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Military Bowl
ECU vs. Maryland
2:30 pm EST on ESPN

ECU's main pro prospect is WR Dwayne Harris, who is a jack of all trades guy that is like a more explosive Josh Reed. He has the potential to be a solid complementary weapon out of the slot. OT Willie Smith might also attract the interest of NFL scouts because of his athletic potential. He's undersized and is raw, but might be worth a look in the late rounds.

For Maryland, their two main prospects are a pair of juniors that many expect are going to come out: WR Torrey Smith and FS Kenny Tate. Smith is a Roddy White-type of player that doesn't have great size or blazing speed, but can be an explosive go-to threat and is physical as a receiver and blocker. Tate is a big safety that is in the same vein as a Kenny Phillips, and has the size/speed/range combo to make plays all over the field. Both players have 1st round potential, but are probably likely to go in the 2nd round.

The best seniors for Maryland are RB Da'Rel Scott and OLB Adrian Moten. Scott is a good fit as a backup RB in a zone-blocking scheme because of his burst as a one-cut runner. Durability are the main concerns with him as he projects to the pros. Moten is a fast and active player in their hybrid 3-4 scheme, and looks like he projects well to play OLB in a 4-3. Also in the mix is ILB Alex Wujciak, who is active and productive, but may be too limited with his speed/range to be more than a special teams guy in the pros.

Texas Bowl
Illinois vs. Baylor
6:00 pm EST on ESPN

Illinois is stacked with 3 junior prospects that could go very high in this year's draft. On offense it is RB Mikel LeShoure who has a very good combo of size and speed that reminds you somewhat of Rashard Mendenhall. Questions about him is whether he has the lateral quicks/burst and balance to take full advantage of his skills. DT Corey Liuget is a high motor and can be a dominant interior defender because of his ability to make disruptive plays in the backfield. He has Jon Babineaux-like potential but in a much bigger frame. ILB Martez Wilson also is a good NFL prospect that looks a lot like Karlos Dansby, but may not play with the suddenness and toughness that you want in a top-level MLB, but has the physical tools to play any position in a 3-4 or 4-3. Among seniors, DE Clay Nurse is probably the best due to a good motor and quick first step. Questions will be whether he has the size to hold up on the line at the next level.

Blocking those pass rushers will be Baylor's top prospect: LT Danny Watkins. Watkins projects inside at the next level, but has the technique, footwork, and hands to think he can be a solid zone-blocking guy like a poor man's Logan Mankins. NT Phil Taylor is a massive guy in the middle, but questions about his motor and effort have plagued him in recent years, and he's not always been in the best shape. But he has the tools to dominate in the middle. P Derek Epperson is one of the best in the nation. And keep an eye on QB Robert Griffin III, who is the new Vince Young. He's only a redshirt sophomore, but he's a playmaker that it'll be interesting to watch his development from this point to the end of next year.

Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
9:15 pm EST on ESPN

The big name in this game is WR Justin Blackmon, only a sophomore, but everybody expects him to go pro this year after a Dez Bryant-like year. He's as talented as the other elite receivers in this class. RB Kendall Hunter is their next best pro prospect, who fits well as a 3rd down back and has the potential to be a good complementary runner as a 2nd/3rd round pick. QB Brandon Weeden, who is a 27-year old junior might also turn pro after a big year due to his age, but his production exceeds his pro potential. Others to keep your eye on are WR Bo Bowling, who reminds me of Jordan Shipley, and on defense ILB Orie Lemon, who is a big physical run stopper.

For Arizona, QB Nick Foles has already said he is coming back for his senior year, but he's their most high profile player. BUt keep an eye on WR Juron Criner, another junior who is Foles' favorite target. He is contemplating his NFL future and if he has a big game, will probably go pro. He has 1st round potential as well, but like Smith is likely to fall into the 2nd round range. OC Colin Baxter has shown toughness playing with a bad leg all year long. He's got potential to develop into a starting center down the road. On defense, Arizona has a nice pair of senior ends in DE Brooks Reed and DE Ricky Elmore. Reed reminds me of Kroy Biermann and has potential as a situational rusher in the pros. Elmore is the more productive of the pair, but tends to get by on his motor more than actual skill.

In the MIlitary Bowl, Torrey Smith didn't have a big game. There were some early throws that he was open but his QB missed on throws, and he had a deep ball that bounced off his pads, and dropped a pass on a quick screen. Don't really remember him doing a lot more though, although he did some nice blocking down the field.

Kenny Tate was all over the place on defense, and it showed that he was very comfortable in the box, but not so much the times when he wasn't blitzing or playing the run, and had to work the short and intermediate zones in coverage. He looks like he can be a good SS at the next level.

For ECU, Dwayne Harris had a nice game. But there were several plays early on where he wasn't reading the blitz and he was the QB's hot read, and the QB got rid of it and the ball flew past him because he didn't get his head turned around. But he showed his speed and burst and ability after the catch. I think he had a drop or two himself, but looks like a nice slot receiver with No. 3 potential and can also be a factor as a return specialist.

I saw the Missouri game last night at least half and Aldon Smith didn't do alot in the pass rush area but was making plays all over the field on ball carriers. The game got blacked out on TV for a half but pass rush wise I didn't see alot. Smith looks to be a terrifc athlete and does have stats from the rest of the year which are very good.

Tory Smith I missed the game but saw in the box scores he didn't do alot. I'm anxious to see Connecticut and their running back play and its to bad Justim Blackmon is so good since he'll be drafted top 15 and not shot for the Falcon's.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Army vs. Southern Methodist
12 pm EST on ESPN

Like all the service academies, don't really think there is anybody really worth scouting for Army. But if anybody has a shot at the pros it's OLB Josh McNary.

The only real pro prospect to watch in this one is WR Aldrick Robinson, who is small (5-10/180), but a very explosive option with top-end speed.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Kansas State vs. Syracuse
3:20 pm EST on ESPN

This game will be played in Yankee Stadium. For K-State, their top 2011 pro prospect is RB Daniel Thomas, who is a big, productive back that sort of reminds me of Fred Taylor. Their next best pro prospect is a redshirt sophomore DE Brandon Harold.

For Syracuse, nobody really stands out, but they have several potential late round prospects. RB Delone Carter might have a future as a complementary power runner. OC Ryan Bartholomew also has potential to develop as a starter down the road. They have a pair of undersized LBs in Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue that are fast and active. CB Mike Holmes is another guy to keep your eye on who is not very big, but plays tough and physical. P Rob Long rounds out the list as a big-legged punter.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
North Carolina vs. Tennessee
6:40 pm EST on ESPN

UNC is stacked with prospects, but most of them got suspended to start the year. I haven't seen UNC play since the beginning of the season, so I'll be able to get my first and last look at CB Kendric Burney, who was one of the suspended players early on. He's not very big, but a good player with ball skills that it'll be interesting to see how he matches up with Tennessee's receivers.

