Week 16 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more

The Week 16 college football schedule — the final weekend of the regular-season — includes nine conference title games as well as numerous makeup contests that were previously postponed. There is a lot at stake from both a national title and scouting perspective. We’ll be here all day long with news, opinion, and analysis. Information on how and where to watch, including kickoff times and the TV schedule, can be found below.

All of the Week 16 college football news and live 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.

Also, while you are here, don’t forget you can take control of your favorite team and run your own mock draft with PFN’s 100% free Mock Draft Simulator.

Week 16 College Football Live Blog with Tony Pauline, Ian Cummings, and Oli Hodgkinson

News and updates for the Week 16 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, “OH” is Oli Hodgkinson, and if there are no initials, it’s me (Tony Pauline).

Alabama, Cincinnati secure conference championships. College Football Playoff decision awaits (12:00 AM)

Alabama and Cincinnati won close games to secure their respective conference championships. With Notre Dame and Florida losing today, who takes the final spot in the College Football Playoff is anyone’s guess. Could Cincinnati sneak into the final four after an unbeaten season? It seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened in 2020.

Until next year; that’s all for the Pro Football Network College Football Live Blog. OH

Which Alabama player added most to their Heisman resume in SEC Championship Game? (11:55 PM)

It’s absolutely no secret that the Heisman, much like the NFL MVP, is a quarterback-dominated affair. Since the turn of the millennium, just two non-quarterbacks have won the award. Could a wide receiver or running back snag the award this year?

A wide receiver hasn’t won the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991. Right now, there would be no arguments if DeVonta Smith ended that drought this year. Since Jaylen Waddle was lost for the season, Smith has been incredible. He makes a string of highlight catches seemingly every game. I’m on record saying he lacks the speed of Henry Ruggs III or the frame of Jerry Jeudy, but honestly, that doesn’t matter one bit. Smith still finds ways to win.

Najee Harris, however, added the most value to his Heisman resume today.

The Alabama running back dominated for the Crimson Tide in their SEC Championship win over Florida. Harris has the size and strength to easily win one-on-ones, but is also incredibly fleet of foot, able to change direction effortlessly. At times tonight, he looked like he was dancing around tacklers. The spin move on his way to a second quarter touchdown was a thing of beauty.

Despite Smith’s 184 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Harris’ influence on the Alabama offense was undeniable tonight. The running back rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 67 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns through the air. It was a true Heisman performance. OH

Alabama center Landon Dickerson carted off late in game against Florida (11:45 PM)

Alabama center Landon Dickerson was carted off following Alabama’s touchdown to make the game 52-38. Dickerson was rolled over during the play and was surrounded by teammates as he left the field on a cart. Early reports suggest a knee injury for a player who has seen his NFL Draft stock rise during Alabama’s exceptional season.

Tony Pauline currently has a third to fourth-round grade on Dickerson as the 121st-ranked player on his latest big board. OH

Najee Harris dominating in SEC Championship Game (11:35 PM)

I’ll have a deeper analysis of his performance later in the day, but Najee Harris is dominating the SEC Championship Game. With just under five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Harris is approaching 250 total yards and has five total touchdowns. He has been purely unstoppable tonight with his combination of size, strength, and nimble footwork.

Harris and Travis Etienne are head and shoulders above the rest of the 2021 NFL Draft running back class. OH

Desmond Ridder putting Cincinnati on his back in AAC Championship Game (11:20 PM)

Midway through the fourth quarter, Cincinnati leads Tulsa 24-17 in the AAC Championship Game. Quarterback Desmond Ridder is leading the way both through the air and on the ground with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Alec Pierce. Ridder added a ten-yard rushing touchdown to put the Bearcats back in front.

As mentioned earlier in the blog by Tony Pauline, there has been no decision so far from Ridder as to whether he will declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. If he does declare, his ability to conjure up magic with his legs, as well as making plays with his arm, makes him a more desirable prospect than Florida quarterback Kyle Trask in my opinion.

