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[NCAA] Week 8: Bucky Irving, the Oregon Soldier

October 22, 2023

Every Sunday, the DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the NCAA championship and the players eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Offensive Player of the Week: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)

His game (against Washington State): 15 carries, 164 yards, 3 touchdowns

In recent matches, he has gained momentum. After an already incredible match against Washington, Marquiese ‘Bucky’ Irving did it again against another university in the state of Washington, Washington State.

Faced with a team that has two consecutive defeats, Oregon did not miss the opportunity to bounce back. For this, they were able to count on the contribution of their running back.

Productive in Minnesota for his first college season, he is now the delight of the Oregon Bucks. A starter upon his arrival, he established himself as the number 1 running back, with a season of more than 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns. This season, he has already scored as many touchdowns as last year (5).

Among his qualities, we can highlight his explosiveness and acceleration. Essential qualities for his position. He also has receiving qualities, and is not bad at dodging tackles. On the other hand, his size and physique could raise questions from NFL teams. Expected on the 3rd day (round 4 to 7), his recent performances could convince teams to bet on him from the 2nd round.

Offensive mentions

  • Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State): 11 receptions, 162 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama): 27 carries, 121 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin): 29 carries, 145 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Javon Baker (WR, UCF): 5 receptions, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Jake Briningstool (TE, Clemson): 5 receptions, 126 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • JC Latham (OT, Alabama)

Marvin Harrison Jr. is definitely on another planet. Man of the match in the Ohio State – Penn State clash, the receiver was clutch. A touchdown which seals the fate of the match (victory for Ohio State 20-12).

For the rest, few players stood out. We can still note the good outings of Jase McClellan and Braelon Allen among the runners. The first is one of the few to survive offensively in Alabama, while the second is still just as irregular in Wisconsin. Despite everything, the conclusion is the same. These two riders can be called up from the 2nd day (2nd-3rd round).

At the table of potential drafted receivers, we could find Javon Baker. The Central Florida receiver had a very good game against one of the best defenses in the country, Oklahoma. In a Clemson team that has been so disappointing this season, Jake Briningstool was one of the few to survive against Miami (FL). Like Luke Schoonmaker (Cowboys), selected in the 2nd round, he can create a surprise next April

However, he will have to progress on the blocks. For this, he can ask for help from JC Latham, excellent against Tennessee. Especially on racing games.

Could have been mentioned: Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina), Carson Steele (RB, UCLA), Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU), Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State), La’Damian Webb (RB, South Alabama ), Reggie Brown (WR, James Madison), Blake Watson (RB, Memphis), Nay’Quan Wright (RB, South Florida)

Quarterback of the week: JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan)

His match (against Michigan): 21/27, 287 yards, 4 touchdowns

After gaining yards with his legs, the Michigan quarterback then sent a laser pass in the direction of Coleston Loveland for a touchdown.

Since the start of the season, JJ McCarthy has been impeccable. Except for a game with 3 interceptions against Bowling Green in September, he is precise (77%), and scores passing touchdowns (18). Considering the performances of the other quarterbacks this week (see later), his name returns in the race for the title of best university player. Since November 2022, and a match against Illinois (week 11 NCAA), he has always thrown a touchdown pass.

However, in this series, we can see an anomaly: he never threw more than 3 touchdowns in a single game. Something he rectified with a 4-touchdown game against local rival Michigan State.

Qualified as a system quarterback, JJ McCarthy is a player who knows how to improvise. So, he can be a threat as a runner. Yet despite his strong arm and an improvement in that area this season, his accuracy remains inconsistent. His reads are average, and his timing on throws is often at the limit.

Seeing a team select him in the second round would not be surprising. On the other hand, not seeing him drafted would be. Unless he returns for another additional season in college.

Quarterback mentions

  • Cameron Ward (QB, Washington State): 34/48, 438 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Bo Nix (QB, Oregon): 18/25, 297 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas): 23/29, 211 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • JT Daniels (QB, Rice): 24/37, 341 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • Will Howard (QB, TCU): 10/16, 216 yards, 3 touchdowns

This week, the quarterbacks were not inspired, especially the main candidates for the first place in the next Draft (see later). However, we can note the magnificent fight between Cameron Ward and Bo Nix. A fight which turned to the advantage of the second. To highlight, Quinn Ewers’ good game against Houston, until his injury at the end of the 3rd quarter.

These three quarterbacks have already been mentioned in previous weeks, unlike JT Daniels and Will Howard. Two stamped quarterbacks pocket pass. An experienced player in his 6th college season, Daniels came to Georgia. Unfortunately, he lost his place with a certain Stetson Bennett.

