Week 10 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more

Finally! A full slate of college football games is on the Week 10 schedule after the MAC started playing this past week, and the Pac-12 kicks off today. The game of the week takes place tonight, as Clemson travels to Notre Dame for a game with national title implications. Unfortunately, the best player in the nation will not be on the field, as Trevor Lawrence remains sidelined following a positive test. But there will be lots of next-level talent on the field during that game, as there will be in many of the games today. Information on how and where to watch, which includes kickoff times and the TV schedule, can be found below.

All of the live Week 10 college football news and analysis will get underway at noon and wrap up after midnight ET in our College Football Live Game Day Blog. Be sure to also check out the college football TV schedule, which can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the post. And finally, keep up with NFL Draft stories and analysis from the PFN NFL Draft crew by visiting PFN daily.

Week 10 College Football Live Blog with Tony Pauline and Ian Cummings

News and updates for the Week 10 college football action through midnight ET will be timestamped once we kick off at noon, and each update will be followed by the initials of the analyst. “IC” is Ian Cummings, and if there are no initials, it’s me (Tony Pauline).

Justin Fields’ dominance carries on against Rutgers, with no end in sight (12:00 AM)

It’s hard to put into words how good Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has been this season. He was on another level against Rutgers, completing 24-of-28 passes for 314 yards and five touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown. On the season, Fields is now 72 for 83, with 908 yards, 11 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Those getting their calculators out, that’s 87% completion, and that doesn’t account for several drops.

Coming into the season, we knew Fields was insanely talented. But now, he’s not only gifted but totally in control. If Trevor Lawrence was once all alone in the top quarterback tier, Fields has now risen to join him, and in a year where challenging for the QB1 mantle seemed impossible, Fields is forcibly changing the perception. IC

Notre Dame upsets Clemson in ACC classic, affirms status in playoff conversation (11:55 PM)

In what will likely be a very consequential outcome for playoff implications, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish upset the top-ranked Clemson Tigers in double overtime by a score of 47-40. It was an electric game on both sides, but Brian Kelly’s squad wound up on top in the end.

Ian Book deserves some props for his performance late, and Kyren Williams is the statistical star with 23 carries for 140 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner. However, the game ball should genuinely go to Notre Dame’s offensive line. It’s a unit with as many as four future NFL players, and Liam Eichenberg and Aaron Banks were particularly instrumental in clearing lanes for Williams. IC

Potential deep sleeper makes a play for New Mexico in west coast action (11:45 PM)

On a deep attempt by the Hawaii offense, New Mexico junior defensive back Jerrick Reed II made an impressive play on the ball. The quarterback’s throw was short of its intended target streaking down the sideline. Reed, looming in the intermediate range, rose to pick off the ball and then returned it for a substantial gain, promptly leading to a Lobos touchdown.

Reed is one of those players who probably won’t be on the draft radar at any point in the cycle but could be a defender who earns more opportunities at an NFL camp. Reed, a former junior college standout, is built well, standing at 5-foot-10, 192, and he has experience at both cornerback and safety, making him a versatile player. Athletically, he has a 4.5 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical on record from his recruiting days, well within the parameters of NFL playmaking potential. IC

One of the highest-rated Pac-12 players seeing action for Washington State (11:30 PM)

The Clemson-Notre Dame game is hogging all the attention at the moment, and for a good reason, but if you’re looking for other prospects to watch, the Pac-12 matchup between the Oregon State Beavers and the Washington State Cougars has begun. On the Cougars sideline, offensive tackle Abraham Lucas could be kicking off a defining season.

Lucas, a massive 6-foot-7, 328-pound blocker, has outstanding athleticism and fluidity for his size, and his sheer wingspan allows him to reach defenders pre-emotively and neutralize hand movements. His Cougars offense already has a passing touchdown, and as long as Lucas is a mainstay on the edge, they’ll be able to keep chugging along. IC

Clemson’s Amari Rodgers steadily defining a role for himself (11:25 PM)

The 2021 wide receiver class is so heavily stocked with talent that Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers has somehow remained under the radar, despite his strong start to the 2020 campaign. Rodgers has eight catches for 134 yards so far in the team’s Week 10 game, and overall for the season, he has 48 catches for 720 yards and six touchdowns.