In my recent four-round NFL mock draft, I sent Ridder to the Chicago Bears in the second round. OH

Stanford and UCLA go toe-to-toe in PAC-12 thriller (11:10 PM)

After racing out to a 20-3 first-half lead, Stanford needed a last-gasp touchdown from QB Davis Mills to take the game to double overtime before finally defeating UCLA 48-47.

Mills, who is NFL Draft eligible and is the 88th ranked player on Tony Pauline’s latest big board, threw for 428 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions. Junior wide receiver Simi Fehoko snagged all three passing touchdowns on a remarkable 230-yard night.

Stanford has been without offensive tackle Walker Little and cornerback Paulson Adebo in 2020 after the pair opted out prior to the season. Despite missing what was thought to be a pivotal season for his NFL Draft stock, Little is still receiving the first-round buzz around the league, as first reported by Pauline prior to PAC-12 kick off. OH

More College Football bowl opt outs, more bowl cancellations to come? (10:55 PM)

Within the last two hours, the USC Trojans have announced that they have opted out of their potential bowl game. With 16 teams now opted out of their bowl invites, it is to be expected that more bowl cancellations are to come. There are already 12 canceled college football bowl games including the Pinstripe and Las Vegas Bowls.

Although all teams have been given eligibility during this most disrupted of seasons, the PAC-12 enforced a minimum .500 record to qualify. If Arizona State fails to beat Oregon State tonight, then there will be just two remaining eligible teams from the conference. Only Colorado and conference champions Oregon meet the requirement.

The full list of teams opted out is as follows: Washington State, Washington, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Utah, USC, UCLA, Stanford, SMU, SDSU, Pitt, Louisville, Kansas State, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Boston College. OH

Arizona State and Oregon State get the final CFB Week 16 game underway (10:40 PM)

The Arizona State Sun Devils and Oregon State Beavers will bring Week 16 to a close, and we’re underway in Corvallis. Oregon State is looking to win their season finale for the first time since 2016. However, they’ll have their work cut out against a Sun Devils side fresh off a 70-7 win over the Arizona Wildcats. Arizona State also has a 29-14 record against the Beavers.

There are several players to keep an eye on in this game from an NFL Draft perspective. Arizona State has produced first-round wide receivers the last two years. Although Frank Darby is unlikely to emulate Brandon Aiyuk or N’Keal Harry, he has the physicality to succeed in the NFL. After a disrupted season, can he end on a high note before heading to Mobile for the Senior Bowl?

Oregon State’s Jermar Jefferson has been questionable through this week due to an ankle injury but warmed up prior to the game. If the junior running back is fully fit today, he can be a game changer for the Beavers. Jefferson averages 143 yards per game against the Sun Devils and is running the rock at 6.9 yards per carry on over 100 carries in 2020.

Another Oregon State NFL Draft hopeful looking to impress is Hamilcar Rashed Jr. The linebacker led the nation in tackles for loss in 2019. Although he hasn’t been as productive in this shortened season, the kid can wreak havoc in the backfield. OH

I’m not a believer in Zach Smith as an NFL quarterback (10:25 PM)

Tulsa signal-caller Zach Smith has received some late-round grades in the scouting community, but I believe his next-level potential is suspect.  Smith is a decent arm talent, but his accuracy, pass placement, and decision making leave a lot to be desired.  He’s missed a lot of passes in the AAC title game this evening besides missing wide-open receivers, which would’ve resulted in big gainers or scores to put Tulsa up on the scoreboard.  This has been a constant thread in Smith’s game the past two seasons.

Sean Rhyan developing into a real good tackle (10:20 PM)

The Stanford-UCLA game is getting close as the Cardinal is down 7 points and just recovered a fumble with less than 2 minutes in the game.  Despite this, we are seeing the development of an excellent offensive line prospect in Bruin left tackle, Sean Rhyan.

The redshirt sophomore is fundamentally sound and very strong at the point.  He gets movement run blocking, anchors in pass protection, and plays with a nasty attitude.  Whether Rhyan projects to left tackle, right tackle, or even guard for the next level is yet to be decided, but he shows a lot of NFL potential.

