DQ: Prospecting in the Pacific Rivalries Edition

#8 Notre Dame at #21 Stanford 8 PM ABC

- The Fighting Irish travel to the Farm needing a win to keep its playoff hopes alive and to do the NorCal-SoCal double. Notre Dame's offense had been red hot until last week against Navy where it struggled until late. It will be interesting to see the battle in the trenches with a dominant Irish OL against a somewhat defenseless Cardinal DL. Stanford RB Bryce Love needs to get it going as its clear he's banged up.

Notre Dame prospects to watch

1. Mike McGlinchey 6'8 312 OL RS Senior

- The whole country was shocked when he returned to school for this year. He was the best offensive tackle in the 2017 draft class by far. A surefire top 20 lock had he opted for the draft. Has played both left and right tackle in career. A massive mountain at tackle. Experienced as a RS Senior. He's the best tackle in this year's class too. Fundamentally sound. Doesn't get beat often. Hasn't gotten the press that he did last year but still good. First round lock at this point.

2. Equanimeous St. Brown 6'5 204 WR RS Sophomore

- It can be argued that ESB is the best overall receiver in the class, not only just for his impressive physical traits, either. He's a playmaker in the short and deep passing game. The injury history is a little worrisome as he missed 2015 with a shoulder issue. An athletic freak with good fundamentals. It's not fair what he can do to defensive backs.

3. Quenton Nelson 6'4 330 OL RS Junior

- Nelson is the country's best guard prospect, no questions asked. He's a brick wall and defenders rarely beat him. Footwork excellent. IQ is a plus. My only question is that can he play tackle if necessary? Chance Warmack level of college prospect. He's one of the better ones to come out in a while. The likely favorite to win the Outland Trophy for best OL.

Stanford prospects to watch

1. Bryce Love 5'10 180 RB Junior

- Love is arguably the second best back in the entire nation, regardless of draft class. He has 1,456 yards on just 151 carries. Has faced a ton of stacked boxes due to Stanford's horrid QB play. A great athlete with plus lateral agility and instincts. Reportedly dealing with an ankle issue that has knocked him out for one game. Doesn’t offer much in the receiving department as he’s only logged 27 receptions thus far. He should get an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony but won't due to Stanford's record.

2. Quenton Meeks 6’1 204 CB Junior

- Meeks is the unquestioned leader of the Cardinal secondary and is CB1 material for the lucky NFL team that drafts him. He’s an interesting prospect for a lot of teams looking to replicate the Legion of Boom given his reported measurements and physical traits. Deep speed is something to look for. Can also play safety in a pinch.

#13 Washington State at #17 Washington 8:00 PM Fox

- The Apple Cup. The Cougars need a win to clinch the Pac-12 North Division as they would hold the tiebreaker over Stanford with a head to head win. Washington needs a win to ensure Stanford is the North winner. Can the Huskies outshoot the Cougars and retain the Apple Cup? Will the Wazzu defense hold up against a feared offense? Husky LB Azeem Victor had been suspended for the remaining balance of the season a few weeks ago. Cougs by7 in this one.

Washington State prospect to watch

1. Hercules Mata’afa 6’3 250 DL RS Junior

- HM might be country’s most underrated defensive line prospect. He’s a tackling machine and is an impact player regardless of position or size. Fundamentally sound. Above average athleticism. NFL teams will have questions regarding his size and ability to put on weight. Simply put, he’s a machine. Projected as a fourth round pick currently.

Washington prospect to watch

1. Dante Pettis 6’1 195 WR Senior

- Pettis may be the most underrated receiver prospect in this year’s class due to Washington’s low profile. He’s an elite athlete and dynamic return man. Deep speed is something to behold. It can be argued that he is the best senior receiver in the class. Now holds the all-time NCAA record for most return touchdowns, passing the legendary Devin Hester. Electric return man.

2. Vita Vea 6’5 340 DL RS Junior

- Vea is a very big man. At a listed 340, he slots in as a classic nose tackle type. He’s made an impact as such. Probably one of the better defensive tackle prospects this year. Living up to the recent legacy of standout Huskie DTs. He’s likely limited to 3-4 teams that are looking for big body nose tackles in the pros due to size. Danny Shelton who?

Colorado at Utah 10 PM FS1

- The Buffs travel to Salt Lake City and question Kyle Whittingham's late game decision making. Throw in a football game in the middle of it and we're all set to go. Colorado can get themselves to bowl eligibility with a win here. A win by either side ensures that the loser gets last place in the Pac-12 South division. Utah also needs a win to get to bowl eligibility. Which side wants the bowl game more?

Colorado prospect to watch

1. Isaiah Oliver 6'1 190 CB Junior

- The unquestioned leader of the Buffs defense now that three former secondary mates are in the NFL. Oliver also is a capable return man when called upon. He's a top ten cornerback prospect for me after a solid year thus far. NFL teams will surely love his size and speed. He can go toe to toe with any receiver and win most of the battles. High third round pick?

Utah prospects to watch

1. Lowell Lotuleilei 6'2 310 DL Senior

- If the last name sounds familiar, you're right. Lowell is the younger brother of current Carolina Panther DT Star. He's very fundamentally sound as an overall tackle. He's a modern day nose tackle that holds the line for his teammates to make plays. Run defense is a major plus. Isn't the fastest guy but has pass rush ability. Hands are pluses as well. Will likely get drafted high based on name value and consistent college production.

2. Darren Carrington II 6’1 200 WR RS Senior

- A former friend of the Ducks that made his way to Utah after being summarily dismissed from the Oregon program for a multitude of transgressions. He has a lot of talent but couldn’t seem to keep out of trouble. Has been a top weapon for the Utes. He’s a playmaker in every sense of the word. It will be very interesting to see if he gets a Combine invite or a chance to interview with teams during the offseason process. He didn't do much against the Ducks last time they met.

Bonus games to watch

Arizona at Arizona State 4:30 PM Pac-12 Network

- The Territorial Cup. Khalil Tate vs. the usually porous Sun Devil defense. Enough said.