Game Previews: Outback Bowl and Citrus Bowl

Rob Willette

hurdHappy New Year from DLF! We kick off 2016 by covering today’s slate of games. Keep an eye out for part two, covering the Fiesta Bowl, the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl.

January 1

Outback Bowl

Northwestern vs. Tennessee

ESPN2, 12:00 p.m. EST

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Have the Volunteers finally found the formula for becoming a SEC heavyweight once again? 2015 featured many promising signs. Tennessee was in position to beat Oklahoma, Alabama, and Florida this year before losing each game late. Obviously, Butch Jones needs to start adding some marquee wins to his resume if this program is really returning to its glory days. But the foundation appears stronger than it has been over the past decade.

Offensive talent has never been an issue in Knoxville, and the Volunteers are dripping with it at the skill positions once again. They’re led by hard running sophomore tailback Jalen Hurd, whose tall, sinewy frame gives him the appearance of a move tight end running between the tackles. Hurd’s also a capable receiver and more than just your typical college grinder, though I don’t see a great deal of explosion or a dynamic skill-set and I am thus approaching him with some reticence. It is fair to wonder if the eyeball test is skewed by his size; he can gallop and chew up yardage with ease. He’s improved each year on campus and could really explode if the offense opens up a bit. The intrigue is there even if I am not all-in on Hurd just yet.

Backfield mate Alvin Kamara is arguably right there with Hurd as the most intriguing devy prospect in this ballgame. The former Crimson Tide running back and JUCO transfer has made an immediate impact, flashing versatility as a receiver and elite burst. He and Hurd will form one of the nation’s best running back tandems again in 2016.

Expected to be a position of strength, wide receiver has been a bit of an enigma for Tennessee in 2015. Marquez North has seen his junior season ruined by injury; Josh Malone has yet to take the next step; Preston Williams was eased into action as a true freshman. This group still has a lot of potential but the results have not matched the talent thus far. Of the trio, give me Williams as a long-term play.

The only notable skill position talent on Northwestern is Justin Jackson. The true sophomore has embraced the role of offensive centerpiece, becoming the offense’s best player from the moment he stepped on campus. Jackson has production and youth on his side; I’ve yet to see play which screams NFL back.

Citrus Bowl

Florida vs. Michigan

ABC, 1:00 p.m. EST

The Gators offense comes limping into the Citrus Bowl, having struggled with Treon Harris under center and hitting rock bottom in a two point effort against rival Florida State. Despite their struggles, there are plenty of young players to monitor for the Gators. Chief among them is true freshman Antonio Callaway, whose virtues I will continue to extol over the offseason. Callaway’s acceleration is smooth and seamless, and despite less than ideal size he makes big man plays down the field. A versatile weapon whose game continues to grow, he’s currently one of the more underrated devy prospects.taylor

Florida’s backfield is littered with talent. Kelvin Taylor has voiced his intentions to go pro. Despite great bloodlines and a lot of brand name recognition, he’s a bit of a tweener in many regards. He’s just not quite fast enough, powerful enough, or elusive enough to become a lead runner at the NFL. I could see him having a brief career as a back-up, though I don’t think he is a notable prospect and do not see him as being as talented as former Gator Mike Gillislee, who has bounced around the league a bit already. The positive of Taylor’s departure is it opens the door for a pair of young runners. Jordan Scarlett was a recruit whom many including myself loved out of high school. He’s a runner who wins with balance and quicks; while some of the shine may have come off his star after a slower than expected freshman season, he is still a 2016 breakout candidate. The Gators other Jordan – Jordan Cronkite – offers a bit more versatility while lacking the workhorse profile of Scarlett. Both should be major contributors to the Florida offense next season.

Demarcus Robinson will forever be cemented as a “what could have been” player. Physically talented, he could just never put it all together in Gainesville and I have little hope he sorts this out as he moves on to the next phase of his career.

The Wolverines are headlined by tight end Jake Butt, whose well-rounded game could have put him in the discussion to be the top tight end off the board had he not opted to return to school for his senior season. He’s got prototype size along with reliable hands and is fearless making plays in traffic. It is tough to find a flaw in his game. He’s one of the nation’s top devy prospects at the position.

Amara Darboh had his long awaited breakout in 2015, tallying 703 yards and racking up highlight reel plays. He’s not a tremendous athlete; he wins with ball skills and strong hands. I could see him carving out a long NFL career, though I don’t think it happens immediately and I’m not bullish on his fantasy profile. De’Veon Smith is fun to watch. He’s relentless as a runner; all heart and soul and he gives everything he has. Unfortunately, it does not add up to feature runner, and quality college back is likely his apex.

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rob willette