Taylor- potential UDFA steal (9:25 PM)

I graded Tulsa running back Corey Taylor as a low-level free agent, which parallels most scout’s views. Taylor played back-up to Deneric Prince this season, yet he was good when he was on the field.  Taylor is a strong downhill ball carrier with a burst and a back rarely brought down by a single defender.   He’s shown all of that tonight as Taylor has 75 yards rushing on 13 carries and just popped into the end zone for the game-tying score.

Taylor is an adequate pass catcher out of the backfield and has enough skill to make an NFL roster as a fifth back.

Najee Harris = First-round prospect playing a day two position (9:10 PM)

I’ve said this all along.

Harris is a complete back with size, speed, and quickness.  He displays excellent footwork for a bigger back, showing the ability to make defenders miss and has the power to bulldoze over defenders then pick up yardage off initial contact.  Harris has the size and skill to be a feature runner.

The fact he’s not a great perimeter runner or a breakaway threat will knock him down some draft boards, but I have no doubt Harris will be a terrific back in the NFL.

Feisty Cristian Williams playing well  (9:00 PM)

Tulsa is down 10-0 to the Bearcats, but it’s not due to lack of effort.

Safety Cristian Williams has been flying around the field, mixing it up with opponents and working to make plays.   Williams fits the “good player/poor athlete mold,” as he’s an instinctive defensive back but comes with average size (5-feet-10.5-inches and 195 pounds) and poor speed (4.65s).   He won’t get drafted but comes with a special teams mentality, which is how he’ll make a next-level roster.

Sleeper DT making plays for the Bearcats (8:25 PM)

Viewing the UC film, I found a lot of impressive players on both sides of the line.  One of them was defensive tackle Curtis Brooks — number 92.  Brooks was not graded or mentioned by scouts entering the season, but he pops off the tape.  He’s an undersized one-gap tackle with tremendous quickness off the snap and great intensity.  Brooks won’t be selected in the draft but will compete for a spot on a next level roster over the summer as a three-technique tackle or rotational lineman in a four-man front.

San Jose State pass-catchers pouring it on (8:10 PM)

The Mountain West title game has been one of the most entertaining contests of the day.  San Jose is ahead 27-20 and hopes to finish the season undefeated as time winds down in the fourth quarter.

The Spartans’ three pass-catchers, all of who made my risers list in one form or another this season, have played splendidly.  Tre Walker leads all receivers with seven receptions, 137 yards, and one TD.  Bailey Gaither has five receptions for 98 yards, while tight end Derrick Deese Jr has caught six passes for 75 yards.

Deese especially is playing well and has displayed incredible development this season.  Ungraded and unmentioned by scouts entering the season, Deese now grades as a late-round pick.

SEC Title Game Draft board (8:00 PM)

The board is Alabama heavy, and it could be a high scoring affair.  Whether both teams score a lot or Alabama scores a bunch remains to be seen.

AAC title game a contest of underclassmen (7:45 PM)

The American Athletic Conference title game pits number nine Cincinnati against Tulsa in a nationally televised contest. It’s also a game that features several outstanding underclassmen prospects, highlighted by Zaven Collins of Tulsa. As I’ve noted several times, Collins is expected to enter the draft (I put it at 99%) and grades as a mid-first round choice.

But what of the Bearcats underclassmen?

UC has three highly rated underclassmen, including quarterback Desmond Ridder (third round), offensive tackle James Hudson (fourth round), and pass rusher Myjai Sanders (fourth round).  All would benefit from another year on the college field, and another good season would improve their draft stock one to two rounds.

I’m told Ridder has been very elusive about his decision.  Hudson is thinking about it, as is Sanders.  Of the three, it seems Sanders would be the most likely to enter.  He’s an incredibly athletic pass rusher who also makes many plays in space but needs to add a bit of bulk and strength to his frame.

Swan Song for Jake Ferguson? (7:35 PM)

Wisconsin evened its’ record at 3-3 after defeating Minnesota 20-17 this afternoon.  During the game, Badgers tight end Jake Ferguson finished with three receptions for 35 yards, bringing his season total to 29 receptions, 284 yards, and four TD’s during the six games.  The question which now must be answered; was this the final college game for Ferguson?  Presently the junior grades as a third-round pick and the number five tight end on my board.

