Army v SMU/ K STate v Cuse/NC v Tenn/Neb v Wash

[MichaelWeston]

Southern Methodist (7-6) versus Army (6-6): ARMED FORCES BOWL; Dallas; Noon ET; ESPN

Army
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Joshua McNary OLB 5'11½" 232 30 54
Michael Gann DT 6'2" 270 20 96

Southern Methodist
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Aldrick Robinson WR 5'9½" 178 36 36
Matthew Szymanski PK 6'1½" 197 30 8
Youri Yenga OLB 6'1" 231 20 75


SMU against Army might have been a must-see bowl game in the 1940s. Sadly, today, its just TV filler for ESPN. There also isn't much in this one to get pro scouts excited, although SMU WR Aldrick Robinson (#24, 5-9, 180), who averaged 20.4 yards per catch this season, is a dynamic big-play threat who should get some mid-to-late round interest this coming April. Meanwhile, LBs Pete Fleps (#52, 6-2, 230) and Youri Yenga (45, 6-1, 230) and CB Sterling Moore (#2, 5-9, 205) are SMU free-agent prospects, however, overall the Mustangs are very young. Indeed, the team's best prospect could be sophomore QB Kyle Padron (#2, 6-3, 210). At the same time, Army has played third fiddle to Navy and Air Force over the past couple of decades. rmy, though, was the only one of the three academies to have a player drafted in the 2000s - DB Caleb Campbell, a 7th round pick by Detroit in 2008. Army, though, won't be adding to that achievement any time soon. DE Josh McNary (#44, 6-0, 235), who has almost 50 tackles for loss in his career, can be very disruptive, while FS Donovan Travis (#6, 6-0, 200) and CB Richard King (#2, 5-10, 200) are a couple of solid veterans in the secondary who could play for most programs in the country.

Syracuse (7-5) versus Kansas State (7-5): PINSTRIPE BOWL; New York; 3:20 PM ET; ESPN

Syracuse
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Delone Carter RB 5'8" 219 64 12 130
Rob Long PT 6'2" 190 30 4
Ryan Bartholomew OC 6'1" 294 30 13
Derrell Smith ILB 6'0" 234 30 21
Michael Holmes S 5'9⅞" 181 30 25
Douglas Hogue OLB 6'1½" 225 30 27
Aaron Weaver WR 6'1½" 219 30 110

Kansas State
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Daniel Thomas RB 6'2" 228 83 3 51
Antonio Felder OLB 6'1¾" 244 30 59
Prizell Brown DT 6'2" 268 30 70
Stephen Harrison CB 5'10¾" 187 30 78
Kenneth Mayfield OG 6'4" 333 20 68

The Big Apple throws its hat into the bowl business, which for the most past has been the preserve of the southern and western regions of the country, with the introduction of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. And having Syracuse as a virtual home-team isn't going to hurt ticket sales. The player pro scouts are most anxious to see in this game, though, is Kansas State RB Daniel Thomas (#8, 6-1, 230), one of the top senior backs in the country who ran for almost 1,500 yards this season when he averaged 5.4 yards per carry against defenses stacked to stop the run while also catching 26 passes. Thomas, who actually came to KSU as a QB, is a physical north-south runner with good patience and vision, although the fact that he isn’t a burner and isn’t going to bust off a lot of big plays at the next level could drop his grade during pre-draft testing. Thomas, though, is the Wildcats' only real lock to be drafted this coming spring, although a number of other veterans such as QB Carson Coffman (#14, 6-3, 215), WR Aubrey Quarles (#89, 5-11, 205), OGs Kenneth Mayfield (#67, 6-4, 340 and Zach Kendall (#59, 6-3, 305), C Wade Wiebert (#74, 6-3, 305), DT Prizell Brown (#46, 6-2, 285), and CBs Stephen Harrison (#8, 5-11, 185) and Terrance Sweeney (#16, 5-9, 180) could get some late-round or free agent interest.