Rodgers’ performance in Justyn Ross’ absence was a big preseason storyline, but it hasn’t maintained the same kind of vigor for some reason. Rodgers has established himself as one of college football’s better run-after-catch threats. He’s a compact player with good elusiveness and contact balance, and he can also hit a second-gear in open space. He hasn’t quite reached the Day 2 conversation, but he’s done enough to be respected as one of the contributors to the historic depth of the 2021 class. IC

Ian Book sends Clemson-Notre Dame clash to overtime with a late touchdown (11:15 PM)

It’s likely that Ian Book doesn’t get drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, and if he does, it’ll be in Round 6 or 7. But to his credit: he’s come up big for the Fighting Irish in today’s game against the Clemson Tigers. Book hasn’t been asked to do much all season, and even today, he wasn’t the primary determinant for the offense’s success. But with the game on the line in the final seconds, Book kept his eyes up, rolled away from pressure, and delivered a tight-window dart to senior wideout Avery Davis to tie the game.

Now, Book and the Irish will go into extra innings with the class of the ACC, hoping to establish themselves as an equal juggernaut. Another dose of credit goes to Notre Dame’s offensive line, the unit that’s enabled Book and the offense to stay competitive through four quarters. IC

C.J. Verdell boasts a complete skill set in Oregon’s blowout of Stanford (11:00 PM)

The Oregon Ducks lambasted the Stanford Cardinal in their season opener. Although it was a relatively well-rounded performance for the entire Ducks squad, one player who stood out from the crowd is junior running back C.J. Verdell. A Pac-12 All-American from years past, Verdell earned 20 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown, as well as two catches for 30 yards. Amid this production, Verdell displayed burst around the corner, good foot speed, and tenacious physicality.

Verdell broke the 1,000-yard mark in both 2018 and 2019, and he’s also proven himself as a competent receiver out of the backfield. He’s a bit undersized at around 5-foot-9, 210, and he doesn’t have any necessarily elite athletic traits. Still, Verdell’s hard-nosed style, combined with his ability to gear up fairly quickly, makes him a player with excellent rotational potential at the NFL level. IC

Brock Purdy helps Iowa State earn comeback win despite terrible first half (10:50 PM)

You have to credit a quarterback when they show resilience in the face of adversity, as well as the ability to rebound from compounded mistakes. Brock Purdy showed that ability tonight in a 38-31 comeback victory over the Baylor Bears. In the first half, Purdy was 6-of-12 for less than 50 yards and three interceptions. In the final two quarters, he composed himself, completed 75% of his remaining attempts, and put up three touchdowns to send the Cyclones back into the win column.

Purdy’s Week 10 showing is more or less a microcosm of his 2020 campaign, if not a dramatic version. Purdy came into the season as a sleeper to be an early-round quarterback, but he’s been more volatile than in year’s past, and he doesn’t have the arm strength to make plays on talent alone at a consistent level. Purdy’s mobility, toughness, and gunslinger mentality are where his appeal is derived from, but he has to be more consistent if he wants a chance to be an NFL starter. IC

Welcome back, Quentin Lake!  (10:25 PM)

Quentin Lake was not mentioned by scouts entering the season, but he’s someone I graded as a PFA off the 2018 film and talked about during my UCLA preview. The senior, whose dad Carnell was an All-American at UCLA and an All-Pro in the NFL, was limited by injury to just four games last season. Yet early in his Bruins career, he displayed a diverse game and an identity as a tough run defender who also covered the pass with efficiency.

Lake is back with a bang in a wild affair against Colorado tonight, totaling nine tackles and one PBU. Lake offers enough skill that if he plays well this season and turns in good workouts before the draft, he will receiver late-round consideration.

Jarrett Patterson looking dominant for the Irish as well (10:10 PM)

Earlier I mentioned my affection for Notre Dame guard Aaron Banks.

His teammate, center Jarrett Patterson, has also looked terrific tonight. Patterson is probably a bit more agile, more mobile, and more adept blocking in motion compared to his teammate. Patterson presently ranks as my number three center, and as you can see from my board, he presently grades as a third-round pick.

Notre Dame showing respect to Derion Kendrick (9:55 PM)

All season long, I’ve thought the play of Derion Kendrick has been inconsistent to the point of erratic. Despite this, I have the junior graded as a potential late second-round choice. Obviously, Notre Dame is not taking any chances as it seems pretty apparent Ian Book is purposely throwing away from Kendrick.

