Welcome to Week 8 of the college football season!

This week is a tad short on Top 25 match ups so I will be basing some of this week’s write up off my previous mock draft where I took the UCLA LT Sean Rhyan with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first pick. I also mentioned that there was the possibility of a great match up between Rhyan and the Oregon Man Beast, Kayvon Thibodeaux. Let’s just say that I would love to pair Watt and Thibodeaux together but that isn’t happening, but one can imagine?

Last week I was watching UCLA game and I saw this gadget play where they lined Sean Rhyan outside off the hash marks. It was set as a screen play where they had Rhyan blocking. Now, Rhyan should be able to man handle any defensive back, but the fact he was able to move his feet and body into position in the open field and make the block was impressive to me. This week it won’t be as easy because Thibodeaux could possibly be the first pick in this year’s draft.

Oregon Ducks #10 at UCLA Bruins 3:30 PM ABC

Oregon

Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 EDGE 6’5” 258lbs

vs.

UCLA

Sean Rhyan #74 LT 6’5” 320lbs

The problem I will be having is wanting to watch the Pitt Panthers take on the Clemson Tigers, same time different channel. I’m not gonna lie I’m rooting hard for Desmond Ridder to win the Heisman, but if not him, I want Kenny Pickett to win it. This game may not have the same sparkle as a Clemson and Georgia game but it’s not my fault that Clemson is having an off year. Maybe it’s time for the Pitt Panthers to get some love and their share of the limelight. Either way this game has significance for the Panther signal caller, who has made his way into the second round in one of the many sites I follow. I have heard talk that his hands are too small and maybe they are, I don’t have that info but Mark Whipple is doing a phenomenal job with the Heisman hopeful nonetheless. Keep in mind Clemson is still lurking outside the Top 25 and is not void of talent.

Clemson Tigers at Pittsburgh Panthers#23 3:30pm ESPN

Clemson

Justyn Ross #8 WR 6’4” 205lbs

Andrew Booth Jr. #23 CB 6’ 200lbs - Always looking to add to the defensive backfield

Pittsburgh

Kenny Pickett #8 QB 6’3” 220lbs

Lucas Krull #7 TE 6’6” 260lbs - Don’t sleep on this powerful and gifted TE

USC Trojans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish #13 7:30pm on NBC

This rivalry will mark the 92nd meeting between the two schools, dating back to 1926. This game has been played every year except for last year’s COVID pandemic and during World War ll from 1943 -1945. There has been a combined 39 National Championships shared by the two schools and also 14 Heisman Trophy winners. As with most rivalries, there is an interesting trophy awarded to the winner of each year’s match up. Described as a Gaelic war club made of oak or blackthorn saplings from Ireland. To mark the respective victories for each team, USC gas ruby adorned Trojan Heads and for the Irish emerald studded shamrocks. Notre Dame leads the all time series with a 49-36 advantage with 5 ties. The Irish have won three in a row and the last four in South Bend.

USC

Drake London #15 WR 6’5” 210lbs - The young man is climbing boards as we speak

Drake Jackson #99 EDGE 6’4” 250lbs

Isaiah Pola-Mao #21 SAF 6’4” 205lbs - The bloodlines of Troy Polamalu

Notre Dame

Jarrett Patterson #55 C/G/T 6’5” 305lbs - Versatile offensive lineman have value

Kyren Williams #23 RB 5’9” 199lbs

Kyle Hamilton #14 SAF 6’4” 220lbs - Talented safety and the Steelers may be in the market

Let us know what games you are watching and what prospects you would like to see in the Black and Gold.

As always, stay safe and Go Steelers!