Can someone explain how we’ve already reached week 6 of the college football season? It feels like just yesterday we were collectively wondering which players would make a name for themselves this season, and in the blink of an eye, both the Heisman chase and race for the number one overall pick are taking shape.
Unfortunately, in terms of matchups, this is probably the weakest slate of games we’ve seen all season. The best game is perhaps a repeat of last year’s National Championship game, as the Michigan Wolverines head to Washington, who will be looking for albeit minor, some retribution.
Let’s check out some players from that game and other noteworthy contests.
1. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan – @ Washington, 7:30 PM ET on NBC
After an early season loss to the Texas Longhorns, Michigan has bounced back with three straight home wins, including a big-time resume builder over new conference foe USC. Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant has been a big part of their resurrection but unfortunately, he was also part of one of college football’s major follies this season – a fumble against USC that nearly cost his team the game.
The good news for Grant is that one play is just a small blip in an otherwise impressive resume. Grant shared Defensive Player of the Week honors seven times on his way to becoming an All-Big Ten selection last season.
He’s nimble for a man of his size and is an incredible athlete. At 6-4, 360 lbs, he reportedly ran a sub 4.50 40 yard dash his freshman year. I think that checks out:
His versatility is also key, as he can play both nose and 3-tech in a classic 3-4 defense, which is how the Steelers have lined up for as long as I’ve known them.
With Larry Ogunjobi getting a bit long in the tooth, Grant could be on Pittsburgh’s radar in round two.
2. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington – @ Michigan, 7:30 PM ET on NBC
The Huskies were decimated by turnover last season, as they had 10 players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, tying the most in school history. Last season Coleman played for Arizona under Jedd Fisch, who he followed to Washington as a transfer before the season. He was a beast for the Wildcats, rushing for over 140 yards twice in 2023, including 179 yards in a win over Colorado on November 11th. He finished second in the Pac-12 with 6.8 yards per carry.
Coleman is now arguably the Huskies’ best player on either side of the ball, and his statistics back that up. He has 72 carries for 521 yards and four TDs in the early season – averaging a robust 7.2 yards per carry. He’s a slippery running back with a high-level burst and an above-average ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He projects as a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
There’s no question we will learn a lot about Coleman’s stock, as this will be his biggest test to date.
3. Jayden Ott, RB, Cal – vs. Miami, 10:30 PM ET
Ott has struggled with injuries so far in 2024 and hasn’t been as effective as projected when healthy. He’s amassed just 144 on 40 carries, but his health has certainly impacted his numbers.
Last season the dual threat back had over 1,500 all-purpose yards and scored 14 touchdowns. The Miami Hurricanes gave up over 200 yards on the ground in their narrow win over Virginia Tech last week, so Ott will have a chance to show he’s still one of the best back’s the country in primetime.
4. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson – @ Florida State, 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
Miller is an iron man, as he’s started every game at right tackle for Clemson since his arrival in 2022. This season he’s yet to allow a sack in 124 pass-pro snaps, raising his stock from a relative unknown to a possible mid-round pick.
I get it, the Steelers have drafted offensive linemen with their last two first-round picks (Broderick Jones in 2023, Troy Fautanu in 2024.) But this year has proven that you can never have enough depth – given the fact that Fautanu is going to miss the entire regular season due to a dislocated kneecap, and Jones’ lack of consistency.
5. Miller Moss, QB, USC – @ Minnesota, 7:30 PM ET on Big Ten Network
After just four games, I’m ready to proclaim QB Justin Fields as the long-term solution signal-caller for the black and gold. However, that likely means QB Russell Wilson will not return next season, leaving a clear hole at backup quarterback.
Moss profiles as a perfect candidate to fill that role as a middle to late round pick in 2025. Moss was blocked by Caleb Williams the last two seasons, but patiently waited for his opportunity. His coming out party happened in the Holiday Bowl last season, as he threw for six touchdowns in his first collegiate start in a 42-28 win over Louisville.
Miller Moss is making his first career start in 3 years at USC in the Holiday Bowl tonight against Louisville
13/18
218 YDS
4 TDS
USC leads 28-14 at half
pic.twitter.com/UNs4qgZhOI
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 28, 2023
He’s been solid this season, completing 64.5 percent of his passes and has protected the ball, tossing only two interception in four games. He doesn’t have the strongest arm and he’s not going to be a dual-threat player, but he’s polished enough to give NFL team’s a chance to win if a starting quarterback misses time.
What players will you be watching this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!