Bobby Brown — Another Aggie rising (9:25 PM)

Defensive tackle Bobby Brown has played in five of the Aggies’ six games and has played well. The wide-bodied gap occupier, who grades as a fifth-round prospect on my board, has also shown the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He’s been credited with two TFL’s tonight, doubling this season’s total, and also has a sack to his credit.

Brown is a solid combination of size, power, and explosion and offers the versatility to line up in either one or two-gap schemes.

Angie OT’s playing GOOD football (9:10 PM)

During my Texas A&M preview this summer, I gave high praise to Aggie tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Carson Green. I graded Moore, the left tackle, as a fifth-round prospect and Green, the right tackle, a round later. I also mentioned both are likely to move to guard in the NFL. Whatever position they line up at, I expect both to make an NFL roster and play on Sunday.

Quarterback Kellen Mond rightfully gets a ton of praise for his improved play this season, but he owes a debt of gratitude to his offensive line, which has allowed just two sacks in six games this season. Moore and Green have led the way on the edges and, in doing so, improved their draft stock.

Jalen Tolbert has caught the eye of NFL scouts (8:50 PM)

The South Alabama Jaguars are struggling to stay step-for-step with undefeated Coastal Carolina as the score reads 14-3 in Carolina’s favor at the start of the second quarter. Yet Jalen Tolbert has been his usual reliable self with two receptions for 20 yards to start the game. During the previous five games, Tolbert totaled 32 receptions, 524 yards, and five touchdowns. He’s a long pass catcher with dependable hands and a solid game.

Only a junior, I’m told there’s a real good chance Tolbert enters the draft at season’s end.

Notre Dame O-line pushing Clemson all over the field (8:25 PM)

Notre Dame’s offensive line has pretty much had their way with Clemson, and only a few dropped passes have kept the game close for the Tigers. As my board shows, Notre Dame has four blockers with draftable grades. Clemson’s defensive line? One at this point: Jordan Williams, who’s more upside than production to date.

Ian Book’s next-level potential? (8:15 PM)

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book is graded as a late seventh-round prospect by scouts. And while that may happen, I believe Book needs a ton of work on his game before he’ll be NFL ready. Book has solid physical skills with a nice arm and great elusiveness, displaying terrific foot speed and running ability.

What concerns me about his game is that Book seems to be very slow to look off the primary target and move his head. That’s a killer at the next level. And while Book has lots of upside, he’s more of a practice squad prospect, in my opinion.

The pickings are slim at Stanford (8 PM)

With offensive tackle Walker Little and cornerback Paulson Adebo opting to sit out the season and prepare for the draft, no draft-eligible player on the Stanford depth chart presently holds a draftable grade on my board.  The closest would be senior linebacker Jordan Fox, who just made a terrific third-down stop.

Fox is tough and instinctive but comes with poor size and speed. He could add depth in a 3-4 alignment.

Notre Dame long touchdown run set up by Aaron Banks (7:40 PM)

As you can see from my board below, the number one Notre Dame prospect is guard Aaron Banks, presently holding a third-round grade. He proved deserving of all those accolades on that 65-yard run.  Banks first opened the hole and then controlled the swift Nyles Pinckney on the second level to keep the lane open.

Banks is not a true zone blocker but has enough mobility to block on the move, which nicely complements his size and power.

Clemson-Notre Dame Board (7:35 PM)

The big game of the evening has been hollowed out a bit by the sidelining of Clemson signal-caller Trevor Lawrence.  Even with that, the board is Clemson-heavy at the top.

With Lawrence out, the burden falls on the shoulders of Travis Etienne, who’s proven time and time again that he’s up to the task.  The matchup against Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah should be a good one.

Late-night Pac-12 matchup between Oregon and Stanford offers NFL talent (7:10 PM)

It’s about time for the Pac-12’s return to continue, this time with an evening matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the Stanford Cardinal. There’s clearly more NFL talent present on Oregon’s sideline. With Walker Little and Paulson Adebo having opted out for Stanford, the Cardinal’s best NFL Draft prospect on the field might be defensive lineman Thomas Booker, a lengthy, disruptive interior rusher who managed four sacks in 2019.

