There’s a slate of 66 games on Saturday, not to mention 21 others between Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. If you’re new to college football, looking to become a savant at the water cooler, or just looking for some great players to hitch a ride with this season, I have the insight you need. Here’s five guys who will dominate college football this weekend.
Jawhar Jordan- RB, Louisville
Last year, Jordan ran for 815 yards at 5.7 yards a carry. That great of numbers while also having one of the best running quarterbacks in the country in Malik Cunningham on the team limited Jordan’s carries. In fact, Cunningham ran the ball 114 times to Jordan’s 142. With new HC and Louisville alum Jeff Brohm at the helm, the focus will be passing, but that’s when Jordan’s North and south running style will break into the secondary for a long gain, coupled with his home run speed. Good luck. Georgia Tech ranked 108th out of 131 teams in rushing yards last year so I expect Jordan to feast on Friday night.
Malachi Corley- WR, Western Kentucky
Certainly, less eyeballs will watch Western Kentucky-South Florida than a Friday night ACC matchup but do yourself a favor and try to get yours on this game. WKU is the heavy favorite to win the CUSA this year and it’s mostly in part because of Corley and WKU’s air raid. Last year, Corley had the 4th most receiving yards in the country. More than names like Jalin Hyatt and Zay Flowers, two 2022 draft picks. Corley returns with QB Austin Reed so their chemistry should be as good as ever. At 5’11”- 200 pounds, Corley may not be bigger, but he is DEFINITELY faster and stronger. USF should be no match for Corley.
Cam Ward- QB, Washington State
If that name seems familiar, but you just can’t place it, I got you. In 2021, Ward was in the FCS at Incarnate Word having one of the most incredible statistical seasons with 4600 yards and 47 touchdowns in 13 games. For context, Joe Burrow’s Heisman campaign was 5670 yards and 60 touchdowns… in 15 games. After transferring into Pullman and a power 5 conference last year, Ward still had 3200 yards and 23 TD passes. The Cougars play at Colorado State on Saturday, a team Ward put 299 yards and 4 TDs on last September. Expect Ward to start this season hot.
DeQuan Finn- QB, Toledo
2nd team All-MAC last year while leading the team to a MAC Championship? That’s someone you describe as talented. Finn is a dual threat, throwing for 2270 yards and running for another 631 with 32 total touchdowns last year. With Toledo favorites in what should be an all-out brawl for the top spot in the MAC this year, Finn will get to show is prowess off against an Illinois team who returns only 6 on defense. I think he might not only give Illinois a scare this weekend, but put the MAC on notice again.
Laiatu Latu- DL, UCLA
If you’re a gambler, this game is a 14-point spread in favor of UCLA. But this should be a battle regardless and it starts up front. That’s where Latu will be. Latu had 36 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 10.5 sacks. This kid is an absolute menace off the edge and will likely be looking at making the All-American team if he can have the same numbers or just a bit better. Coastal Carolina is going to have a difficult time with UCLA’s front 7, but it all begins with Latu.