Sources close to the situation tell me no definite decision has been made, and they believe right now the odds are 50/50 as to whether or not Ferguson enters the draft or returns for his senior season.

Lawrence vs. Book is a perfect case study for quarterbacks and the elevation trait (7:20 PM)

There has never been a point in time where Trevor Lawrence and Ian Book have been in the same stratosphere as draft prospects. However, it’s still useful to see both of them on the same field because the comparison holds value for quarterback evaluation. It shows why a quarterback’s ability to elevate his team is so crucial at the NFL level.

Trevor Lawrence can elevate his team consistently. Ian Book cannot. There are dozens of traits that build toward those conclusions, of course. However, with quarterbacks who can elevate, there’s an absolute implicit confidence whenever they take the field. Lawrence has that, and that’s one reason why he’s the undisputed QB1. Meanwhile, Book is a decent college quarterback and a potential NFL backup, but that’s where his projection stops. IC

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah continues to impress for Notre Dame (7:05 PM)

The scoreboard isn’t kind to Notre Dame right now; they currently trail the Clemson Tigers 34-10, and Dabo Swinney’s squad will come out of this one with a comfortable ACC Championship victory and a guaranteed spot in the NCAA playoffs. But despite Notre Dame’s underwhelming performance on the scoreboard, they’ve enjoyed standout games from select players.

On offense, Liam Eichenberg has been a standout. On defense, that player has been linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. While the Fighting Irish defense has struggled overall, Owusu-Koramoah has been as impactful as he usually is. With his instincts and straight-line explosiveness, Owusu-Koramoah is a dangerous player in the box and in coverage, and he’ll make an NFL team happy next season with his versatility. IC

Braylon Sanders finds end zone again before suffering knee injury (6:50 PM)

The Ole Miss Rebels have a habit of getting into high-scoring matchups, and that’s been the case today, as they’ve needed to play catch-up after five Matt Corral interceptions dug them into a hole. The Rebels scored a touchdown to regain the lead over LSU, and Braylon Sanders was again at the receiving end. Sanders made an impressive 25-yard grab, and through a knee injury, he managed to hang onto the ball and secure the catch.

Sanders’ outlook may be clouded with this injury; he was taken to get X-rays after the incident. Regardless, Sanders has some very intriguing traits, no matter which draft he ends up declaring for. Sanders has outstanding athleticism and body control, and while overall consistency is an issue, there’s a definite upside to mold. Hopefully, his injury isn’t too serious. IC

Even in blowout, Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg shows off upside (6:25 PM)

It’s been a game to forget for Brian Kelly’s Fighting Irish in a must-win situation. Clemson leads Notre Dame 31-3 in what’s been a lopsided affair from the start, with the third quarter winding down. Despite the uncompetitive nature of this game, however, one positive for the Irish has been tackle Liam Eichenberg.

Eichenberg, even despite his team’s underperformance, continues to show off his potential first-round upside. While Ian Book has been uncomfortable and inconsistent in the pocket, Eichenberg has completed his assignments. He clearly has outstanding mobility when sliding laterally, and he also plays with excellent pad level and consistent leverage. Eichenberg delivers no matter the circumstances, and that kind of reliability is coveted in tackles every year. IC

Jabril Cox contributing to strong defensive performance in the turnover department (6:20 PM)

The LSU Tigers have now picked off Matt Corral five times, and although the game is starting to get a bit closer, LSU has had control for the entirety of the game, a feat which can be credited to their ability to generate turnovers. One such interception was nabbed by senior linebacker Jabril Cox, who read Corral perfectly and made the play with proactivity.

Cox is an athletic specimen at 6-foot-4, 231, and he’s been incredibly active this season, with 51 tackles, a sack, three picks, and five pass deflections in ten games. Cox sometimes gets overlooked with other risers like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Zaven Collins ascending boards. Still, Cox has a ton of potential at the next level, and his production in the SEC, after transferring from North Dakota State, only reinforces that fact. IC

Jahan Dotson again making plays for the Penn State Nittany Lions (5:50 PM)

It’s unclear if junior wide receiver Jahan Dotson will head to the NFL Draft, but his rise in 2020 at least makes it a possibility. Dotson has been one of the Nittany Lions’ best offensive weapons in a year defined by gridlock on that side of the ball. Heading into this game, Dotson had 46 catches for 695 yards and six scores, and today, he’s already scored on a 75-yard catch.