Two of UNC's better players will miss this game with injuries: TE Zach Pianalto (broken leg) and OLB Bruce Carter (ACL tear). Carter had 1st round potential, but it remains to be seen how high his stock will be with him missing most of the off-season due to rehab. Pianalto was a very reliable set of hands in the offense and had potential as a mid-to-late round H-back.

The leaves LB Quan Sturdivant as UNC's top prospect. He's fast and active and is probably one of the more underrated LB prospects out there. Also for UNC will be QB T.J. Yates, who is a limited prospect but flashes potential as a game-managing No. 2. RB Shaun Draughn has seen dips in production the past few years due to injuries, but is a solid RB prospect that projects as a backup. S Deunta WIlliams is a good cover-2 guy that can be a nice middle round pick. Two juniors in DT Tydreke Powell and DE Quinton Coples have upside. Powell has the size teams look for in NT, but he's raw at this point. Coples has the the frame and quickness to make him a nice option as a 3-4 DE.

For Tennessee, their best pro prospect right now is TE Luke Stocker who entered this year as a potential No. 1 pick, but has since seen his stock fall a bit. But a big bowl game could boost it right back up as a strong 2nd round candidate in an underwhelming TE class. Tennessee has a nice pair of WRs in Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones. Moore is the burner that can make plays down the field, while Jones is a bit more of an undersized possession guy that might have some future as a slot option.

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
Nebraska vs. Washington
10:00 pm EST on ESPN

This is the rare bowl game that is a rematch of a regular season matchup. IN the previoius matchup, Nebraska was too much for QB Jake Locker. And this game is really the singular reason why Locker is no longer considered a lock as a Top 10 pick and potential No. 1 QB prospect because of how poorly he played. But if Locker has a strong game, he could really put himself back into that race as a possible candidate to challenge for the No. 1 overall pick, but at the very least entrench himself as a Top 10 pick.

Nebraska is loaded with NFL prospects, starting with CB Prince Amukamara who is a potential Top 5 pick. He's coming off a less than stellar Big 12 Championship game, so a strong performance should help him. Across from him is CB Alfonzo Dennard, a junior that has top-level tools. It remains to be seen if he'll stay in school for another year, where he should enter next year as a top prospect or try his hand at this year's draft which isn't particularly deep at the CB position and he could be a nice 2nd round pick.

Also on defense is junior DT Jared Crick. Crick fits best as a 3-4 DE that down the road once he fills out his frame a bit better could be an Aaron Smith-type up front. Crick could try and come back for another year due to how stacked this DL class seems to be. But a strong game, could give him enough ammo to solidify his 1st round potential. But as of right now, I'd bet he'd be a 2nd round pick rather than a 1st, but could definitely be a 1st and Top 15 pick next year. Also on the D-line is DE Pierre Allen, who is productive, but doesn't have top skills to be more than a rotational guy in the pros. The best you probably hope for is him becoming a better run defender and developing into a player like Chauncey Davis.

MLB Lavonte David has had a breakout year as a former JUCO, and is undersized, but fast and physical. He plays bigger than he is (215 pounds), but he needs to improve in coverage. But he has 2nd/3rd round potential as a junior.

S Eric Hagg is a jack of all trades type of defender that works the slot as a corner in the nickel, but can also play in the box as a run defender, and work deep coverage. He isn't a super star, but is going to be one of those players that will have a long NFL career and be a glue guy like a Jim Leonhard.

On offense, Nebraska gets back WR Niles Paul from injury. I haven't been overly impressed with Paul, who really struggled in the Texas game. But he has potential and I'll be looking to see if he's a potential starter or just an overglorified backup. RB Roy Helu is a nice one-cut power runner that isn't very quick or explosive, but he's productive and can find a niche in the pros as a backup. TE Mike McNeill is a decent H-back prospect that works like a WR in their offense and has nice hands. OG Keith Williams is the guy the often run behind up front, he can pull and help push the pile, although his pass protection skills need work.

Besides Locker, Washington's best pro prospects are on the defensive side of the ball. OLB Mason Foster is a good player in pursuit, but it'll be interesting to see how he holds up at the point of attack vs. Nebraska's power run. But he has good potential as a 3rd/4th round pick. SS Nate Williams works like an extra run defender in the box and you like his ability to make plays there. He too is a mid-round prospect.

Junior NT Alameda Ta'amu probably won't come out next year, but he could be a sleeper prospect as a 3-4 NT next year and go from a late round prospect today to a potential 2nd/3rd round guy with another year under his belt.

It's still early scout about Blackmon. I agree I doubt he falls out of the Top 20, but remember everyone thought Dez Bryant was a lock as a Top 10 pick, if not a Top 5 pick a year ago. And he fell all the way to the 24th overall pick. Because of the potential depth of this WR class, it could hurt guys at the top of the 1st round.

Blackmon had another huge night. While anything is possible I think the only way the Falcon's could draft Blackmon is:

A: if he does poorly in the combines
B. maybe a drug charge lowering his stock
c. Trade up

I have no doubt Blackmon will make an impact and is a no1 type receiver. Having 2 players with the ability of Roddy would be great. I just don't see the falcon's being lucky in acquiring such a talent. I'm not sure any receiver is in Blackmon's class as making an impact.

I'm not sold on Blackmon. I think like his predecessor he's a prima donna. But I say that not to indicate that he won't be a top notch NFL player. He's probably simply too talented to be a bust.

But personally, I would prefer the Falcons stay away from prima donnas and finesse guys like Blackmon, A.J. Green, and Jon Baldwin.

Personally, I think someone like Julio Jones or Torrey Smith would be better fits in Atlanta. They are a bit more blue collar.

Hmm, interesting. I don't mind that at all. roddy is a bit of a showboat and a bigger Terrance Mathis type would fit in perfectly that is if a receiver were drafted no1.

I don't know if I'd call Dez Bryant a prima donna, and I don't know that I would give Blackmon the same label. His jog along the end zone line might be an indicator, but I can't give him it for sure. Regardless, I think Blackmon would be a great fit here. He won't ever last to us, but if he did I would love to pick him. The DUI will keep him off our board most likely, and if that doesn't then his potential prima donna attitude that you mentioned probably would, but Blackmon is the exact kind of receiver we need to get to take some pressure off of Roddy in my opinion. And I would also not lump Blackmon in with finesse players like A.J. Green and Baldwin. Blackmon is as physical as they get in my opinion.