For the Ducks, the focus will be on bonafide top-five pick Penei Sewell, but they offer even more outside of his talents. Specifically, on defense, Thomas Graham and Deommodore Lenoir constitute a very intriguing cornerback duo, and Jordon Scott will have fans in the NFL as one of the rare pure nose tackles coming onto the NFL Draft circuit. Additionally, while he isn’t a 2020 prospect, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is a potential first-round pick in the years to come, and his growth in 2020 will be of great interest. IC

Oklahoma DB Tre Brown adds to production resume in dominant defensive outing (6:45 PM)

The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense wasn’t challenged by the Kansas Jayhawks’ offense today, but still, the matchup allowed several defensive NFL Draft prospects to stand out, including Oklahoma cornerback Tre Brown. Brown added to his season interception total early in the game, grabbing his second. It’s already a career-high figure for him, and that number should continue to rise.

Brown isn’t quite in the Day 2 conversation at cornerback, but maybe that should change. He is a bit undersized at 5-foot-10, 186,  but he’s a legitimately elite athlete with top-end speed and closing ability, and as evidenced by his ball production, he knows how to convert at the catch point. Brown just feels like one of those cornerbacks who gets overlooked through the draft process, only to eventually earn a consistent role on Sundays. IC

Damar Hamlin filling the playmaker void for the Pittsburgh Panthers (6:30 PM)

After Paris Ford decided to opt-out of the rest of the 2020 season, the Pittsburgh Panthers’ defense found itself searching for another source of playmaking ability in the secondary. Today, against the Florida State Seminoles in a crucial ACC showdown, senior captain Damar Hamlin answered the call.

Hamlin picked off Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis in a critical spot, using his instincts to make the play. The 6-foot-1 safety might not be an elite athlete or a dense tackler like Paris Ford. Still, with his functional fluidity, awareness of positioning, and experience on the back end, Hamlin should have a role waiting for him in the NFL as a versatile rotational defensive back. IC

An RB sleeper is making his presence felt for the Fresno State Bulldogs (6:15 PM)

NFL teams are always looking for running backs with versatility at discount prices, so there’s a good chance they’ll take note of Fresno State running back Ronnie Rivers’ performance today. Against UNLV, Rivers has 12 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns and five catches for 94 yards and a third score.

Rivers is just 5-foot-9, 195, but he offers a lot of burst and elusiveness in open space, and as evidenced by his pass-catching production, he’s a very competent receiver out of the backfield as well. In an NFL that increasingly employs running back committees, Rivers could be worth a late-round flyer. IC

What’s going on with Georgia CB Tyson Campbell against Florida? (5:55 PM)

Tyson Campbell has now been directly responsible for two Florida touchdowns. Why has he been struggling, and what can he do to improve? It’s clear that Florida is matching him up with their superior contested-catch players to maximize those one-on-one situations. In that strategy, Campbell’s flaw is exposed: He’s not consistent enough at the catch point.

On both touchdown passes, Campbell was right where he needed to be. Positioning is not an issue for the 6-foot-2 cornerback. But when presented with an opportunity to make a play on the ball, Campbell was out-leveraged and out-muscled, first by Kyle Pitts and then by Trevon Grimes. The upside is there, and if Campbell catches on later in the year, he could legitimately challenge for a spot in Round 1. But as it stands, he needs to emphasize improving his proactivity at the catch point. IC

Florida’s Trevon Grimes just the latest Gators playmaker to shine against Georgia (5:50 PM)

As Tony mentioned earlier, the Florida offense is loaded with talent, and the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs was always going to be a good one. One half into the contest, Florida has the edge, leading Georgia 38-21, and Kyle Trask has dished out touchdowns to four different receivers, including overlooked senior pass-catcher Trevon Grimes.

Grimes’ production has underwhelmed in recent seasons, but thus far in 2020, he’s on pace to notch career highs across the board, and his touchdown against Georgia does an excellent job of encapsulating his play style. Grimes was matched up against Tyson Campbell in the red zone (Campbell, for all his upside, has been getting picked on today) and used his 6-foot-4, 218-pound size and vertical athleticism to high-point a Trask pass just across the plane. Grimes will be buried by the 2020 receiver class’s depth, but on Day 3, he could be a steal with his impressive upside. IC

Spencer Sanders underwhelming against beatable Big 12 competition (5:40 PM)

I’m a big fan of Spencer Sanders and the sheer upside he brings to the table, but he’s not yet consistently reliable from snap-to-snap, and his performance so far against the Kansas State Wildcats is proof of that. Sanders’ offense, which is missing standout receiver Tylan Wallace, was shut out in the first half, and an indecisive, uneven Sanders struggled to move the needle.