It has been a bounce back year for Syracuse which was in the Big East race pretty much up until the end after the Orange almost dropped off the national college football radar earlier in the decade. The Orange did it this fall mostly with a swarming defense led by LBs Derrell Smith (#25, 6-0, 235) and Doug Hogue (#32, 6-1, 230) who combined for almost 200 tackles this fall and should get some mid-to-late round consideration at the upcoming draft. Syracuse’s best prospect, though, could be RB DeLeone Carter (#3, 5-9, 220) a slasher who has come back from a serious injury to run for over 1,000 yards this season. Meanwhile, veteran C Ryan Bartholomew (#70, 6-2, 300) and versatile DB Mike Holmes (#35, 5-10, 185) should attract some late-round interest of his own.


North Carolina (7-5) versus Tennessee (6-6): MUSIC CITY BOWL; Nashvile; 6:40 PM ET; ESPN

North Carolina
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Robert Quinn DE 6'4⅝" 254 96 2 6
Marvin Austin DT 6'2¾" 303 87 6 38
Bruce Carter OLB 6'3" 225 86 4 43
Quan Sturdivant ILB 6'1⅞" 227 81 1 58
Deunta Williams S 6'1½" 204 77 5 73
Greg Little WR 6'3" 210 76 9 79
Kendric Burney CB 5'9" 180 73 12 85
Zack Pianalto TE 6'3⅞" 239 54 8
Charles Brown CB 5'10¼" 190 50 23
T.J. Yates QB 6'4" 220 32 13
Ryan Houston FB 6'2" 245 30 7
Da'Norris Searcy S 6'0⅛" 200 30 23
Shaun Draughn RB 6'0" 205 30 33
Edward Barham TE 6'3" 260 30 36
Alan Pelc OG 6'6" 305 30 39
Johnny White RB 5'1" 205 30 45

Tennessee
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Luke Stocker TE 6'5" 247 75 2 81
Benjamin Martin DE 6'3½" 248 43 19
Denarius Moore WR 6'0" 187 43 31
Chris Walker OLB 6'2" 230 32 18
Daniel Lincoln PK 6'0" 210 30 9
Kevin Cooper FB 6'0" 233 30 10
Chad Cunningham PT 6'2" 210 30 14
Nicholas Reveiz ILB 5'9½" 230 30 29
Gerald Williams DE 6'4" 252 30 34
Lamarcus Thompson OLB 6'0½" 231 30 41
Jarrod Shaw OG 6'4" 328 30 55
Gerald Jones WR 5'10⅛" 196 30 57

What might have been for North Carolina which entered training camp this past August with as many top prospects for the 2011 draft as any program in the country. The season quickly morphed into a dud for the Tar Heels, though, as several top stars including DT Marvin Austin, DE Robert Quinn and WR Greg Little ended up not playing at all because of improper dealings with agents. And it got worse when star OLB Bruce Carter, a top 15 prospect for the upcoming draft, was lost for the year with a torn ACL late in the season. In fact, it is a testament to the quality of the North Carolina draft class that the program still has a number of quality prospects still in the line-up including OLB Quan Sturdivant (#52, 6-1, 235) and SS Deunta Williams (#27, 6-1, 210), a pair of a early to mid-second-day prospects, along with CB Kendric Burney (#16, 5-9, 190), a middle round prospect. And the Tar Heels could have another early prospect if junior DT/DE Quinton Coples (#90, 6-5, 275), who stepped up in the absence of Quinn and Austin to post 8.5 sacks this fall, opts to leave school early this winter. Meanwhile, other Tar Heels who should get later round or free agent interest including QB T.J. Yates, (#13, 6-3, 220), TE Ed Barham, (#80, 6-2, 265), HB Ryan Taylor (#49, 6-4, 245), OT Mike Ingersoll, and SS Da'Norris Searcy (#21, 6-0, 210).

Trying as the 2010 season was for North Carolina, the Tar Heels probably had nothing on Tennessee as the once-proud program barely managed 6 wins including victories over Tennessee-Martin, UAB, and Memphis with SEC wins coming against Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi. On the other hand, the Vols were 0-6 against SEC teams with a pulse. Still bowl eligible is bowl eligible and UT is going bowling even if its only a few miles down the road in Nashville. And Tennessee has a veteran line-up, although only TE Luke Stocker (#88, 6-5, 255) appears to rate as even as a potential middle round pick this year. Meanwhile, WRs Denarius Moore (#6, 6-0, 195) and Gerald Jones (#4, 6-0, 195), OG/T Jarrod Shaw (#74, 6-3, 325), DEs Chris Walker (#84, 6-2, 245) and Gerald Williams (#6-4, 250), LBs Lamarcus Thompson (#42, 6-1, 230) and Nick Reveiz (#56, 5-10, 225) and PK Daniel Lincoln (#26, 6-0, 210) will be left to fight over late-round or more likely post-draft free agent scraps this spring.

