FanPost

Friday College Football Open Thread

Well, so much for Steelers football on Thanksgiving. Thankfully, the tradition of having big time games the day after in college football will go on as planned. I have been resting at home and have had some spare time, so I decided to put this up for anyone who may be keeping an eye on today's games and potential draft prospects. I know there a lot of college football / NFL Draft fans here, so be sure to join in the conversation today if you are watching college football. Here are a few of the notable games today and NFL Draft prospects to watch in each of them.

#13 Iowa State vs. #17 Texas (Noon, ABC)

For Iowa State, quarterback Brock Purdy has fallen off the radar a bit, but he could get back into the day two conversation with a strong performance against Texas. Tight end Charlie Kolar is a good blocker and may also be a day two consideration. As for Texas, Joseph Ossai has been an absolute monster this season and is now a projected first round pick. He looks like a 10+ sack per year guy at the next level. Offensive tackle Sam Cosmi may be gone by the time the Steelers are up to pick, but if available, he should be near the top of the Steelers' board. Safety Caden Sterns and quarterback Sam Ehlinger are potential day two picks.

Nebraska vs. #24 Iowa (1:00, FOX)

Dicaprio Bootle is Nebraska's only legit draft prospect that I am aware of, and he will likely be a day 3 pick. Iowa, however, has several day 2 prospects. Defensive end Chauncey Golston, Iowa's top defensive prospect, has 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss on the year. On offense, Alaric Jackson has had inconsistencies, but he is one of the many left tackles that could be taken on either day one or day two. He could become a solid tackle if he can loosen up his hips and move with more fluidity. Running back Mekhi Sargent and receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette are both day 3 sleepers.

#2 Notre Dame vs. #19 North Carolina (3:30, ABC)

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has been a spectacular playmaker for Notre Dame's defense and is considered by some as the #2 inside linebacker in the draft behind Micah Parsons. Notre Dame's offensive linemen Robert Hainsey, Aaron Banks, and Liam Eichenberg will all be draft picks, with Eichenberg the only one likely to go in the first two rounds. For North Carolina, Sam Howell isn't eligible until the 2022 draft, but his top receivers Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown may go pro after this year. Brown could be an explosive receiver in the NFL if he can manage his occasional drops. Linebacker Chazz Surratt is a former quarterback who has moved into the late 1st round discussion due to his range and fluidity in coverage. This should be an interesting game. If Sam Howell limits his mistakes, this could be a close one.

Other Noteworthy Games

Stanford vs. California (4:30, FOX)
Foster Sarrell has been a solid piece for the Cardinal at tackle and could be a 4th or 5th round pick. As for California, linebacker Kuony Deng, cornerback Cameron Bynum, and quarterback Chase Garbers will all try to make a case to be taken at some point in next spring's draft, although Garbers may want to consider returning to school to improve his stock.


#15 Oregon vs. Oregon State (7:30, ESPN)
The running backs will be the focal point in this game. CJ Verdell has good speed and vision, and Jermar Jefferson has good patience. Both could find roles in a backfield committee at the next level. Oregon State's edge rusher Hamilcar Rashed has a high ceiling as a prospect and will likely be taken on either day one or day two.

So who should Steelers fans keep an eye on today? Give your thoughts on today's action throughout the day in the comment section below!

The opinions shared here are not those of the editorial staff of Behind the Steel Curtain or SB Nation. These posts are not approved in any way by the editorial staff of this web site.