If Sanders could attain consistency and start to supplement his upside with security as a passer, he could legitimately challenge for a Day 2 selection. It’s not out of the question, as there’s still a lot of football left to play. But right now, Sanders’ stock is headed in the wrong direction. Wherever he goes at the next level, he’ll start as a developmental signal-caller. IC

Rashod Bateman gets first touchdown of the year in first half vs. Illinois (5:30 PM)

Minnesota needed a get-right game this week after dropping two straight to start the year, and with the help of NFL Draft prospect Rashod Bateman, they’re getting what they needed. Minnesota is up 28-7 over the Illinois Fighting Illini at the half, and Bateman has already had his best statistical performance of the year in just two quarters.

Bateman has eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown so far, and he’s used the available plays to re-cement himself as a first-round option at wide receiver, tacking on a monster stiff-arm for good measure. Bateman gets open with good twitch and route nuance, and he’s very reliable when the ball comes his way. His touchdown was evidence of this, as Bateman managed to corral a pass near the corner of the end zone, getting one foot in before he faded out of bounds. IC

Kenny Pickett restores respectability to Pittsburgh offense in showdown with FSU (5:15 PM)

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett is back after missing a few weeks with an ankle injury, and surprise! The Panthers offense is competent again. Pickett’s ankle is far from one-hundred percent, and yet, he’s still out there dragging Pittsburgh along, despite underwhelming coaching and supporting production, just as he did in the first five weeks of the season.

For my money, Kenny Pickett is one of the most underrated passers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s a perfect marriage of modern and old-school quarterbacking philosophies. That is, Pickett brings the athleticism, arm strength and elasticity, and off-script ability of a proficient modern passer, but also has the sheer toughness, fearlessness, and competitive fire to win over more traditional general managers, who look for resiliency in their prospects. IC

Kyle Pitts makes his regularly scheduled end zone visit in a back-and-forth affair (5:05 PM)

You didn’t actually think Kyle Pitts was going to go two straight weeks without reaching the end zone, did you? As Florida and Georgia go back and forth, promising an epic conclusion, Pitts has gotten involved quickly. Right after Kyle Trask threw a pick-six to Eric Stokes, he immediately put the pressure back on the Bulldogs, giving a shot to Pitts on the boundary. Pitts, matched up against CB Tyson Campbell, managed to get around Campbell and haul in a contested catch for a touchdown, using his 6-foot-6 frame to high-point the ball and secure it through contact.

This play by Pitts was insanely impressive for several reasons. One, he’s matched up one-on-one against Campbell on the outside, much like a number one wide receiver, as opposed to a traditional tight end. Two, he uses a quick release at the line to initiate separation, and three, he maintains that separation and runs stride-for-stride with Campbell, who’s rumored to have 4.4 speed. At this point, who cares about blocking? Pitts’ upside as a receiver is incredible, and for his versatility in that role alone, he demands first-round consideration. IC

Georgia CB Eric Stokes shows off upside on pick-six of Kyle Trask (4:55 PM)

The Georgia defense is an incredibly fun unit to study, and the secondary is perhaps the crown jewel of the group. Cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Eric Stokes both present first-round upside, and Stokes reminded the nation of that just now, using his quick processing to shift away from his receiver and intercept a Trask pass in his area. Stokes then redirected to the sideline, where his 4.3 speed helped him reach the end zone.

Campbell has a longer frame at 6-foot-2, but Stokes still presents a very exciting size-speed combination, with a rangy 6-foot-1 frame to boast. Both cornerbacks have good mirroring ability to match their straight-line speed and reach, and as long as they keep playing like this, they should each solidify selections in the first two days of the draft. IC

Penn State continues to struggle against Big Ten competition, despite talent (4:45 PM)

The Penn State Nittany Lions are legitimately one of the most talent-heavy teams in the NCAA. With Journey Brown, Pat Freiermuth, Rasheed Walker, Jayson Oweh, Shaka Toney, Micah Parsons, and Tariq Castro-Fields all serving as legitimate 2021 NFL Draft prospects, Penn State is a clear factory for the NFL to watch. But two and a half games into their 2020 season, they aren’t producing like it.