Nebraska (10-3) versus Washington (6-6): HOLIDAY BOWL; San Diego; 10 PM ET; ESPN

Nebraska
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Prince Amukamara CB 6'0" 203 96 2 7
Jared Crick DT 6'5½" 288 71 9 98
Niles Paul WR 6'1" 224 66 14 121
Pierre Allen DE 6'4" 261 64 15 126
Alex Henery PK 6'1½" 177 58 1 147
Eric Hagg S 6'1½" 208 52 12
Mike McNeill TE 6'4" 230 51 9
Roy Helu RB 5'11½" 223 49 19
Keith Williams OG 6'4½" 310 39 16
Adi Kunalic PK 5'11" 186 30 18
Dejon Gomes S 5'10¾" 203 30 19
Michael Smith OT 6'6" 285 30 26
Zachary Lee QB 6'0½" 217 30 32
Richard Henry OG 6'2½" 303 30 46
David Jones OG 6'5" 310 30 57
Anthony West CB 5'11½" 205 30 62
Will Henry WR 6'5" 216 30 113

Washington
ALL PLAYERS POS HT WT GRADE POS RANK OVR RANK
Jake Locker QB 6'2½" 229 92 3 23
Mason Foster OLB 6'1" 238 57 12
William Mahan PT 5'11" 198 30 11
Dorson Boyce FB 6'1½" 229 30 16
Ryan Tolar OC 6'4" 289 30 21
Cody Habben OT 6'6" 286 30 27
Nathan Williams S 6'0" 216 30 28
De'Shon Matthews DE 6'4" 258 30 56
D'Andre Goodwin WR 5'10⅜" 186 30 124

Thank you BCS. Nebraska wins ten games this fall and gets to the Big XII conference final and the best they can do at the bowls is a game with a 6-6 team that they routed by 35 points earlier in the season. In fact, about the only reason to actually tune in here - and trust us pro scouts will be - is to see whether Washington QB Jake Locker (#10, 6-3, 225) fares any better the second time around after being absolutely shut down by the Huskers. Indeed, Locker who entered the season as one of the consensus choices to be the #1 pick at this year’s draft, completed a miserable 4 of 20 pass attempts with two picks in the loss to Nebraska earlier in the season. Party as a result, Locker saw his draft stock plummet somewhat as he battled through several injuries including a rib. Locker won some points back from pro scouts, though, when he battled through the injuries and led the Huskies to three straight wins to complete the season and just get to the bowls. One of Locker's problems is that compared to other top QB prospects like Andrew Luck of Stanford and Arkansas' Ryan Mallett he hasn’t been surrounded by a whole lot of talent in his Washington tenure. The Huskies, though, do have another top 100 prospect in OLB Mason Foster (#40, 6-1, 245) who was all over the field this fall as he rang up 150 tackles, while SS Nate Williams (#8, 6-, 220) plays like another LB as he also registered 100 total stops this season. Meanwhile, Locker works behind a veteran offensive line anchored by RT Cody Habben (71, 6-5, 295) and OG Ryan Tolar (#65, 6-4, 295).

Nebraska won't have anyone drafted quite as high in 2011 as DT Ndamukong Suh, the second player selected this past April, but still at least one first-round prospect in CB Prince Amukamara (#21, 6-0, 200), likely to be the first senior corner off the board this coming April. Meanwhile, junior DT Jared Crick (#94, 6-4, 285) got off to a slow start after taking over the mantle of leadership up front from Suh, but came on as the season progressed, finishing the season with 9.5 sacks. Crick isn't as big or strong as Suh, but is very quick and just as relentless. The Huskers also has several middle round prospects in DE Pierre Allen (#95, 6-4, 265), RB Roy Helu (10, 5-11, 210), and WR/TE Mike McNeill (#44, 6-3, 245), while PK Alex Henery (#90, 6-2, 175) is arguably the best kicker in college football this fall when his only miss was a 51-yard attempt. Also keep an eye on rover Eric Hagg (#28, 6-1, 205) who could be something of a sleeper.

