Bowl Game Previews: January 2nd

Rob Willette

washington

What does mediocrity get you these days? A January 2nd bowl game, in some cases. In the corporate era, there are too many bowl games to track with countless companies slapping their name on otherwise storied contests. They’re seemingly inventing bowl games these days in order to squeeze every last dollar out of the college football season that they can. January bowl games used to be a goal; now they’re a mixed bag. However, more football is never a bad thing. Even though many of these games are ones that The Ocho would be ashamed of airing, the entire January 2nd slate will appear on ESPN.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Houston vs. Pittsburgh
ESPN, 12 p.m. EST

John O’Korn made an appearance on my Devy 100 list last year, but he was benched midseason and most of the shine has atrophied from his star. That leaves Deontay Greenberry as the real headliner of the devy crop. The sinewy junior has taken a step back statistically due to the Cougars’ uneven pass game, but his overall has become more refined; no longer is he being guided by his physical tools. He’s a day two pick in what is shaping up to be another deep receiver class.

Former Southern California receiver Markeith Ambles has one of the most pun friendly names in sports, so you hope he makes it to the NFL. There’s talent here and he’s had his moments, but he’s a long-shot to contribute at the next level. He is, however, likely Houston’s second best devy prospect and a huge target to keep an eyeball on in this tilt.

Pittsburgh’s up and downs are no fault of sophomores James Connor and Tyler Boyd. One of the nation’s best backs, Connor is a no-nonsense, tackle me if you can bruiser with surprisingly nimble feet. Some are down on his pro prospects – some even prefer him as a defensive end – but I’m a fan of his overall game, even if it has flaws. He’s in league with Derrick Henry when it comes to power runners in the non-draft eligible category.

Boyd does things on the football field that just don’t make sense. A slender receiver that is seemingly all ligaments and no joints or bones, Boyd routinely makes impossible catches look routine. He’s still got physical development to do, but he has a case to be the top devy player overall once the 2015 class moves on.

TaxSlayer Bowl
Iowa vs. Tennessee
ESPN, 3:20 p.m. EST

I have a colleague who is a proud Iowa alum. Much like him, Kirk Ferentz has mailed it in and is complacent with putting forth a mediocre product. The Hawkeyes have fallen behind in the Big 10’s weaker division, and while there’s still talent to be found along the offensive line and on defense, this team is short on talent at the skill positions. In a column with a word limit, it is wise to move on the much more intriguing devy team: Tennessee.

The Volunteers are still rebuilding, yet there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Knoxville.   Joshua Dobbs assumed the starting quarterback role at midseason and added spark to an often moribund offense. A true dual-threat with a howitzer, Dobbs has a lot of upside and the potential to emerge into one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks, though I’m not investing a devy pick in him quite yet.

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Jalen Hurd has led the running game as a true freshman. Out of high school, I thought a position switch may be in the works; give Hurd a year to bulk up and he could look good in the front seven of a defense. However, he’s fit in nicely on offense. While he can be a bit stiff laterally and runs small at times, he’s a versatile back with plus speed. If he can add a nasty demeanor and good bulk, he could be a similar prospect to Derrick Henry. As is, he is a speculative talent at the running back position.

The Volunteers have had plenty of NFL talent at receiver recently. This year’s roster is no different, with as many as four receivers having a professional future. Supremely gifted true freshman Josh Malone had what some may consider to be a disappointing season, though if anyone is selling low, it is the perfect time to pounce. A groin injury slowed the dynamic receiver; when he was all systems go, we got to see the smooth receiver show he’s possibly the nation’s best receiver. Fast and agile despite being mostly legs at this stage, Malone has arguably the most upside of young pass catcher in the nation.

Marquez North is another Volunteers receiver who caught the injury bug. Expected to build on a notable freshman season, North instead was bogged down by questionable quarterback play and eventually got shut down due to a shoulder ailment. The big receiver ends his 2014 campaign with a pedestrian 30 receptions for 320 yards and four scores. While he’s not the talent Malone is, he’s still capable of more than he has shown in 2014.

Von Pearson was a highly regarded junior college recruit, but after a season in which he served as a possession receiver, he is off the devy radar. Already the age of a second year pro, he’s not worth the investment. Jason Croom is a supersized target, yet not much of a space player. Unfortunately, he’s also out for the bowl game due to a knee injury suffered at practice, and he’s seen his stock dip as well.

Valero Alamo Bowl
Kansas State vs. UCLA
ESPN, 6:45 p.m. EST

It is impossible to not hold Bill Snyder in the highest esteem as a college coach. He finds players who buy into his system and leave their heart and soul in tatters on the football field. From a devy perspective, they’re thin, though Tyler Lockett is an intriguing talent. Obviously undersized, Lockett is an elite route runner with quicks and savvy in tight spaces. As a day two or day three pick, he could offer tremendous value.

UCLA is a bit more talented on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Brett Hundley is one of the nation’s most well-known quarterbacks thanks to his dual-threat ability and ability to post monster games. He’s a polarizing prospect from a NFL perspective. Some coaching staff will feel they can mask or correct his flaws, while others will likely pass due to what they consider fatal flaws. That said, he’s still the favorite to be the third quarterback off the board and has the most appeal in 2QB/superflex leagues.

Jordan Payton paced UCLA in receiving, though he’s more a quality all-around player in the mold of Shaq Evans as opposed to a difference-maker. The guy to watch out wide is Eldridge Massington, a young vertical threat with impressive body control. His long-term upside is intriguing.

TicketCityCactus Bowl
Washington vs. Oklahoma State
ESPN, 10:15 p.m. EST

If you’re up late on New Year’s Day, check out a personal favorite of mine in Dwayne Washington. At 6’1”, 220 pounds, Washington is another high-cut back that is not as compact as you’d hope, yet he’s a big play waiting to happen and runs with authority. That physicality can get him in trouble as he exposes him to some violent collisions, though it is part of what makes him effective. After a slow start, he has strung together three consecutive 100 yard outings and stands as a serious 2015 breakout candidate. He’ll lead the Huskies’ backfield committee tonight and next season.

Whether due to struggles acclimating to Chris Petersen’s system, or a slow recovery from last year’s leg injury, Kasen Williams has had a nightmarish senior campaign, with only 15 receptions and a pathetic 7.7 yards per reception. Williams can contribute as a blocker, and is still a big receiver with skills in traffic, so he’s still a possible draft pick. He’s just not the day two, number two receiver many thought he’d grow into following his sophomore year.

After giving Florida State all they could handle in the season opener, many though Oklahoma State would exceed expectations in what was expected to be a down year. Instead, they needed an upset win over Oklahoma in the finale to become bowl-eligible.

The Cowboys most explosive talent – Tyreek Hill – was dismissed late in the year, leaving them awfully thin on offensive playmakers. Young receivers J’hajuan Seales and Marcell Ateman were supposed to stabilize a deep and talented group. Instead, both were monumental disappointments. Ateman provides the most physical ability, yet he looks disinterested at times and fails to use his massive frame to dominate smaller corners. Overall, it is wise to avoid Cowboys in upcoming devy drafts.

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rob willette