Penn State just now got on the board against the Maryland Terrapins — they’re down 21 to 7 with 6:32 to go in the first half and in danger of going 0-3. They don’t have all of that talent available — Brown is out, and Parsons opted out for the 2020 season — but they should be able to make better use of what they do have. For example, Pat Freiermuth has just two catches for 27 yards so far, and Sean Clifford has struggled to get the ball to him consistently. IC

Michael Penix Jr. — Hoosiers folklore hero — might have some legit NFL Draft traits (4:30 PM)

Regardless of where he winds up, Indiana Hoosiers redshirt sophomore quarterback Michael Penix Jr. etched his name in college football history with an absurd, epic victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions earlier this year. But today against a stout Michigan Wolverines defense, Penix Jr. had a legitimately productive day, and he showed that he might have some merit as an eventual NFL Draft prospect.

Penix Jr. was 30 for 50 for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions on the day, and particularly impressive was his ball placement down the sideline on intermediate and deep throws. More than once, the left-handed signal caller used his push and touch to drop the ball into a tight bucket. Those are NFL throws, and as the year moves on, he’ll be asked to make a lot more, with Indiana now knocking on the door of the top-10. IC

Draft prospects at wide receiver come up big for USC in season-opening win (4:20 PM)

The USC Trojans hit the field for the first time in 2020 this afternoon and wound up out-reaching the Arizona State Sun Devils by a single point. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns, who were both mentioned Tony earlier, each had seven catches in the victory, and St. Brown carried on where he left off last year, reaching the 100-yard mark.

Both St. Brown and Vaughns are intriguing wideouts in the 2020 class; they don’t necessarily add to the top of the group, but they both will fill out the depth after the first two rounds. St. Brown is younger and more electric after the catch, but both St. Brown and Vaughns should have a role on Sundays. IC

Chase Lucas – – Another strong ASU corner (3:05 PM)

I mentioned the battle between ASU corner Jack Jones and USC receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown earlier in the day, a battle Jones is getting the best of.  The Sun Devils’ other corner, Chase Lucas, is also having a good day.  In fact, I graded Lucas slightly higher than Jones over the summer.  Lucas is a little bigger and stouter at the point compared to Jones, though not as fast.  He offers potential as a bump and run corner or in a zone system where he can face the action.

Fryfogle turning it on (2:40 PM)

Earlier I mentioned the quick start of Indiana receiver Whop Philyor.  Not to be outdone, his teammate is also having a terrific game as the Hoosiers tear up Michigan.  With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Ty Philyor has seven receptions, 142 yards, and one TD.  Unlike his smaller teammate, Fryfogle offers solid size and enough speed to play at the next level.

I graded Fryfogle just below Philyor entering the season, assigning him a late sixth/early seventh-round grade.  This compared to scouts who graded him as a UDFA.  Fryfogle possesses the athletic ability and physical skills to line up as a fifth receiver in the NFL.

UNC’s other running back pouring it on (2:30 PM)

Michael Carter is the ball carrier who gets most of the mention when talk centers on Tar Heel ball carriers for the next level but don’t sleep on Javonte Williams.  Thus far, North Carolina is blowing out Duke, and Williams has totaled 108 yards on eight carries with three TD’s.  That makes 14 rushing TD’s for Williams this season.

Just a redshirt sophomore, Williams is slightly bigger, fast, and more explosive than his upperclassman teammate.  I presently grade him as a sixth-round prospect, and it will be interesting to see how Williams does at the prime ball carrier in 2021.

Chauncey Golston –Turning up the wick!  (2:15 PM)

Earlier I mentioned Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston and his play has just gotten better as the game proceeds.

He’s added four tackles and 1.5 sacks since the 1:10 PM update, including what was an apparent forced fumble, which officials reversed.  Golston is a pure edge rusher who, as stated earlier, will be a good situational pass rusher on Sunday’s.

Earnest Brown — Impactful when healthy (1:55 PM)

Earnest Brown struggled through an injury-plagued 2020 campaign and saw action in just six games.  Yet when healthy, Jones was tough to stop and made an impact.  Brown has started slowly this season but seems back to form today against Nebraska.  He’s posted three tackles, including two TFL’s during the first half, and exploited Cornhusker left tackle Brenden Jaimes on several occasions.