Dez is definitely a prima donna.You know the whole pad-carrying incident? Again, it doesn't prevent him from being a great player.

Blackmon's little run across the goalline and the fact that his effort is minimal as a blocker, and his effort on some passes/plays is minimal tells me that he's a prima donna. Again, would I be against him if the Falcons drafted him? No. I think he would be a very good player here in Atlanta, if not a great player here. But my personal preference is that I'd rather have a good receiver that is more physical as a blocker, plays more with an edge, and is willing to do the little things like block, even if that player's upside is less than Blackmon's.

I don't want a player that is going to come in here with a lot of ego, which I think Blackmon has, Dez Bryant had, and Crabtree had. If we didn't have a good QB, I'd be less concerned. But why have to make Ryan deal with ego, when he doesn't have to? I'd rather give him a Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, or Hines Ward rather than a T.O., which I feel Blackmon has the capacity to be.

Now again, if he's available when we pick, I'd be all for drafting him. But if he goes in the Top 15 picks, I'm not going to be shedding a tear if that means we have to settle for someone like Torrey Smith. A player that also has speed to stretch the field, and will take minimal convincing to get him to block.

Meineke Car Care Bowl
South Florida vs. Clemson
12 pm EST on ESPN

Clemson has a potential Top 10 pick in DE Da'Quan Bowers (Junior). I saw Bowers earlier in the season, and while he looked talented, he looked raw. But apparently after that point in the year he had several highly productive games where he became one of the sack leaders in the country. Bowers has good size (6-4/280), athleticism, but the question is whether he is as polished a pass rusher as a top pick, or whether it's more potential than anything, which seemed to be the case to me early in the year.

Their next best prospect is SS DeAndre McDaniel, who is a physical run defender that flashes potential vs. the pass. He is probably a 2nd rounder, that does have some potential to sneak into the end of the 1st round.

DT Jarvis Jenkins is a massive NT-type that can help clog the middle as a potential 2nd/3rd round pick. CB Marcus Gilchrist is considered a 2nd/3rd round candidate that could also move to safety according to some sources. I've not been that high on him, but he does look like a nice nickel candidate as a late round pick. Good in zone, but not sure he has the man coverage skills to go that early.

OT Chris Hairston is a late round RT prospect due to his size (6-7/325). The rest of Clemson's prospects are underclassmen for the most part. RB Jamie Harper is a nice complementary and middle round prospect. LB Brandon Maye has upside as a fast, athletic playmaker. DT Brandon Thompson is another NT prospect as well. TE Dwayne Allen has been Clemson's primary option in the passing game early in the year.

USF's prospects are mainly on their D-line. DT Terrell McClain has battled injuries all year long. But he's a nice late round DT prospect. OLB David Bedford is the replacement for Jason Pierre-Paul in their defense, and has potential and athleticism to develop as a 3-4 OLB. CB Mistral Raymond is another nice prospect because of his size and ability in run support, to a point where he might have to move to safety at the next level.

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Miami
2 pm EST on CBS

Miami is another team I haven't seen since the beginning of the year. junior CB Brandon Harris is likely their top prospect off the board, looking to solidify his stock as a 1st round pick. He isn't super big, but a fast, athletic guy that has potential in man coverage. DE Allen Bailey probably needs a strong performance to solidify his stock as a 1st round pick. Bailey is definitely a top athlete, but not always as productive as his talent should merit.

LB Sean Spence is a junior and undersized LB, but plays fast and is good in coverage. OT Orlando Franklin is a former guard that hasn't blossomed at OT like many hoped this year, but should be a 2nd/3rd round option on the inside because of his versatility. WR Leonard Hankerson is a potential 2nd/3rd pick as well because of his good size (6-3/215) and deep speed. LB Colin McCarthy is a highly rated prospect on some sites, but I haven't seen much out of him to make me think he's more than a late round, backup-level prospect. K Matt Bosher is a solid kicking prospect that can both kick and punt.

Notre Dame's top prospect is WR Michael Floyd, and it'll be interesting to see him matched up with Harris throughout the game. He is definitely a 1st round talent that could fall into the 2nd round if he doesn't go out with a bang. NT Ian WIlliams missed some time late in the year, but is expected back for this game and is a nice backup 3-4 prospect. OG Chris Stewart is a massive guard, but not as physical or sudden. OLB Brian Smith and CB Darrin Walls are two potential late round candidates.

RB Armando Allen and TE Kyle Rudolph are both out of this game with injury.


AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Georgia vs. Central Florida
3:30 pm EST on ESPN

The premier prospect here of course will be A.J. Green, who reminds me of Randy Moss. Despite public statements to the contrary that he hasn't decided to go pro yet, he's gonna go pro. Georgia doesn't have a ton of senior propsects, but they have several offensive linemen that can play in the NFL. OC Ben Jones is one of the best centers in the country, but a junior and doesn't seem poised to go pro. But OG Cordy Glenn has been contemplating his options. Two seniors in RT Josh Davis and OG Clint Boling should get a shot on Sundays. Davis as an undrafted free agent, but Boling as a nice middle round pick because he can play 4 positions up front. FB Shaun Chapas is another one of the better senior prospects, and a highly rated lead blocker. Apparently K Blair Walsh and P Drew Butler, two junior specialists, are also contemplating their NFL futures as well, so they could be the rare underclassmen at those positions that declare. CB Brandon Boykin is another junior that has NFL potential.

Junior OLB Justin Houston and Senior ILB Akeem Dent are their best defensive prospects. Dent is a nice fit as a late round 3-4 ILB, while Houston if he can have a strong game should solidify himself as a late 1st round candidate.

For UCF, OT Jah Reid will be poised to try and slow down Houston. But their best NFL prospect is DE/DT Bruce Miller. But Miller is undersized (6-2/250) and will probably be moved to OLB in a 3-4 scheme. He has a high motor and is super productive, but questions whether he has the athleticism to shine there. How well he goes against Georgia's solid O-line can solidify his stock in the 3rd round range.


Chick-fil-A Bowl
South Carolina vs. Florida State
7:30 pm EST on ESPN

QB Christian Ponder is coming off an elbow injury that has limited him all year long, but he is expected to play tonight. A strong performance could solidify his stock as a 2nd round prospect.