On that scoring play, Dotson quickly extended to haul in a wide pass from Sean Clifford, then geared up quickly to get to the open field and supersede the Fighting Illini coverage unit. Dotson is only 5-foot-11, 182, but his athletic traits and big-play ability should get him some attention at the next level, even if he opts to stay for another year. IC

Travis Etienne puts Tigers up three touchdowns with speed, explosiveness (5:30 PM)

The Clemson Tigers are making sure Notre Dame doesn’t beat them like last time. Nearing the half, they’re up 24-3, and their latest score came courtesy of running back Travis Etienne.

On the run, Etienne took a handoff in the backfield and started left before using his quick acceleration and explosiveness to gear up and slip past the linebackers into open space. From there, Etienne couldn’t be caught, and he rolled into the end zone with no resistance. It’s a tight race for RB1 between Etienne and Najee Harris, but Etienne’s sheer dynamic ability sets him apart, regardless. IC

Small-school standout making plays early for San Jose State (5:25 PM)

There are always solid producers who go unnoticed in the lower-prestige conferences at the wide receiver position. One such example in 2020 is San Jose State wide receiver, Tre Walker. Walker had 79 catches, 1,161 yards, and two scores in 2019, and this year, on a truncated schedule, he’s reprised his role as a spark plug for the Spartans offense.

Today, against the Boise State Broncos, Walker is quickly picking up where he left off. He already scored on a 55-yard screen, on which Walker high-pointed an inaccurate pass, then evaded a tackler and ran to the house down the sideline. The big play masks the fact that Walker doesn’t have top-end speed for his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. But Walker’s ability to simply produce should earn him a camp appearance, at the very least. IC

Corral’s volatility on full display against the LSU Tigers (5:05 PM)

Remember when I mentioned Matt Corral’s volatility? The Rebels’ passer has three interceptions in the first half against the LSU Tigers. The game is reminiscent of Corral’s game against the Arkansas Razorbacks earlier in the season when Corral tossed six of his twelve total interceptions on the year.

This is part of why Corral decided to return to college football for the 2021 season. Corral has many of the physical traits you want in a quarterback; he has an outstanding arm, and his athleticism is also good for the position. However, Corral’s decision making and general consistency leave much to be desired at times. Another year with Lane Kiffin could make him a much more enticing draft prospect. IC

Lawrence responds with touchdown pass to Amari Rodgers (4:45 PM)

The Tigers got off easy after the Fighting Irish missed a chip-shot field goal off of Lawrence’s interception, and on the next offensive drive, Lawrence rebounded, hitting Amari Rodgers in stride for a long touchdown strike. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound pass-catcher broke free of tight coverage and tracked the ball well before taking it into the end zone.

The throw by Lawrence was impressive, as he dished it downfield with good power and touch. But Rodgers made the play possible with his short-area burst and speed. Rodgers’ run-after-catch ability and contact balance is his most advertised trait. Still, the Tigers wideout has very impressive explosiveness in open space, and his amalgamation of traits could eventually make him a Day 2 pick. IC

Trevor Lawrence makes rare mistake in early moments of Notre Dame game (4:30 PM)

Trevor Lawrence is without a doubt the top quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, but even one of the best prospects in NFL Draft history isn’t immune to mistakes. Just a few minutes ago, Lawrence made a pass up the middle of the field, intended for a receiver on an in-breaking route. In the process of throwing, he failed to spot the linebacker sitting in the zone. The ball was batted up in the air by Drew White and picked off by star safety Kyle Hamilton.

Up until that point, Lawrence had had a solid drive. He made a few crisp passes to the intermediate-range and showed off his running ability on one occasion. The upside is too enticing for teams to overlook despite one mistake, but it goes to show that Lawrence, even for all his redeeming traits, is yet fallible. He’ll have to have more discipline with his eyes and more patience in the pocket in the future. IC

Nick Bolton looking to finish season strong against Mississippi State (4:15 PM)

He’s long been regarded as one of the best linebackers in college football, and not long ago, Bolton was recognized as a finalist for the Butkus Award. It’s a testament to Bolton’s skill and his ever-consistent production as a member of the Missouri Tigers’ second level. Bolton will do his best to make a bid for the award today against a Bulldogs offense that’s had its fair share of struggles in 2020.

