Following the fresh College Football Playoff rankings, the schedule is set for an entertaining weekend. Matchups including a top four ranked showdown in Tuscaloosa consisting of Alabama and LSU having next-level talent matchups at each position.
The other monstrous divisional battle takes place in Death Valley with the Tigers on top this time with the normally higher-ranked Seminoles. Here are some players to watch and matchups to highlight this weekend with a focus on draft-eligible players.By Christian Page
No. 16 Florida State at No. 1 Clemson // Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST on ABC
The victor of this game has headed to the ACC Championship Game the past six years as the Seminoles have the edge with a 4-2 advantage over that span. In the majority of those matchups, Clemson has been the underdog, but this matchup has a different narrative that has been written.
The next-level talent in this game is innumerable highlighted with bog-named stars that have already been pinpointed as some of the NFL’s most highly anticipated players. On this list includes cornerback prospect Mackensie Alexander (#2). Alexander has been a lockdown cover man all season being rarely targeted against some of the top talent in the ACC. When targeted, Alexander is quick to react displaying good ball skills showing scouts his impressive length and consistent body control to maintain good position on the receiver.
Teammate Shaq Lawson (#90) is another Clemson prospect that has developed into a fringe day one-day two prospect having an impressive junior season. Lawson has great side to play strong-side defensive end at the next level (6-foot-3 275 pounds) and plays with good speed off the edge. Gaining his best advantage as a bull rusher, Lawson does struggle to get an immediate advantage on the edge lacking an explosive first step. Lawson will duel with freshman left tackle Roderick Johnson that is a rising star in the making.
Jalen Ramsey (#8) is the most highly-talked about name in a Florida State uniform with his big frame, ability to cover any one on the field and to make a play when a play is needed but the biggest question is what position do evaluators see him playing in the NFL? Ramsey has flirted between safety and corner throughout his career as this season is a full-time cornerback and has been effective for this attacking defense. Ramsey creates panic and havoc for opposing offenses having the ability to shutdown receivers and also playing the run at a high level. Ramsey will find himself lining up against the effective Clemson wideout Artavis Scott that leads the Tigers in yards and receptions this season.
Auburn at No. 19 Texas A&M // Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EST on SEC Network
The Tiger have obviously crumbled since the beginning of the season being highly ineffective on defense and living and dying by the struggles of the underachieving Jeremy Johnson. Changes have been made and the Tigers still don’t look like a preseason playoff contending team but have show strides in getting better.
The Tigers were happy to welcome back all-star defensive end Carl Lawson (#55) that has dealt with a couple of harsh injuries that have benched him for quite some time. Lawson played a solid game versus pro prospect offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss exploding off the ball and using a large bag of pass rush moves to gain an advantage to get into the backfield. Lawson’s ability as a pass rusher is bar none to some of the elite prospects in this upcoming draft class, but his previous injuries are almost certain to keep him on The Plains for at least another season. Mostly lining up on the strong side,
Lawson won’t face off much with the high though of tackle prospect German Ifedi (#74) of Texas A&M. As the chain of Texas A&M tackles taken in the first round has continued you ask yourself who’s next? Ifedi isn’t of that caliber yet but has some things to like including his thick build throughout and his long reach to buy time in pass protection. Lawson’s ability to break loose from the powerful tackle and Ifedi’s ability to stay locked in on Lawson with his heavy hands are two notes to take on this potential matchup Saturday night.
No. 2 LSU at No. 4 Alabama // Saturday at 8 p.m. EST on CBS
The playoff committee couldn’t let this game go on without being a top four matchup with so many postseason implications at hand. Similar to the Florida State Clemson matchup this game will most likely put the winner in Atlanta in December.
Leonard Fournette has thrived this season behind a strong LSU offensive line with plenty of talent to go around. Left tackle Jerald Hawkins (#65) has been phenomenal this season for the Tigers. The junior prospect dominates in the run game grinding down opponents and shows his athleticism in the pass game being effective against some of the quicker end products in the SEC. Hawkins will deal with more of a power scheme Saturday night versus Alabama’s Jonathan Allen (#93) that is versatile across a strong Alabama defensive line.
Though the power implemented Alabama scheme, Allen creates disruption on the edge with quick moves to set the edge. His strong upper body gives him the ability to push opposing offensive tackles into the backfield giving the quarterback a limited time to get rid of the football (i.e. vs. Joshua Dobbs of Tennessee) and creating dysfunction in the backfield. Giant vs. Giant is on display Saturday night so I will give you the benefit of the doubt on choosing some of the more intriguing matchups in this SEC West showdown.
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