The stages are set, the auto bids into the CFP are ready for war. Lets look at the key players.
ACC
UCLA (3) vs NC State (4)
Both teams have 1 loss in conference play, and sport 6 game win streaks. While UCLA won the initial matchup, expect NC State to come out swinging as he wants to defend his belt.
Names to Watch:
UCLA:
- Manu Nix – HB – 5.8 YPC, 18 TDs
- Kwazi Gilmer – WR – 1,052 YDs, 11 TDs
- Everett Dewey – CB – 8 INT
NC State:
- Akeem West – QB – 3,519 YDs 36 TD
- Hollywood Smothers – HB – 1,156 YDs 11 TD
- Kamal Bonner – OLB – 9.5 SACK 18 TFL 2 INT
B1G
Virginia Tech (2) vs Penn St (15)
VT has been perfect this season outside of 1 game against TCU. With a young quarterback, they will need to provide as much support as they can if they are going to get through these tough Conference games and CFP. Penn State is coming off a bad loss to Cincinnati, and will need a win to get in the CFP.
Names to Watch:
VT:
- Iosefa Dora – QB – 3,504 YDs 36 TD 9 INT (444 Rushing)
- Gerard Johnson – LE – 11.5 Sacks
- Dante Lovett – CB – 8 INT
Penn ST:
- Roland Stacey – HB – 870 Yds 7.4 YPC
- Kaden Saunders – WR – 980 Yds 10 TD
- Keon Wylie – MLB – 8 TFL, 4 SACK, 4 INT
PAC-12
Baylor (7) vs Colorado (20)
These two played late in the season, and Baylors lacrosse team put down the hammer. That being said, Colorado is lethal when they are firing on all cylinders and if their run game can dominate, they have an avenue of victory against Baylor.
Names to Watch:
Baylor:
- Nate Bennett – QB – 34 TD 7 INT
- Zion Kearney – WR – 993 YDs 12 TD
- Trent Thomas – LE – 10 TFL 8 SACK 1 INT
Colorado:
- Brandon Hood – HB – 1,583 YDs, 15 TD
- Kam Mikell – WR – 988 YDS 10 TD
- Kofi Taylor- Barrocks – MLB – 7 TFL, 1.5 Sack, 5 INT
SEC
Texas (1) vs TCU (8)
This game came down to the wire before and the rematch will be quite possibly the most watched game of the season. Texas won the first matchup and sports a 7 game win streak, but two Heisman contenders dominate the TCU offense and Texas defense better come correct.
Names to Watch:
Texas:
- Arch Manning – QB – 3,985 YDS 33 TD 11 INT
- Christian Clark – HB – 1,193 YDS 18 TD
- Anthony Hill Jr – OLB – 27 TFL, 15.5 SACK
TCU:
- Nate Palmer – HB – 1,405 YDs 22 TD
- Gekyle Baker – WR – 1,767 YDs 17 TD
- Devondre McGee – CB – 7 TFL, 2 SACK, 6 INT
