Week 8 of the college football campaign officially begins on Thursday with an appetizing matchup between Boston College and Virginia Tech. Florida State, Oregon, Purdue, BYU, and Oklahoma State are in action on Friday. With the NFL pre-draft process already kicking into high gear, this weekend's slate of college contests presents several must-watch showdowns. The Senior Bowl will have scouts in attendance at multiple games.
The Senior Bowl recently released its watchlist, and several talents could increase their chances of receiving an invite to Mobile by boosting their pre-draft stock this weekend.
We've identified five must-watch talents for Week 8.
Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow slightly climbed our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings, landing at No. 64 in the October update. That rightfully places Mbow in the second-round conversation. On Friday evening, he'll face an excellent test against a stout Oregon defensive line.
Mbow won’t face Ducks sack leader Jordan Burch (No. 85 overall), who is nursing an ongoing knee injury. Oregon still has other talented defensive linemen, including Derrick Harmon. Mbow's Boilermakers are four-score underdogs, but a positive showing for Mbow in front of NFL evaluators would do wonders for his pre-draft stock and Senior Bowl chances.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
One of the must-watch games of the week is No. 7 Alabama versus No. 11 Tennessee. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (No. 16 overall) has elevated himself into the QB1 conversation with his play this season, but he was less impressive than usual in recent showings versus Vanderbilt and South Carolina.
The Volunteers are supposed to be an offensive-minded team, but they've relied on a better-than-advertised defense in recent wins over Florida and Oklahoma. First-round pass rusher James Pearce Jr. (No. 38 overall) will be anxious to make Milroe uncomfortable in the pocket.
Jonas Sanker, SAF, Virginia
Virginia safety Jonas Sanker has recorded 49 tackles in six appearances this season, including three double-digit performances. Sanker is a tackling machine who’s accumulated an ACC-leading 107 last season. In a safety class that lacks depth, he possesses a terrific chance to receive that invite to Mobile later this winter.
Sanker and the Cavaliers are understandably big-time underdogs against the Clemson Tigers this weekend. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has improved this season, and is currently playing like a legitimate NFL draft prospect. Sanker will be tasked with making plays around the line of scrimmage while slowing down running back Phil Mafah (No. 51 overall).
Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
The Louisville Cardinals have a few NFL-worthy defenders, but it's EDGE Ashton Gillotte (No. 48 overall) that's their best player. Gillotte is an outstanding run defender who's showcasing improvement as a pass rusher. He recorded his second sack of the campaign in last weekend's triumph over Virginia.
Cam Ward (No. 10 overall) and the Miami Hurricanes are Saturday's opponents. Miami is a slight favorite. For Louisville to execute the upset, it'll require a big-time showing from Gillotte, who will be chasing Ward all evening long.
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
South Carolina interior defensive lineman T.J. Sanders climbed our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings to No. 52 overall. Functional strength and fluid movements are present in bunches. Sanders uses length to create mismatches inside.
Sanders pairs prototypical size with good athleticism and a red-hot motor that's always revving. The Marion native has totaled 26 tackles and one sack thus far this season. Saturday's showdown versus Oklahoma presents Sanders with another opportunity to continue improving his pre-draft stock.