Up front, OG Rodney Hudson is a solid prospect, but is an undersized guard that might have a brighter future at center for most NFL schemes. OC Ryan McMahon is also a nice late round center prospect that can shine in a zone blocking scheme. DE Markus White is a decent rotational DE prospect. They have a decent pair of undersized late round LBs in Kendall Smith and Mister Alexander. A couple of juniors also have good NFL futures in OLB Nigel Bradham and LT Andrew Datko.

For South Carolina, DE Cliff Matthews might be their first player off the board this year. He's flashed potential as an edge rusher, but it's questionable whether he will be a better NFL player at OLB or DE, and a strong performance against the vaunted FSU O-line will be a good springboard for his stock. DT Ladi Ajiboye is an undersized (6-1/280) guy, but plays with a high motor. CB Chris Culliver is a big corner (6-0/200) that might move to safety, otherwise he's probably just a reserve option in the pros at corner. QB Stephen Garcia (junior) has made improvements over the years, and he has good arm strength and athleticism, but still has lapses in his decision making. FB Patrick DiMarco plays TE as a replacement for suspended TE Weslye Saunders, but fits best as a lead blocker. But his versatility to play either spot means he can add quality depth to a team on the next level.

SC's two best prospects are WR Alshon Jeffery and RB Marcus Lattimore. But Jeffery is a true soph, and Lattimore a true frosh, so neither will be available this year.

Just posted some Bowl game notes on some players that I've paid attention to or that stuck out to me from recent games. Check 'em out!

http://tommeltonscouting.wordpress.com/ ... ame-notes/

And of course, happy new year to everyone.

Floyd had a big game for the Irish.I'm impressed and he has as much ability in the draft as any receiver besides Green of Georiga maybe close to him.The prbolem is he always gets injured. Is it conditioning or maybe training program of the Irish? Just bad luck I don't know but he produces when he plays. He's probably a top 15 talent if he wasn't injured so much I would say.Would you take him if you were the Falcon's if available?

TicketCity Bowl
Northwestern vs. Texas TEch
12 pm EST on ESPN

Northwestern really only has two good senior prospects, both on defense: OLB Quentin Davie and DT Corbin Bryant. Davie has good size (6-4/230) and athleticism to project as a possible starter at SAM linebacker. Bryant can be a disruptive presence inside, but right now he's a tweener as far as where he projects at the next level. He could kick out to DE in a 3-4 scheme, or bulk up and be a 4-3 DT.

Other than that, the guys to keep your eyes on are all juniors. LT Al Netter isn't a top athlete, but shows the toughness and mean streak to think he can be a starter at RT. OC Ben Burkett is a nice developmental center prospect and TE Drake Dunsmore is a good receiver that can be a nice H-back prospect.

Like the Wildcats, Tech's best pro prospects might be a LB and DT in Brian Duncan and Colby Whitlock, respectively. Duncan is a fast active LB that shows the potential to be a starter in a 3-4 scheme. Whitlock is a nice run stopper that is probably best fit moving to the nose at the next level. He's not particularly explosive, but has good strength and is a high motor player. QB Taylor Potts has also shown enough tools to think he might have a shot as a late round pick. He doesn't have a big arm, but shows the smarts and ability to manage the game. The other prospects for Texas Tech are their skill position players. WRs Detron Lewis and Lyle Leong are nice backup-level options at that positin and RB Baron Batch is quick and could be a third down back at the next level.

Outback Bowl
Florida vs. Penn State
1 pm EST on ABC

I only saw Penn State once this year at the beginning of the year. Probably the best prospect on the field for them is OC Stefen Wisniewski, who has good size and strength in the middle. He should be able to test his skills against the Florida defensive tackles. RB Evan Royster has had a disappointing senior year, and was considered a potential 1st round pick a few years back, but now unless he has a great game against Florida's front, he'll be lucky to be a middle round pick. Moving up the boards and I want to see him going against the big Florida linemen is DT Ollie Ogbu.

Florida is loaded with prospects but for seemingly the first time in a while lacks any top seniors. Their top senior is probably SS Ahmad Black, who isn't very big (5-10/190) and will likely move to FS at the next level. But he's an active player in run support and can contribute in coverage to think he has a nice chance to be a starter at the next level. OC Mike Pouncey has struggled at center this year, and will likely move back to guard in the pros. He seemed like a good candidate to be a No. 1 pick going into the season, but probably has played his way to the 2nd/3rd round range. Also on the O-line for Florida is LT Marcus Gilbert and OG Carl Johnson. Both are big blockers. Gilbert has just enough athleticism that he might be able to stick on the outside at RT. Johnson is massive (6-6/350), but probably too limited to merit being drafted. Also on offense is QB John Brantley and RB Jeff Demps, both juniors. Brantley has flashed passing skills, but this might be his last game for the Gators because he's contemplating transferrng. Demps is an explosive option in their spread attack, but probably is a tweener as far as being a third down back vs. slot receiver.

Two other juniors that everybody expects to go pro and probably Florida's only guys that can be 1st round picks are FS Will Hill and CB Janoris Jenkins. Hill has already declared and has the speed and range to be a ballhawk in coverage. Jenkins isn't super big, but is tough and competitive and is battle-tested going against elite SEC receivers. DT Jaye Howard is another junior that is a similar prospect as Carlos Dunlap. He probably fits best as a 3-4 defensive end. Also on the radar are senior DTs Lawrence Marsh and Terron Sanders. Marsh is also probably a better fit as reserve in the 3-4, and Sanders can help out a rotation in a 4-3 scheme. LBs A.J. Jones and Brandon Hicks are decent backup-level prospects. P Chas Henry is one of the better punter prospects in the league because of his booming leg.

Capital One Bowl[b]
Alabama vs. Michigan State
1 pm EST on ESPN

This game will feature a bunch of 1st round talent for Alabama. [b]RB Mark Ingram, WR Julio Jones, and DT Marcell Dareus are three juniors likely playing in their final games at Alabama, and all will likely be 1st round picks. QB Greg McElroy needs to finish his senior season strong. McElroy is a QB prospect that could go in the 2nd/3rd round range. He doesn't wow you with anything, but just gets the job done. Besides him, LT James Carpenter and TE Preston Dial are their lone seniors that will likely get a good chance to be drafted. Carpenter is an undersized OT, but is a strong run blocker that is a good fit in a zone blocking scheme. Dial plays H-back and is a capable receiver and blocker, but doesn't wow you in either area.

Up front, OC Willam Vlachos and OG Barrett Jones are arguably the best players at their position and both are juniors. They will have their hands full going against Michigan State sophomore DT Jerel Worthy, who is still raw with his technique, but quick and explosive. Also on offense, WR Marquis Maze according to a few reports will also be playing his last game for the Crimson Tide. He's overshadowed by Jones, but is a good WR prospect himself.