Bolton profiles as a solid Day 2 prospect who could rise into the first round if a team thinks he is a good fit. I liken Bolton to a prospect in the mold of Devin Bush. While Bush had better top-end athletic traits, Bolton still fits the prototype in that he’s a slightly undersized linebacker who’s incredibly instinctive, fast-paced, and has density to his undersized frame. Other linebackers might have more physical upside, but Bolton’s reliability will undoubtedly be coveted at the NFL level. IC

Heavily-anticipated rematch now underway in Clemson-Notre Dame series (4:00 PM)

It’s 4:00 eastern standard time, which means it’s time for the Clemson-Notre Dame game to commence. Earlier in the season, these two teams provided us with one of the best games of the year, and the Fighting Irish shockingly came out on top. There are playoff implications on the line this time, and the raised stakes might make the competition that much more fierce.

The headliner is obviously quarterback Trevor Lawrence, whose traits will be under the microscope after Justin Fields’ uneven showing against Northwestern. But there’s a treasure trove of talent aside from Lawrence to consider as well. Amari Rodgers is an underrated RAC receiver, and Cornell Powell is also an exceptional talent with next-level potential. They’ll face off against a Notre Dame defense led by potential first-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. IC

Ole Miss kicking off LSU showdown without two key offensive players (3:45 PM)

The Ole Miss Rebels will aim to finish their regular season on a high note today as they face off against the LSU Tigers in their final SEC matchup. The Tigers’ susceptible defense provides an opportunity for Lane Kiffin, but Ole Miss will be a bit shorthanded. Two of their most dynamic weapons, Elijah Moore and Kenny Yeboah, declared for the NFL Draft.

Even so, the Ole Miss-LSU game is worth watching. Matt Corral could be one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft if he can limit his volatility next season. Senior receiver Braylon Sanders also has some intriguing traits. He’s far from a lock to be drafted, but the 6-foot-0, 190-pound Sanders has underrated athletic tools and body control, as he showed on his touchdown catch just a few moments ago. If he can put up a strong performance in Moore’s absence, he can gain some notoriety heading into the offseason. IC

Chase Allen = Eric Tomlinson (3:20 PM)

Everyone always mentions Charlie Kolar when talking about next-level tight ends from the Iowa State program, but don’t dismiss Dylan Soehner or Chase Allen.  While neither will likely be drafted, both have the ability to make an NFL roster.

Allen reminds me of Eric Tomlinson, the former UTEP tight end who now in his seventh season in the NFL.  Like Tomlinson, Allen is a solid short-yardage pass catcher but, more than anything else, will be valued as a blocker on Sunday.

Sermon giving one today (3:00 PM)

Northwestern is hanging tough despite being the talent deficiency they give away to Ohio State.  And while Justin Fields has played poorly (more on that next week), Trey Sermon has stepped up his game and is showing pre-injury form.

Sermon has 231 yards on 18 carries with one TD today.  He’s averaging 12.8 yards per carry, which is pretty good for a downhill power runner.  Sermon was banged up last season at Oklahoma before being lost for the year in November with a knee injury. He then transferred to Ohio State, and after a slow start when he played back-up to Master Teague, he’s really turned up the wick over the past two games.

Sermon will be a solid day three pick who will help a squad as a short-yardage, interior ball carrier.

CU junior lineman headed to the draft? (2:45 PM)

Colorado’s scheduled game against Oregon was canceled today to allow the Ducks to participate in the PAC 12 title game- which they promptly won.  Word is the Buffs are likely to accept a bowl bid, which they will assuredly be offered after going 4-1 this season.

Keep a close eye on CU left tackle William Sherman, whom I’m told is 50/50 on entering April’s draft.