More mobile than Daniels, Howard is in his 4th season. His journey was strewn with major injuries. This season, he managed to be healthy. In terms of passing touchdowns, he is not far from his career record (15 in 2022).

Could have been mentioned: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU), Grayson McCall (QB, Coastal Carolina)

Defensive Player of the Week: Chris Braswell (LB, Alabama)

His match (against Tennessee)4 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

“It was a personal match for us. » Chris Braswell after the game against Tennessee

Chris Braswell has a good memory. Remember last season. In a crazy atmosphere, Tennessee beat Alabama, then undefeated for many months in the regular season. This season, get out the cigars, Alabama was motivated, and took revenge on the Vols. The offense did the job. But, it was the defense that finished it.

A forced fumble from Alabama’s pass rusher, covered by teammate Jihaad Campbell, allowed the university led by Nick Saban to seal the game for good. This season, Braswell is making a name for himself in the shadow of his teammates (Turner, Anderson Jr.) who are often cited to his detriment.

An athletic pass rusher with a devastating first step, Chris Braswell can be fluid to get rid of his opponent. However, its range of movements is limited. He often appears impatient and often finds himself ineffective. This season, this point seems to be corrected even if he still has work to do.

Expected on Day 3, he can become a solid rotation player in the big league.

Defensive mentions

  • Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State): 4 tackles (including 2 for loss), 0.5 sack
  • Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson): 11 tackles (including 2 for loss), 2 passes defended
  • Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri): 7 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception
  • Evan Williams (S, Oregon): 14 tackles, 1 sack
  • Justin Walley (CB, Minnesota): 4 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception
  • Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo): 5 tackles, 3 passes defended

This week, the defenses were celebrating. The Ohio State – Penn State clash illustrates this very well. Certainly, Chop Robinson did not finish the game. On the other hand, his teammate Adisa Isaac was a constant threat to the offensive line. Same thing for the Miami (FL) – Clemson meeting. Miami (FL) had the last laugh, but Jeremiah Trotter Jr. did everything to keep his team in the game.

The second curtain is the one that stood out the most. Cooper DeJean thought he would give Iowa a victory against Minnesota. Ultimately, it was Justin Walley and his teammates who performed the upgrade. Evan Williams and Jaylon Carlies are everywhere. Quarterbacks should keep a close eye on these two players, destined to become future defensive leaders in the big league.

Precisely, in the big league, Quinyon Mitchell shows interesting athletic qualities. The MAC conference looks too easy for him. Last year, he had a game with 4 (!) interceptions. This season, he is already at 10 passes defended. An atypical profile that could attract many NFL recruiters.

Could have been mentioned: Tre’Mon Morris-Brash (EDGE, UCF), Cedric Johnson (EDGE, Ole Miss), Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois), Jaylan Ford (LB , Texas), Calen Bullock (S, USC), Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina), Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami (FL)), Maema Njongmeta (LB, Wisconsin), Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan), MJ Devonshire (CB, Pittsburgh)

Disappointment of the week: Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina)

His match (against Virginia): 24/48, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

The statistics are not necessarily bad. The contingent of receivers is not capable of making plays, despite Devontez Walker. However, Drake Maye failed to be decisive when it needed to be.

Trailing with 26 seconds left in the game, the North Carolina quarterback was hit by Virginia pass rusher Paul Akere. The consequence is fatal, an interception, which results from a defeat. The Tar Heels’ season premiere.

However, Virginia is one of the worst teams in the ACC conference. This defeat necessarily compromises North Carolina’s playoff chances. It also compromises Drake Maye’s chances of aiming for the title of best college player this season.

It makes you wonder who wants the number 1 spot in the next Draft. Promised to Caleb Williams or him, both players have talent. However, given their recent performances, they could worry teams around the league who want to rebuild around a new quarterback.

Other disappointments: Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington), Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina), Kalen King (CB, Penn State), Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky), Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State), Braelen Trice (EDGE, Washington)

Action of the week

USC has found its nemesis, the University of Utah. Losing for the second consecutive time, USC says goodbye to the playoffs. Therefore, despite a good game, Caleb Williams can also say goodbye to a 2nd consecutive trophy for best university player. But also in first place in the Draft next April?

The bonus of the week

Cincinnati is new to the Big 12 conference. If this university doesn’t mean anything to you, know that it’s the university that released Desmond Ridder (QB, Falcons), but especially Sauce Gardner (CB, Jets).

The least we can say is that the learning seems difficult, especially in terms of ball security. A fumble can pass if it’s covered. Two means less, especially if it ends in a touchdown.

SEE ALSO:  [Off-season] Denver Broncos: A quarterback to climb the mountains
October 22, 2023
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