On defense, a few more underclassmen have 2nd round potential in S Mark Barron, LB Don'ta Hightower, and LB Courtney Upshaw. Where they stand on their pro prospects I'm not sure. Barron is a nice run-defending safety, but just seems to lack the playmaking instincts in coverage despite having the skills. Hightower is a sophomore and enforcer in the middle that enjoys causing concussions. He's not as good as Rolando McClain was a year ago, but similar since he's a nice run defender that is limited by his lack of ideal speed and range. Upshaw is a nice pass rusher that can project well to a 3-4 scheme at the next level.

RB Trent Richardson is a true sophomore, so you don't have to worry about him until next year.

For Michigan State, their top prospect is ILB Greg Jones. Jones is a talented player, but in previous performances this year seemed to be going through the motions. He needs a strong performance in this bowl trying to stop Ingram and Richardson, to solidify him as a 1st rounder IMO. QB Kirk Cousins (junior) probably isn't a candidate to go pro this year, but he has an inside track at being one of the better QB prospects next year and a good bowl performance should help improve his stock as a potential 1st rounder in 2012. TE Charlie Gantt is a solid senior TE that is a good blocker and solid receiver. He doesn't have the athleticism to be a top pick, but as a 3rd/4th round guy can be a valuable addition to a team. WR Mark Dell is another solid receiver that probably is a nice sleeper option as a slot receiver. Also on defense are LB Eric Gordon and CB Chris L. Rucker, both seniors. Gordon is a nice complementary guy that plays with a high motor beside Jones, but probably doesn't have the size or speed to be more than a backup at the next level. Rucker spent some time this year in jail and the character issues will kill his draft stock, but a strong performance vs. Jones and Maze in this game could do enough to guarantee he gets at least late round consideration.

Progressive Gator Bowl
Mississippi State vs. Michigan
1:30 pm EST on ESPN

This might be RichRod's last game at U of M, so he needs a win badly and that might not even save his job. QB Denard Robinson is their highest profile prospect, but at his size (5-11/190) he's really just only going to be a WR at the next level. But he's only a true sophomore, so you don't have to worry about him yet. Outside Robinson, their best prospect is OLB Jonas Mouton is fast and active and has the potential to be a 3rd/4th round pick. On offense OG Stephen Schilling is a strong run blocker that is a throwback to the linemen that Michigan was used to pushing out every year in the past. TE Martell Webb is a decent H-back prospect that is probably not going to get drafted. Junior D-linemen DE Ryan Van Bergen and DT Mike Martin are a nice pair of 3-4 prospects. Martin is not very big as a nose tackle, but is a high motor player that probably could be a similar pro to Mike Wright in New England.

Mississippi State is featuring one of the better OTs in this class with Derek Sherrod. His stock probably won't hinge too much on this game, as his stock is likely to rise or fall based on his combine and off-season workouts. But he's a polished blocker with his technique and good feet, but is probably not the caliber run blocker that will make it hard to be a Top 15 pick.

On defense, DE Pernell McPhee plays a hybrid DE/LB role for them. He has good athleticism and speed for his size (6-3/275) and probably projects well as a situational pass rusher in the pros. Two linebackers in K.J. Wright and Chris White are active players that probably can both play in a 3-4 or 4-3. White is the better of the two as he's active and gets a ton of tackles. Junior SS Charles Mitchell is a solid run defender despite not being very big (5-11/205). Not sure whether or not he has the tools in coverage to shine there.

Rose Bowl
Wisconsin vs. TCU
5 pm EST on ESPN

Wisconsin is loaded with pro prospects on their offense, but DE J.J. Watt (junior) could be the first Badger off the board if he comes out. He's big and productive and probably fits best in a 3-4 scheme. Next will likely be LT Gabe Carimi. He's a big, physical run blocker that has questions whether he has the athleticism to stay at LT in the pros. He'll get tested a bit by TCU pass rusher Wayne Daniels, who isn't quite as good a prospect as Jerry Hughes, but he's a nice pass rusher and probably will move to OLB in the pros.

Beside Carimi is OG John Moffitt, who I think is an underrated prospect. He doesn't wow you with his athleticism, but he's a very good run blocker and should be a solid starter at the next level. QB Scott Tolzien does a good job managing the WIsconsin offense, but what limits his stock is the lack of great size or a big arm. But a good game against TCU's defense should give him enough of a boost to be a potential 6th/7th rounder.

RB John Clay is probably playing his last game at Wisconsin. He's a solid power runner, but is probably too heavy to think he can shine at the next level as a feature back. He battled some injuries late in the season and he needs a strong performance to get his stock back up. Right now he's probably 3rd/4th round prospect. WR Nick Toon is the son of Al Toon and a junior. He's a good go-to receiver for their offense, and he can make a nice complementary option in the pros despite not having great speed.

WR David Gilreath is an explosive slot receiver/kick returner. TE Lance Kendricks is an undersized TE, but he's a good blocker for his size and could really shine as an H-back in the pros in the same mold as a Dallas Clark. SS Jay Valai has the same size as Bob Sanders, but he's not anywhere near him in terms of ability because Valai struggles in run support despite spending a ton of time in the box. Also on defense is ILB Culmer St. Jean, who is an undersized, but physical interior run defender that could be a very poor man's London Fletcher.

For TCU, OT Marcus Cannon will likely get some opportunities to face Watt. But Cannon is probably a better fit to move inside to guard because despite having great athleticism for his size (6-5/355), his technique and footwork are pretty raw. C Jake Kirkpatrick will also help out TCU's front, as he's a nice developmental center that could sneak into the late rounds with a good performance.

QB Andy Dalton projects well as a backup and should have a nice long NFL career. Good athlete with a good arm that makes good decisions. His favorite target is WR Jeremy Kerley who is an explosive slot receiver and return specialist. Sophomore RB Ed Wesley leads a solid trio of young RBs that will be key to their success attacking the Wisconsin defense.

As usual, TCU has several good prospects on defense, but nobody really stands out as a potential high pick. FS Tejay Johnson and junior ILB Tank Carder are their best prospects but look to be middle round guys. Carder is very active, but questions whether he has the top speed and range to play outside the 3-4 remain. Johnson has decent size (6-0/205) and has good speed, range, and impacts in the run game. CB Jason Teague is probably not good enough to be more than a nickel corner at the next level, but he is a good zone corner that can make plays.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Connecticut vs. Oklahoma
8:30 pm EST on ESPN

Nobody is really given UConn a chance in this game, and that's mainly because outside RB Jordan Todman they don't have a ton of talent. Todman, a junior, is expected to go pro, and a good bowl game will likely cement that. He is a quick runner that is productive just like Donald Brown was, but should be a nice complementary runner in the pros.