Brown is an incredibly athletic defensive end with a 6-feet-4.5-inch frame that carries 280 pounds and can handle more.  He’s agile, fluid and can rush the edge or drop in space.  His top-end film is impressive, but Brown needs to stay healthy and play at a high level every week.

Whop Philyor having a day against the Wolverines (1:25 PM)

Indiana is taking it to Michigan, presently leading the Wolverines by 10 points with five minutes left in the half. Philyor, graded as a solid Day 3 pick by just about everyone, has had a terrific game in the early goings. Philyor has seven receptions for 53 yards, with several of those catches resulting in first downs for the Hoosiers.

Philyor is a smaller but slippery receiver who’s more quick than fast. He’s sure-handed and a good route runner that projects as a slot receiver/return specialist for the next level.

Chauncey Golston — Another underrated Hawkeye (1:10 PM)

Golston is another Iowa defender I graded higher than NFL scouts, in fact almost two rounds better, when I stamped him as a fourth-round prospect.  He’s an explosive and intense defensive end prospect that’s a natural fit in a four-man line. Thus far, he’s making his presence felt against Michigan State with two tackles, including a tackle for loss and several pressures.

Golston lacks bulk and must get stronger, but he’ll be a good rotational lineman at the next level.

The amazing Michael Turk! (12:55 PM)

I don’t know what’s more impressive, the fact Michael Turk was not selected in April’s draft or the fact he’s back on the college field.

Turk entered the 2020 NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore and was graded by many as the top punter in the draft. He participated in the 2020 NFL Combine and was expected to be an early Day 3 choice. So it was a surprise to many when he was not selected at any point in the draft. Even more surprising was that Turk did not sign with a team after the draft, yet somehow was granted another season of eligibility by the Pac-12.

He just pinned USC deep in their side of the field with a beautiful coffin-corner punt.  Expect Turk to enter the draft again and be graded as the best punter in the draft again.

Alijah Vera-Tucker looks good in the early goings (12:45 PM)

USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker initially announced he was opting out of the college season to prepare for the draft but eventually made the right decision and reversed course.  The consensus is Vera-Tucker is a Day 3 pick and will play offensive guard in the NFL, yet he’s looked real good at left tackle in the early goings of the Arizona State game.

Vera-Tucker is a wide-bodied blocker who plays with a nasty attitude. He lacks the height and footwork to stay at left tackle in the NFL but is a serviceable interior line prospect.

Great WR/DB battle in ASU/USC game (12:30 PM)

I mentioned USC receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown this morning during the game day preview, someone I graded as a potential first-round pick. He’s locked in a tight battle against former Trojan Jack Jones, who’s in his second season at Arizona State. Jones is a terrific cover cornerback with excellent ball skills, but he comes with marginal size and projects as a dime back at the next level.

This is a terrific matchup in this game.

Iowa’s Nick Niemann underrated at the linebacker position (12:20 PM)

I graded Nick Niemann as a sixth-round prospect entering the season despite the fact scouts stamped him as a UDFA.  Neimann is very typical of the type of linebacker we’ve seen come from the Iowa program — not the greatest athlete, but efficient, instinctive, and tough. He just made a great play in space against the pass during the Michigan State game.

Niemann is worthy of late-round consideration as he’ll add depth to the linebacker position at the next level and will be a good special teams player.

USC WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns, and ASU WR Frank Darby headline early Pac-12 kickoff

The Week 10 college football schedule starts off with a Pac-12 contest at noon, as Arizona State travels to USC for what is a 9 AM kickoff on the west coast. There will be three outstanding receivers to watch in this game. Two of them, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns, wear Trojans jerseys and grade as top-100 picks.

The third receiver, Frank Darby of Arizona State, is an underrated prospect who I expect will turn in a big season. With Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Williams, and Eno Benjamin graduating to the NFL, the workload now falls on the shoulders of Darby. Graded by most NFL scouts as a late-round prospect, he’s a big-play wideout with consistent hands.

Florida QB Kyle Trask and TE Kyle Pitts to test talented Georgia defense today

The annual Florida-Georgia contest, formerly known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” in less-offending times, gets a prime afternoon timeslot on the Week 10 college football schedule. There are several outstanding next-level matchups that feature the Florida offense against the Georgia defense.

UF quarterback Kyle Trask is flying up draft boards and has made the most of his pass-catching talent. His favorite target, tight end Kyle Pitts, is also moving north on draft boards and will be the first player at the position selected next April. Receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes are legitimate next-level prospects.

