says:

      He hasn’t had a chance tonight

      And when you’re down 24 points and pressing I kind of shrug

      If you throw a 1v1 fade and the receiver doesn’t even compete for the ball I struggle to muster much criticism there. Last two picks where does he go? Nobody is open

      Especially when the OL is a car crash, heck the whole team has been a car crash

      • HOUSE says:

        You’re right. I’m not blaming him for the lack of effort of his teammates.

        That last INT… There is NOTHING Levis could’ve done better. His WR didn’t even attempt to get it or fight the CB. It’s hard being the only guy that gives a damn and I can see the frustration. He’s got grit and I think seeing him not giving up is a HUGE upside.

        I just don’t want to see him get hurt…

        I know we probably have very little shot of getting him now, but if this hurts his stock a bit, so he doesn’t end up on a crap team and comes to SEA, so be it

        • Rob Staton says:

          I think teams will watch this game once and throw it out

          • Palatypus says:

            Mama said there’d be days like this.
            There’s days like this Mama said.
            Chorus: Mama said, Mama said.

          • HOUSE says:

            Agreed. I’ve heard comparisons to Young/Stroud and people use TEAM SUCCESS as a direct reflection of the QB’s play. It’s apples/oranges to me.

            People will also use this to blow up Hendon Hooker (not personally a fan). I don’t think he’s a bad QB, but I see a lot of people talking him up like he’s a top 10 pick or something.

          • CHaquesFan says:

            It feels like this is every game where he’s getting destroyed though, what separates this game from all the others?

            • Rob Staton says:

              The opponent being probably the second best team in college football, at home

              And not a single aspect of Kentucky’s play was average. They were awful across the board.

      • Dregur says:

        I don’t know if I can agree. The second interception was very much on Levis. It was inaccurate, and the WR was bracketed by the CB and LB. Not sure why he would think that was a good throw. It would’ve been better eat it or throw it away to punt it away.

        The third interception looked like it was late coming out and underthrown on a go route. I’m don’t think it was a fade route.

        Levis was getting hammered that game, but both interceptions were coming out of the limited clean pockets he was getting.

        • Rob Staton says:

          He threw marginally late both times

          Bracketed? They were thrown to single coverage and the receiver was nowhere to be found. Just dominated in every sense

          And Levis was crap. But everyone was crap. It’s the biggest beating I can remember seeing being two supposedly competitive teams in a long while. Kentucky were hopeless and it’s as if they expected Levis to keep them in it. I doubt teams will spend much time on this tape.

  20. JC says:

    Tough night to be a Will Levis draft proponent.

  21. Canadian Hawk says:

    Levis seems to be fighting for his life out there.

    Just hope he can stay healthy.
    Thought Hooker has played quite well tonight.

    Rob, seeing anything new from him that might move him up your board?

    • Rob Staton says:

      Just more of the same for Hooker and doubt anything will change now.

      So many easy wide open throws for big touchdowns because the scheme is so effective (and Kentucky kept blowing coverages). Some misses but not as many tonight because frankly what’s there been to miss? Some good execution of an offense he knows very well. It is what it is. He plays in a cheat code offense and has all of his reads made for him by the sideline, plus it’s all half field read stuff.

      It is what it is

  22. HOUSE says:

    Rob,

    What’s your take on Tyree Wilson (Edge, Texas Tech)? Frame wise and speed, he reminds me a lot of Michael Johnson (played for the Bengals). I remember him being a FA or potential trade piece back in 2011ish time frame. Seemed like he wouldn’t really fit our scheme back then, would Wilson have a place in our new 3-4 alignment?

  23. Palatypus says:

    The kicker for Michigan has five field goals and up until the last touchdown that was the difference in the game. Now it’s 22. It’s a good formula. Play suffocating defense and just lean on them until they break.

    I miss this kind of football.

  24. clbradley17 says:

    Great size at 6’6″ 275. Has quite a few sacks & TFLs, just heard he’ll disappear for stretches of games, or have a good one and a bad one.

  25. Palatypus says:

    Charbonet 99 rushing yards, 2TD.

    Stanford offense 94 total yards.

    West coast Mike Glennon looking like Mike Glennon.

    • cha says:

      Seahawks need to find a way to take him in the 2nd.

      The ‘RBs don’t matter’ crowd going berserk for a second year in a row would just be the cherry on top.

      • HOUSE says:

        Agreed. There is nothing wrong with having 2 solid RBs. Rashaad Penny is prime example. Since BEASTMODE, we have been extremely unlucky with running backs. Injuries just keep happening and losing your main guy and then the whole running game goes out the window cannot happen to us again.

      • Palatypus says:

        You know Cha, this is what I want to see us do.

        The Denver Broncos fist pick in next year’s draft right now is projected at #67. The Houston Texans right now are projected at #65 & #66. I say TRADE FOR THEM !!! Give them a 2024 1st if you have too, but jump in front of them and take two players off the board that they desperately want.

        This is how I play 7 card no peek. You gotta pay!

  26. cha says:

    That’s what I want. Charbonnet breaking spirits and taking souls.

    Those tackle attempts on 4th and 1 were pathetic.

  27. Troy D says:

    If Denver continues to stink then tonight maybe gives us a chance to get Levis.. Lets hope he drops in our lap and we take him.

    • Palatypus says:

      I am here in Pensacola, Florida wearing the Jacksonville Jaguars tank top I bought when they made Gus Bradley head coach completely without irony.

  28. CHaquesFan says:

    If Penny is gone or whatever, not effective, etc. I’d like to see Seattle look into RB in the draft, need 2 good RBs at all times IMO

    • Palatypus says:

      Let’s not succumb to target fixation. That is what sank the Kido Butai.

    • Not sure what the palatypus is smokin’; there’s plenty to go around the 206, but we need a capable backup and probably a better 3rd down back. DJ Dallas is a talented, if not a low-ceiling, role player

      • DJ 1/2 way says:

        I saw some nice plays from CJ Donaldson of West Virginia. I am no expert, but that is a big dude who can get going fast.

  29. cha says:

    Schefter cites sources that say both DK and Lockett will play tomorrow.

  30. Let’s go Jacksonville