I presently grade Sherman as a sixth-round guard but feel it would be a mistake entering the draft.  Sherman made my big board as a player to watch after his freshman season, and while I like his athleticism and upside, he really has not taken his game to the next level.  Sherman is fluid and moves around the field well but really needs to improve his strength at the point and finish blocks.

Raine again showing he’s a next-level prospect (2:15 PM)

John Raine was listed as my “Sleeper of the Week” after Northwestern’s first game this season, albeit in late October.  Once again, he’s displaying next level stuff despite not being graded by scouts before the season.  Raine has three receptions for 15 yards today and has been critical in the blocking game.  Raine is unlikely to be drafted, but he’s one of those “you get what you see” type of prospects- someone that’s a good football player who can be an inexpensive back-up on an NFL depth chart.

Where will the Hula Bowl be played this season?  (1:50 PM)

The Hula Bowl made the courageous decision to move ahead and play next month despite every other major All-Star game canceling, except of course the Senior Bowl- the granddaddy of them all.  And while the Hula Bowl is still scheduled to occur in January, where it actually takes place could be an issue.

On Thursday, it was announced Aloha Stadium, home field for Hawaii football since 1975, was placing a moratorium on new events.  It was a curious announcement as Hawaii football is now forced to find a place to play the next two seasons before a new stadium opens in 2023.  How Hawaii football, who has played home games at Aloha Stadium for some 45 years, is classified as a “new event” is baffling.

As of now, the Hula Bowl, set to be played on January 31^st, won’t be affected and will kick off as scheduled.  Or so it seems. I’m told the Hula Bowl may move from Aloha Stadium, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and a host of other options are being considered.

There are several high school stadiums on the main island of Hawaii where practices and the game can take place.  Several of these high school stadiums have better turf fields than the one at Aloha Stadium.   I’m also told other cities, such as Las Vegas, are courting the Hula Bowl and would love to host the event in January.  The event is appealing to places outside Hawaii as sponsorship for the Hula Bowl is sealed up, and the game is not reliant on attendance this year.

Norwood displaying terrific ball skills (1:25 PM)

Despite the scoreboard reading 17-0 in favor of the Sooners, the Big 12 title game has had some exciting moments on the field and on the sideline. OU cornerback Tre Norwood provided several of those moments, as the junior just picked off his second pass of the day.

Norwood, graded as a sixth-round prospect on my board, is a smallish but speedy corner with solid ball skills. Including his pair of INT’s today, Norwood has a total of five this season. His size dictates he’ll be a nickel or dime back at the next level, but expect Norwood to be a Day 3 selection when he enters the draft.

Peyton Ramsey looks terrific in the early goings (1:15 PM)

Northwestern holds a 10-7 lead over Ohio State in the Big Ten title game as the first quarter closes out, and Peyton Ramsey has been masterful moving the Wildcats offense. Ramsey is 10 of 11 passing for 71 yards. Those numbers are not gaudy, but rather efficient and mistake-free. He’s more of a sandlot/RPO quarterback with an average arm, but his moxie and competitiveness are why Ramsey grades as a sixth-round prospect on my board.

Scouts still like Josh Palmer (12:50 PM)

Tennessee receiver Josh Palmer entered the season graded as a fourth-round prospect by scouts, but has not lived up to expectations this season. Coming into today’s contest against Texas A&M, Palmer had just 30 receptions, 420 yards, and four touchdowns in nine games. Last year, his numbers were slightly better at 34 receptions and 457 yards.

Palmer’s draft stock has dropped, no doubt, as he never produced as expected or presented himself as a dominant threat despite the quarterback issues at Tennessee. Even with that being the case, scouts love his size and physical skills, as well as the flashes he’s shown. There’s still a chance Palmer gets selected in the draft, though it’s likely to be in the later rounds.

Another USC underclassman rumored to be going pro (12:40 PM)

Over the course of their abbreviated season, I’ve listed the names of receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown as well as safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Isaiah Pola-Mao as three underclassmen from the Trojans program rumored to be entering the draft. We can add another name to that list.

Sources tell me junior defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, who I graded as a sixth-round prospect before the season, is expected to enter the draft. Tuipulotu is a quick three-technique type who finished with 23 tackles and 2 sacks this season.