Georgia’s secondary is loaded with next-level talent. Cornerbacks Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes, and Davis Daniel all presently grade as third-round prospects. Safety Richard LeCounte, another potential third-round pick, will be on the sidelines for this one after being involved in a dirt-bike incident.

Washington State LT Abraham Lucas vs. Oregon St. EDGE Hamilcar Rashed Jr. highlights late-night Pac-12 action

Slightly more discreet, Washington State-Oregon State is a 10:30 PM start on the Week 10 college football schedule but offers one of the nation’s best pass rushers. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. totaled 22.5 TFLs and 14 sacks last season, and he also broke up three passes. He gave serious consideration to entering the 2020 NFL Draft, but he decided to return for another season on the college field.

Despite having production and play that warrants a top-45 grade, most scouts view Rashed as a Day 3 pick. Washington State left tackle Abraham Lucas is likely to be the toughest test of the regular season for Rashed, and it’s a great opportunity for the pass rusher to prove to scouts that he’s Day 2 material.

Week 10 College Football TV Schedule: How and Where to Watch

See below for all of the Week 10 college football games today. Find out what time each game kicks off along with the channel they will be broadcast on.

Week 10 College Football Early Afternoon Schedule

• Air Force at Army – 11:30 AM ET | CBS
• #23 Michigan at #13 Indiana – 12 PM ET | FS1
• #18 SMU at Temple – 12 PM ET | ESPN+
• Arizona St. at #20 USC – 12 PM ET | FOX
• West Virginia at #22 Texas – 12 PM ET | ABC
• #25 Liberty at Virginia Tech – 12 PM ET | ACCN
• South Florida at Memphis – 12 PM ET | ESPN+
• Tulane at East Carolina – 12 PM ET | ESPN+
• North Carolina at Duke – 12 PM ET | ESPN2
• UL Monroe at Georgia St. – 12 PM ET | ESPN3
• Nebraska at Northwestern – 12 PM ET | BTN
• Michigan St. at Iowa – 12 PM ET | ESPN
• Arkansas St. at Louisiana – 12 PM ET | ESPNU
• Troy at Georgia Southern – 1 PM ET | ESPN3
• Boston College at Syracuse – 2 PM ET | ESPN3
• UMASS at #16 Marshall – 2:30 PM ET | ESPN+

Week 10 College Football Late Afternoon Schedule

• North Alabama at Southern Mississippi – 3 PM ET | ESPN3
• Appalachian St. at Texas St. – 3 PM ET | ESPN+
• #8 Florida at #5 Georgia – 3:30 PM ET | CBS
• Houston at #6 Cincinnati – 3:30 PM ET | ABC
• Kansas at #19 Oklahoma – 3:30 PM ET | ESPN
• UTSA at Rice – 3:30 PM ET | ESPN3
• Charlotte at Middle Tennessee – 3:30 PM ET | ESPN+
• Maryland at Penn State – 3:30 PM ET | BTN
• Minnesota at Illinois – 3:30 PM ET | BTN
• Vanderbilt at Mississippi St. – 3:30 PM ET | SECN
• Texas Tech at TCU – 3:30 PM ET | FS1
• Fresno St. at UNLV – 3:30 PM ET | CBSSN
• #14 Oklahoma St. at Kansas St. – 4 PM ET | FOX
• Pittsburgh at Florida State – 4 PM ET | ACCN
• Western Kentucky at Florida Atlantic – 6 PM ET

Week 10 College Football Primetime Schedule

• #7 Texas A&M at South Carolina – 7 PM ET | ESPN
• Baylor at #17 Iowa State – 7 PM ET | FS1
• Louisiana Tech at North Texas – 7 PM ET | CBSSN
• UCLA at Colorado – 7 PM ET | ESPN2
• #1 Clemson at #4 Notre Dame – 7:30 PM ET | NBC
• Rutgers at #3 Ohio State – 7:30 PM ET | BTN
• Stanford at #12 Oregon – 7:30 PM ET | ABC
• Tennessee at Arkansas – 7:30 PM ET | SECN
• South Alabama at #15 Coastal Carolina – 8 PM ET | ESPNU

Week 10 College Football Late Night Schedule

• Washington St. at Oregon St. – 10:30 PM ET | FS1
• New Mexico at Hawai’i – 11 PM ET