[Bengals1181]

keep an eye on Roy Helu. He's a guy I have my eye on if Benson isn't resigned.


Also want to see more of LB Mason Foster. Haven't been impressed with the clips I've seen of him, but have heard he's worked his way into the 2nd round.

[Bengals1181]

also, if by chance Jon Hayes is kept, keep an eye on Carson Coffman, Chase's little brother... A decent QB at Kansas State.

[Bengals1181]

man, when you get a chance watch the highlights of of the kstate game and watch the throw Coffman just made to make it 21-21.

[Bengals1181]

[quote]Syracuse

Delone Carter RB 5'8" 219 [/quote]



He's having a big game. He'll get knocked for lack of elite speed, but they said the same thing about Shonn Greene.


Edit: he's at 195yds and will undoubtedly get more as they try and milk the clock these last 4 minutes with the lead.


This has been a great game. There were touchdowns on the first 5 drives of the second half.

[Bengals1181]

Man, kansas state is going to lose this game for an excessive celebration penalty for the receiver giving a salute to the crowd. So they had to try the two point conversion to tie it from the 17yd line instead of the 2.


Total bullshit call.

[MichaelWeston]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1293752387' post='955261']
Man, kansas state is going to lose this game for an excessive celebration penalty for the receiver giving a salute to the crowd. So they had to try the two point conversion to tie it from the 17yd line instead of the 2.


Total bullshit call.
[/quote]

That call was ridiculous. I cant believe thats the right call. Can a guy for Army do that?

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='MichaelWeston' timestamp='1293754560' post='955269']
That call was ridiculous. I cant believe thats the right call. Can a guy for Army do that?
[/quote]


It can't be.


And even if it was per the letter of the rule, as a referee you absolutely can't make a call there that completely influences the outcome of the game. Referees can't let a questionable call (not a single syracuse fan would have complained if there was no flag) dictate the outcome of the game.

[Bengals1181]

I've seen two post TD celebrations in the first half of the UNC/UT game alone that penalties weren't called on and we just as "egregious" as what the kansas state player did.



And while we don't need another receiving TE, I'm liking this Ryan Taylor kid from UNC. Wonder if he could get down to 225 (form 240) and still be effective as a WR.

[Jason]

The UNC/UT game is one of the most physical college games I have ever seen.

[Jason]

Wow, what a crazy 31 seconds!

[MichaelWeston]

The end of UNC v Tenn is the exact same thing that happened to Marshall vs OSU a bunch of years back when Zwick got a penalty but it in a sense stopped the clock and helped the offense. So lame. I like that they run time off in the NFL.

[Jason]

That was a crazy game.

[|Elflocko|]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1293768580' post='955322']
That was a crazy game.
[/quote]

Indeed.

One of the most fucked up endings to a game I've seen in a while.

And Tennessee's QB seems like a real bitch...

[MichaelWeston]

[quote name='Elflocko' timestamp='1293770965' post='955326']
Indeed.

One of the most fucked up endings to a game I've seen in a while.

And Tennessee's QB seems like a real bitch...
[/quote]

He is 18 years old.

[Jason]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1293758814' post='955286']
I've seen two post TD celebrations in the first half of the UNC/UT game alone that penalties weren't called on and we just as "egregious" as what the kansas state player did.



And while we don't need another receiving TE, I'm liking this Ryan Taylor kid from UNC. Wonder if he could get down to 225 (form 240) and still be effective as a WR.
[/quote]

The foul on that KSU player was just plain ridiculous.

They're kids playing a game and he wasn't taunting anyone.

That ref should be fined.

[Jason]

I didn't know JoJo was a singer!

The guy that sings "Play like a champion" looks just like him and/or a young Chad.

Wow. Triplets separated at birth.

[MichaelWeston]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1293772687' post='955339']
I didn't know JoJo was a singer!

The guy that sings "Play like a champion" looks just like him and/or a young Chad.

Wow. Triplets separated at birth.
[/quote]

I believe that is BoB.