FB Anthony Sherman is a good lead blocker that helps clear the way. RG Zach Hurd is a guy I like a lot because of his size (6-7/325) and mean streak. Reminds me of a Harvey Dahl type that can be a backup for a couple of years and then be a solid starter down the road. On defense, LB Lawrence Wilson is undersized (6-1/230) but has good speed and range to fit as as WILL in a 4-3 scheme. OLB Scott Lutrus fits well in their scheme as a SAM linebacker, but lacks the speed, range, and size to think he's more than a special teams guy at the next level. But sophomore LB Sio Moore is the guy that will stand out because of his ability to make plays all over the field.

Whether UConn can win this game will depend on QB Zach Frazer's play. Frazer is just an undrafted prospect because he doesn't have the arm strength and experience. But he's been through quite a bit at UConn, being benched multiple times.

Oklahoma is loaded with NFL talent. Sophomore QB Landry Jones has flashed top-level tools, but has also had boughts of inconsistency. But he does have 1st round potential a few years from now. RB DeMarco Murray has had struggles with durability over the years, but he's an explosive speed back that offers similar tools as a Reggie Bush because of his ability in the passing game. WR Ryan Broyles is a junior that most expect to come out. He is an explosive slot option and return threat, but doesn't seem to have the size to project well beyond being a No. 3 guy. But he has the potential to be one of the better slot options in the pros.

On defense, DE/OLB Jeremy Beal is likely their first player off the board. Beal is a good player that is productive, but I've never been wowed by his pass rushing potential which makes me think he's more of a 3rd round pick, but he'll likely get drafted in the 2nd round. Also up front is DE Frank Alexander (junior) who has enough tools to think he can develop down the road as a situational pass rusher, but he's still raw. Along with OLB Travis Lewis and ILB Austin Box, they'll be tasked with slowing Todman. Both LBs are underclassmen. Lewis is contemplating his NFL future and reminds me of a Keith Brooking type. The player that stands out more than often on Oklahoma's defense is DE/OLB Ronnell Lewis, who is a true sophomore. He has the potential to be a 1st round pick next year and a strong bowl game should solidify his preseason stock.

In the secondary, FS QUinton Carter is a big hitter, but he's undersized (6-1/195) and not as consistent as you want vs. the run and pass to give him more than a 3rd/4th round grade. FS Jonathan Nelson is a former corner that flashes enough tools to think he has a shot as sticking as a reserve in the pros.

I'm behind on my bowl watching so I can't really comment on some of the games from the past few days. But I'll point out some opinions I have on players you mentioned from what I've seen of them earlier in the year.

I'm a fan of Stingily, I've been high on him throughout the year. You're right, he's a developmental LT prospect. I just think you can stash him on your roster for a year or two, get him to bulk up and improve as a run blocker, and he could be a solid starter LT 2-3 years down the road. He's not going to be a super star, but has enough tools to get the job done. I think he would be a good insurance policy to develop behind Sam Baker.

I've also been pretty high on Bilal Powell. I think he's got good power and speed and I think if you were to put him behind Turner and Snelling for a year or so, he could be a better candidate than Snelling to potentially take over as the No. 1 guy in the future.

Daniel Thomas is a guy that I like, but don't love. He's not as powerful a downhill runner as a guy his size should be, at least IMO. He prefers to juke defenders rather than run over them, which I guess helps him stay fresh since I've heard he's had something like 550 carries the past two years. I think he has the tools to be a special NFL RB, but he's still new to the position and it shows at times. He was a QB as a JUCO transfer. I always worry about RBs that weren't always RBs because it usually means they aren't naturally instinctive as runners. T.J. Duckett was like that.

I was never a big fan of T.J. Yates going into this year. But he's impressed me with his poise and ability to manage the game early in the season. He takes a ton of 3-step drops, which I'm not sure if UNC does because of their crappy O-line can't protect him long enough or that they don't trust him to really sit back and scan the field. I think he has enough tools to stick in the pros as a career backup because he can manage the game. But I think he might have the same tentative streak in him that you hinted at, as a player like Joey Harrington.

Luke Stocker is a guy that has impressed me every time I've seen him. He's a good receiver that reminds me of a lesser version of Jason Witten. I think he's a good blocker, relative to most college TEs, but he obviously needs more work there to polish up how well he uses his hands. But he's one of the few premier TEs in this class that projects well as an inline blocker. Witten was a player that most people really liked at Tennessee as a potential 1st rounder, but for some reason fell to the 3rd round in the draft. Maybe it's because of his lisp. I wouldn't quite say that Stocker has Witten's potential as a 1st round pick, but I think could be a potential steal in the 3rd round just like Witten.

Yeah I had to drop your link on the Stingily mention because I had never heard of him before you mentioned him. A couple people have already clicked on it to come over here. But I agree completely I would love to grab him in round 4 and develop him behind Baker. I'll watch another game or two of him and have a scouting report on him eventually.

I think you might be right about Powell. He strikes me as one of those guys who has the tools to contribute some as a rookie and then eventually take over as a starter down the road.

I am glad someone thinks that about Daniel Thomas however. I think he has pretty good vision but every time I watch him he looks like he runs like a smaller back despite his huge size. I found myself saying "Wow he can really move for a big guy" which is nice but I never said "Wow he really runs with great power for his size". He has pretty good speed, probably a 4.5 guy, but he doesn't have a great burst in my opinion. He takes the hand-off and never changes speeds, it's all one speed. He does have some agility though. I just don't think he's much more than a 3rd rounder, and I am definitely not sure how he will do in the NFL because I don't know how his pad level is.

I don't know whether it is because of the offensive line or because they don't trust him to make good reads, but I think it might be a combination. And I'm glad you think the same about his tentativeness, because I have regularly called him the Joey Harrington of college football over the past two seasons. lol

I would love to grab Stocker in round 3. The Witten comparison is very interesting actually. Stocker might not be Aaron Hernandez as a receiver (we both wanted him last year) but I think he can be a reliable target and also help as a blocker. Do we really need an elite TE? I don't think it would hurt, but having a guy who can catch passes underneath, stretch the field a bit and also block is what we need. I think Stocker can be that guy.

I'd love to draft any player with a huge ego at this point. Obviously the Falcons won't though lol

In the past, I've compared Thomas to Fred Taylor. Taylor came into the league with nearly identical measurables: 6-0/226, 4.40. While Taylor was known more as a power runner early on, over time, he started becoming more of an explosive back, and Thomas reminds me of the Taylor that was playing in Jacksonville and splitting time with MJD in recent years, big, quick.

