Game Previews: Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl

Rob Willette Posted On January 1, 2016

Happy New Year from DLF! We kick off 2016 by covering today’s slate of games. If you missed it, be sure to check out part one, covering the Outback Bowl and the Citrus Bowl.

January 1

Fiesta Bowl

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

ESPN, 1:00 p.m. EST

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

The Fighting Irish looked be in trouble following the Malik Zaire injury. Said trouble was swiftly swatted away by redshirt freshmen DeShone Kizer, a true dual-threat quarterback who shows the arm talent to dominate all parts of the field. Despite a small sample size, he’s established himself as one of the better young quarterbacks in college football and is worthy of a roster spot in Superflex leagues.

C.J. Prosise is one of college football’s better stories. Not much was expected of the converted receiver, yet he was thrust into a key role following injury to incumbent Tarean Folston and he did not disappoint. Despite his tall frame, he runs with power and showcases a smoothness and balance which make it appear as though he has been playing the position for years. He could be one of the top five backs off the board come spring.

Will Fuller is an elite deep threat with spotty hands. Given his playmaking ability, you can live with the drops, and he’s a legitimate day two prospect even though his overall profile makes it unlikely he becomes the alpha dog in a passing game. Corey Robinson has always possessed great skills at the catch point. The rest of his game has been slower to come along. The potential still exists; he’d be best served by returning to school.

Little needs to be said about Ohio State’s quarterbacks. They’ve been talking points for the better part of a year. Neither J.T. Barrett nor Cardale Jones has built upon an impressive 2014 and Jones looks destined for either the draft or a transfer. If choosing between the two, I’d hitch my wagon to Jones and hope a new system unlocks his game.

Ezekiel Elliott is this game’s superstar. He does a little bit of everything and has emerged as the consensus top running back available in 2016, even though I do not see the gap between he and Derrick Henry as large. Elliott does all the heavy lifting in the Buckeye backfield. Poor man’s Percy Harvin Curtis Samuel and 2015 recruit Mike Weber figure to be first in line to replace Elliott, though neither approach his talent level.

I’m firmly in the camp which believes Michael Thomas is a premier receiver prospect. He’s not a dominant athlete. He just does everything else so well and uses his body incredibly well. Jalin Marshall has a nice toolkit, though I’m not feeling his game at this juncture in his career. I’d like to see him return to school.

Rose Bowl

Stanford vs. Iowa

ESPN, 5:00 p.m. EST

Stanford is led by the incomparable Christian McCaffrey, a balanced runner with the ability to make magic happen in tight spaces. He’s also a plus receiver who adds value in the return game. In short, it has been a monster season for the Stanford sophomore, and along the way he has added his name to a deep class of runners for 2017. There are a few questions as to how his game translates to the next level, though I feel they’re rather unimportant when evaluating his impact. He’s a genuinely gifted runner whose versatility can transcend scheme. I’d be tickled if I owned him in a devy league.

True freshman Trenton Irwin has played sparingly this season. However, true freshman playing at all is relatively rare for the Cardinal program. Irwin was an elite receiver recruit in 2015 and could breakout in a similar yet smaller scale fashion to McCaffrey in 2016. Austin Hooper is a big-bodied tight end who can contribute in any situation on any part of the field. There’s some buzz he could be part of the 2016 class, and he’d add a bit of spice to a rather bland class.

Iowa is a good football team who just happens to be short on skill position talent. It is just not their MO as they rely on elite line and defensive play. I would not look here for devy talent.

Sugar Bowl

Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss

ESPN, 8:30 p.m. EST

The Cowboys took major strides in 2015 largely thanks to the play of Mason Rudolph. The true sophomore looks the part, and has big-time arm talent complemented by solid athleticism and the ability to rebound quickly from mistakes. There’s still a long ways to go before we label him a premier quarterback prospect, but the foundation is there.

Oklahoma State’s best offensive player is James Washington, a receiver who does not fit any mold yet routinely dominates defenders big and small. An impressive athlete with strides which seemingly chew up ten yards at a time, Washington came out of nowhere (his only offer out of high school was Texas State) to become one of the Big 12’s best receivers. It will be fun to watch him develop as he grows into the position.

Ole Miss is inundated with talent, particularly at receiver. Laquon Treadwell is the clear top dog. Much like a workhorse back, he can wear down a defense with physicality and skills in the intermediate range. He’s not the explosive athlete many past top receiver prospects have been (though he is still good) which leaves him as more of a middle of the first round type of player. Despite limited usage, Evan Engram is the other guy on offense I’m high on. He’s essentially a jumbo sized receiver playing tight end and receiver may ultimately end up being his position. He’s smooth with a lean frame, and has really good hands even if he struggles with concentration drops. De’morea Stringfellow and Cody Core are productive college receivers, though I don’t see enough juice to carve out a niche in the NFL. Damarkus Lodge has the highest upside of the secondary receivers, though he is not going to get reps in this game.

[/am4show]