The Big Ten has some intriguing matchups in what should be the most action-packed weekend of the season. Ohio State is finally playing a Power Four school. Michigan has a sneaky matchup against Minnesota, and USC hosts Wisconsin for what could turn into a high-scoring game on Saturday.
The Big Ten has plenty of prospects who have an opportunity to elevate their NFL draft stock this weekend. Check out the top five prospects to look out for who have big-time resume games coming up.
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
vs. Michigan State defense
What To Look For: Ohio State started the season against three Group of Five schools and a bye week, which makes Week 5 against Michigan State by far their biggest test of the season so far. With that being the case, Will Howard remains a question mark for many NFL talent evaluators. Howard has played well this year, showcasing a big-time arm while being mobile. Howard has also shown pretty good accuracy, but the key from here on out will be consistency with his accuracy. Look for Michigan State to test him by playing some mixed coverages. Howard is also a fairly mobile quarterback who can escape the pocket and make throws. I'm looking forward to seeing how much the coaching staff trusts Howard and how he distributes the ball amongst the many playmakers that Ohio State has. Howard hasn't had many resume opportunities but this is the start.
Jordan James, RB, Oregon
vs. UCLA defense
What To Look For: Jordan James is one of the best running backs in the country that no one is talking about. In the three appearances thus far, James has shown his ability to create for himself in the backfield, being able to make defenders miss. James also shows burst in the open field. As Oregon continues to roll through their new Big Ten schedule, they are going to have to rely on balance and running the football. I'm looking at James specifically in this matchup to make some key runs and set the tone on the ground for the Ducks. UCLA has a really talented IDL Jay Toia who can be disruptive, but I'm looking for James to be able to make him miss and be an effective in-between-the-tackles runner. This matchup against UCLA is a resume builder and serves as a tune-up as Oregon prepares for the rest of its Big Ten schedule.
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
vs. Illinois defense
What To Look For: During the draft process, we always identify those players who have elite athletic traits or a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Nicholas Singleton has just that. At 6-foot and 230 pounds, Singleton has short-area quickness and burst in the open field. Thus far, Singleton has rushed for 100 yards in two of the three weeks he has played. What I'm looking for against Illinois is for Singleton to crack the 100-yard rushing mark but also contribute in the passing game and go over 40 yards receiving, proving he is an all-purpose back out of the backfield. Penn State's matchup with Illinois should require them to have to score points and I believe Singleton will be heavily involved in the game plan this week. With how deep this running back class is, matchups like these are opportunities to prove one’s self in the draft process.
Abdul Carter, LB, Penn State
vs. Illinois offense
What To Look For: I made the statement at the beginning of the season that the two best edge rushers in this class may actually be hybrid linebackers. And a large reason why I said that was because of Abdul Carter. Carter has first-step explosiveness, natural bend around the edge, and good overall athleticism to translate to the NFL and be a consistently impactful player. Carter has had a fairly slow start to the season, recording just one sack, but I'm expecting him to get into a rhythm and begin to turn up the sack production. The Illinois offense should be a good unit for him to dominate and build on his draft resume with a productive performance.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
vs. Michigan defense
What To Look For: Aireontae Ersery may have the biggest test of all NFL draft prospects this week facing this Michigan front of Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart. All three of those players pose a different skill set and I believe that Ersery will be responsible for having to block them all at some point. The race for OT1 in this draft class is still wide open, so a great showing for Ersery in this matchup could go a long way in him staking his claim. Look for how Ersery handles the various players along the Michigan front in not only pass protection but also in the run game.