As for Blackmon, I'm not saying I wouldn't draft him if he was on the board when the Falcons pick. He's just too talented a player to pass up. I had the same opinion about Dez Bryant. I didn't really like his character, but he's just so darn good you say who cares.

And while the short term gains make a ton of sense, because he's that dynamic a playmaker that he can take our offense to another level playing opposite Roddy. But what happens 5 years from now, when Roddy is slowing down, Blackmon's contract is up, and the Falcons are going to have to lock him up long-term? I think with his ego, there is GREAT potential you have another T.O. on your hands. And despite the great play from him, do you really want to deal with the headaches that comes with that?

Instead, why not draft possibly a lesser player, but will quietly go about his business, and 5 years from now paying him that big extension will be a much easier decision because you like the guy's character.

Basically if I'm passing up T.O. for Derrick Mason, I'll take that.

Watched the Oklahoma game vs Connecticut my thoughts.

Ryan Broyles - can find the seams in a defense. Lacks speed but as some moves. Has good instinct in the punt return game.
Demarco Murray - has good burst and can be productive in the NFL
Jordan Todman - I was really hoping he would impress me and I don't think he as the burst to be a lead back.Smallish gets production but really would be a no3 back in the NFL. If your going to be small you better have great speed ala Darren Sproles.
Travis Lewis - makes plays and stats but I don't think he'll be an impact defender in the NFL. Maybe I need to see more of him but I think Spoon is better. I was hoping Lewis would be as good to pair with Spoon and Lofton. The Connecticut tight end beat Lewis when I watched.It's just one game but I would pass if he was available from what I saw.

Discover Orange Bowl
Stanford vs. Virginia Tech
8:30 pm EST on ESPN

This game is going to feature a great matchup between QBs in Stanford's Andrew Luck and VT's Tyrod Taylor. Luck is the top QB in the country and many think is as polished a QB they've ever seen as a redshirt sophomore. And they aren't that wrong since he probably only slightly under where Matt Ryan was coming out of BC. Luck has a big arm, good athleticism, toughness, and shows good leadership. Many think he's going to go pro, although he's publicly stated that he would only make his decision after this game. If he does turn pro, he's a lock to be the No. 1 pick.

Taylor on the other hand is going to have some obstacles to overcome in the NFL. He's a senior who has shown good progress as a passer during his time at Virginia Tech, but his lack of height and questionable pocket presence will be his two toughest hurdles. But he's a very good athlete and is an excellent college QB that has the tools one looks for the develop into a solid starter in the pros if given enough time to develop.

Stanford has a wealth of other pro prospects, although none with Luck's potential status. Their next best prospect might be another sophomore in LT Jonathan Martin, who has the size and athleticism you like in a young LT prospect, but probably could stand at least one more season to polish up his game before he makes the jump to the pros. But he definitely has the potential that a year or two from now could be a Top 15 pick.

Along the front for Stanford are 3 more starters that can play in the NFL. OC Chase Beeler is the best among them that makes up for his lack of ideal size with good smarts, technique, and mean streak. He has the chance to be a player like Todd McClure who has a long productive career as a starter in the NFL. RT Derek Hall and LG Andrew Phillips are also nice late round prospects that are good in the ground game. Hall probably will move inside to guard at the next level.

They will be going up against a nice VT front four, led by DT John Graves. Graves is an athletic specimen but is a bit of a tweener at 6-3/285. He is a quick straight-line pass rusher that struggles playing against the run at times. But his athletic potential means he stands a nice shot of being a middle round pick. DE Steven Friday is a nice pass rusher that is probably going to move to OLB in the pros.

On the outsde, Luck has a nice group of targets. Stanford should be getting back WR Chris Owusu who has missed their last 3 games due to injury. He's a burner threat on the outside. WR Ryan Whalen is a nice possession wideout and TE Konrad Reuland is a good receiver and blocker over the middle. They will be matched up against CB Rashad Carmichael, an athletic senior, and CB Jayron Hosley who is a true sophomore, but a true ballhawk as well. Both of those guys are also coming off injuries, so those matchups will be interesting to watch as well. VT has a nice pair of safeties in Eddie Whitley (junior) and Davon Morgan (senior). Morgan is a hard hitter, while Whitley flashes the cover skills that teams like on the next level.

VT's probably most outstanding defensive player is LB Bruce Taylor, who is big and fast. He's only a redshirt sophomore, but he's going to be a guy to watch for in the future.

On offense for VT, they have a nice pair of junior wideouts in Jarrett Boykin and Dyrell Roberts. Roberts has the speed, but Boykin is probably the better pro prospect because of his hands and athleticism. TE Andre Smith has moved up draft boards, he's a big, athletic tight end that is one of the better blockers in this class. But VT's true talent lies at RB. True sophomore David Wilson is explosive, but he'll have to sit out the first quarter due to a suspension. Ryan Williams is the real class of the group as a redshirt soph. He has battle injuries, so whether he goes pro will likely depend on how high a grade he gets from the advisory committee. But he has 1st round potential, but the injuries might push him to a 2nd/3rd round grade so he might return. He's super quick and explosive speed back. Junior RB Darren Evans has come on strong down the stretch and most expect him to turn pro just because he'll probably get lost in the shuffle next year if Williams and Wilson are around. He's more of the power guy, but has decent speed and vision to think he can stick as a backup and complementary guy in the NFL.

Up front, VT's best blocker is RT Blake DeChristopher. Not a physical run blocker or great athlete, he's a guy that can probably stick as a decent starter in a zone blocking scheme if he moves to guard.

Stanford has some nice defenders as well. DT Sione Fua is a force in the middle and has a chance to move his stock up as a 2nd/3rd nose tackle candidate with a strong game. OLB/DE Thomas Keiser is a junior, but flashes the quickness off the edge to think he can be a nice starting OLB in a 3-4 scheme down the road. CB Richard Sherman is a former WR and big corner at 6-2/210. He plays the run well and probably will move to safety in the pros.

FB Owen Marecic is a two-way defender that will start at ILB as well as lead block. His NFL future is likely at fullback since he is limited due to his lack of ideal speed, range and coverage ability on defense. But who doesn't love a two-way player nowadays?

I just finished watching the UNC-Tennessee, Syracuse-K-State bowl games (you can see how far I am behind).

I'll just give a few comments on some of the prospects.