Boston College coaches re-recruiting players hard (12:25 PM)

Two weeks ago during The Draft Insiders podcast, I reported coaches at Boston College were pushing hard for their top underclassmen to return in 2021. Tight end Hunter Long and center Alec Lindstrom were at the top of the list. As mentioned in that report, coaches were also trying to get BC seniors to use the additional year of eligibility the NCAA is extending.

It may be working, as offensive lineman, Zion Johnson, a player I mentioned being targeted by coaches, is seriously considering a return to Boston College in 2021, according to sources.

Johnson, a fourth-year senior, struggled after moving to left tackle this season.  He’s a natural guard projected as a middle-round pick by NFL scouts.

I’m also told Lindstrom is almost assuredly returning to BC next season as well.

Is Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II entering the 2021 NFL Draft?

After three conference title games Friday night, Northwestern and Ohio State battle for Big Ten supremacy with a noon kickoff to start Saturday’s Week 16 college football action. As late as last week, I continue to hear confirmation of my report last month that Northwestern junior cornerback Greg Newsome II is giving serious consideration to entering the draft.

Newsome is a terrific cover corner with size, smarts, and ball skills, but his deep speed is a question — one that could be answered against the speed of Ohio State receiver Chris Olave and the deep arm of Justin Fields.

A next-level battle in the trenches when Clemson and Notre Dame battle in ACC Championship

The only misstep by Trevor Lawrence this season was the two games he missed after testing positive for COVID-19, proof that the first pick in next year’s draft is in fact human. One of those games he missed, of course, was Clemson’s overtime loss to Notre Dame. So Lawrence will want to make a statement in the ACC title game.

There are several matchups to watch here, and the battle between Clemson left tackle Jackson Carman and Irish defensive end Adetokunbo Ogundeji is near the top.

Both players are all over draft boards, with many believing Carman is a late-Day 2 guard who cannot play left tackle in the NFL. On the flip side, Ogundeji is stamped as a Day 2 pick by some, but he’s been more flash than consistent production throughout his Notre Dame career. Something will have to give in this game.

Can Kyle Trask rebound against Alabama defense that has underperformed this season?

Florida desperately needs a victory against Alabama in the SEC title game after losing to LSU last week if they are to have any hope of making the College Football Playoff. But it will be tough for the Gators defense to stop the Tide’s offense.

From a scouting point of view, it’s important for Kyle Trask to rebound after his poor performance from a week ago. Alabama’s defense has been suspect at times this season. So it’s equally important for the likes of Dylan Moses, Patrick Surtain II, and Josh Jobe to show they can stop, or at least slow down, the terrific skill players at Trask’s disposal.

Week 16 College Football TV Schedule: How and Where to Watch

See below for all of the Week 16 college football games today. Find out what time each game kicks off along with the channel they will be broadcast on.

College Football Conference Championship Schedule

• Big Ten Championship: #14 Northwestern vs #4 Ohio St. – 12 PM ET | FOX
• Big 12 Championship: #10 Oklahoma vs #6 Iowa St. – 12 PM ET | ABC
• ACC Championship: #3 Clemson vs #2 Notre Dame – 4 PM ET | ABC
• Mountain West Championship: Boise St. vs #24 San Jose St. – 4:15 PM ET | FOX
• SEC Championship: #1 Alabama vs #7 Florida – 8 PM ET | CBS
• AAC Championship: #23 Tulsa vs #9 Cincinnati – 8 PM ET | ABC

Week 16 College Football Regular Season Afternoon Schedule

• #5 Texas A&M at Tennessee – 12 PM ET | ESPN
• Washington St. at Utah – 1:30 PM ET | FS1
• Air Force at Army – 3 PM ET | CBSSN
• Ole Miss at LSU – 3:30 PM ET | SECN
• Missouri at Mississippi St. – 3:30 PM ET | SECN ALT
• Minnesota at Wisconsin – 4 PM ET | BTN
• Illinois at Penn St. – 5:30 PM ET | FS1

Week 16 College Football Regular Season Primetime Schedule

• Stanford at UCLA – 7 PM ET | ESPN
• Arizona St. at Oregon St. – 10:30 PM ET | ESPN