I wrote down some instant reaction to Georgia vs Auburn earlier (click here). There were some other noticeable performances this weekend too:
–Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson) recorded his 14th sack of the year (leads NCAA) and also made his first career interception in a defeat to Florida State. Bowers’ transformation this year has been stunning and he’s a top-ten shoe in next year as far as I’m concerned. He could easily go #1 or #2 overall next year.
–Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford) had a difficult day in a close victory at Arizona State. He threw one pick and no touchdowns in a 17-13 win at Arizona State – a second interception was wiped off for a holding penalty. He completed 33/41 passing but this was a slight blip on his recent brilliant form. It’s not unexpected from a RS sophomore.
–Cameron Jordan (DE, California) could be set for a rise in stock. Some see him as a top-ten pick because of his ability to play 5-technique in a 3-4 and feature in many different schemes and calls. He played a vital role in restricting Oregon to 15 points in a two-point defeat – the first defense to really get a grip on the Ducks this year.
–Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State) put up the big numbers again (9 catches, 145 yards and one score) but this was a hit and miss game for me. He made a 67-yard TD grab that flashed his ability to locate the ball on a deep route and win the ball in tight coverage. He also had some lazy drops and isn’t always a hands-catcher. He isn’t a great deep threat, but he’s a stout strong player. He beat Aaron Williams on the deep TD.
–Julio Jones (WR, Alabama) only had three catches for 41 yards in a win over Miss. State. He boosted his stats with a 56-yard touchdown run, but it stunts his recent big production. Alabama turned to the run and rushed 13 more times than they threw.
I’ll be watching South Carolina vs Florida tomorrow, so expect thoughts on that and more notes on this weekend’s action.