I thought Delone Carter looked relaly good in that game, much better than I had seem from him in earlier games, showing much better footwork, balance, and lateral burst. He is a short, squat back that has that thick lower body to make you think there's a chance that he could develop into a RB like Michael Turner down the road. He's good between the tackles, but showed more speed and vision vs. K-State than I had seen previously.

Daniel Thomas looked good, but I still have questions about his power, vision, and whether he is a naturally instinctive runner or just a top notch athlete. I still like his upside to be a very good RB in the pros, but I think any team that drafts him hoping that he'll make an immediate impact might be disappointed. He's a guy that I think would have split carries his first few years and then by Year 3 or 4 would expect him to have developed enough where he can start to carry the load. But I think he might wind up like a Ronnie Brown, in that despite his otherworldly talent for whatever reason never can put it all together to live up to it.

It was my first chance to look at CB Kendric Burney this year. He made some nice plays in run support and made a good INT when he was working in zone. But I don't think he has the size, hips, and burst to match up in man coverage on the outside. I would compare him to a player like Jason David in terms of his potential to play in a man cover scheme. David shined in the Colts Cover-2 system, but really struggled when he was asked to play on an island in New Orleans. I think the same about Burney. I also think there's a possibility that he could move to FS because of his ability to play in zone and solid instincts vs. the run. He would be an undersized safety, but at 5-9/190, if he was to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle, I wouldn't be too worried about him. I mean he's already about the same size as Jim Leonhard.

DT Tydreke Powell is a buyer's beware guy. Time after time I've seen this guy really struggle to fire off the ball and gets dominated in short yardage. He has the size and athleticism that teams covet inside, but if someone drafts him expecting him to be a starter, then I think they are going to be sorely disappointed.

As for T.J. Yates, I still think he has the skils to stick in the NFL as a backup. Harrington is a good comparison, which means he's not a "winner." But with the right talent around him, he can get the job done and not lose football games. He's tentative, but I think a lot of that might be the design of UNC's offense. There are a ton of 3-step drops, rollouts, and quick reads and throws to the RB, TE within 10 yards of the LOS. But there were two times down the stretch that UNC needed him to make money throws downfield, and he did so. The first was a 4th & 20 conversion they needed to make in the 4th quarter, where he put the ball right on the money beyond the sticks down the seam, and the WR just dropped it. They got the ball back after a Tennessee 3 & out, and he made a great throw down the sideline to his WR about 25 or so yards out, sticking it right between the CB and S, which coupled with the personal foul on the FS, put them in a position to tie the game. So those 2 plays right there make me think the tentativeness in the offense comes from the coaches, and not him.

Shaun Draughn also looked sharp. I think he's a bit too upright as a runner and doesn't have great footwork or lateral burst to really change direction well. But he runs hard, has nice speed and shows enough in the passing game to think that some team could develop him as a third down back down the road.

Before when I saw Tennessee play, I was more impressed with WR Gerald Jones because of his ability to move the chains than WR Denarius Moore's deep speed. But I've flipped on them. Because of his speed, size, and hands, I think MOore is definitely the better pro prospect. Jones just doesn't do anything well enough to think that with his lack of size and ideal speed he's going to be more than a special teams guy.

Luke Stocker made a couple of nice grabs and showed his ability as a blocker in this game. The main concern I have with his is his route-running which looked kind of lazy at times and unpolished, making me think he won't be able to contribute as quickly in the passing game as others with similar ability. I don't quite think he's "money" like Jason Witten, so while there are nice comparisons, I don't think they are in the same category. Witten came into the league and caught 35 passes as a rookie and situational player and then almost 90 in his 2nd year as a full-time starter. I would probably expect Stocker probably the by Year 2, he may only have 35 or so catches.

Watched half of the Stanford game. Luck hands down will be the no1 pick. No sense going back to Stanford plus Harbaugh should take a head coach job in the NFL probably the 49ers. Liked the Cardinals running back Taylor. The tight end Fleener might be worth a middle round pick or 4th or 5th. Gee after seeing Stanford destroy VT I wish their was a college playoff system.

Really? Stanford already lost to Oregon, so why do they deserve another shot at the title? If you assume the Top 16 seeds would be in a playoff, this 4-13 matchup between Stanford and VT is nothing more than a 1st round matchup.

As for the game itself, Luck looked sharp. I still don't think he's a better prospect TODAY than Matt Ryan was, but he's pretty close and given he's a sophomore, I do get why everybody is saying he's the best prospect since Manning.

I thought Sione Fua had a very good game, as he was really pushing around Tech's center and guard.

For VT, Taylor made some nice throws and continues to show he is an outstanding improviser. But his questionable pocket presence and lack of anticipation still limit his NFL potential as a passer. I do think he suffers from playing in an offense that has not developed him well for the pro game. Noticed particularly in the 2nd half, VT's WRs running a lot of long-developing routes and their offense is seemingly designed under the notion of giving Taylor 5+ seconds in the pocket or extend the play, waiting for guys to get open or break off their routes and then throw the ball. Which again is why I compare him to Vick because that was the sort of offense that Vick operated best in his early days, and I think when you put him in an offense that wants him to drop back, stand in the pocket, and make decisions 1-2 seconds after the snap, he's going to struggle, just like Vick did.

I thought John Graves played about as well as I've seen him play in the 1st half. Being disruptive in the middle and he certainly is a good athlete, chasing the RB down. Lots of potential with him but I think he still needs a lot of polish if he's going to play inside vs. the run.

Don't know what was going on with VT's safeties, but they looked horrible in this game. Fleener was abusing both Whitley and Morgan, and they were nowhere to be seen on those big runs.

Other than that, nobody really stood out to me in this game. Everybody else pretty much how about roughly the same game I've seen all year long from them.

Really? Stanford already lost to Oregon, so why do they deserve another shot at the title? If you assume the Top 16 seeds would be in a playoff, this 4-13 matchup between Stanford and VT is nothing more than a 1st round matchup.

Why not? New Orleans beat the Falcon's sp dpes that make them better? Green Bay already beat Philly why even have an NFL playoff system? Whether your playing college ball or the NFL at least a playoff system is for all the marbles and just because you lost during the reg season doesn't mean your team hasn't changed and hopefully got better and ready to play in a playoff system. Teams do grow as the season progresses. We have already debated you can have a bowl system and playoff system in a season. Why not give the college kids a chance to prove themselves like all the other college leagues where they have playoff systems?

Nah, it would make to much sense and money. The tradidtionalist would hate it but I've heard from other fans who think the game is boring now so why not add a little spunk to it and make the majority of fans happy. The players would also love a playoff system yet the powers that be go to work in their stuffy suits with clogged ears not knowing what year it is and another year passes having this wonderful debate.