DQ: Pacific Prospecting Slowdown Saturday Edition

The Ducks in an important road test against a top prospect and a little bit of #Pac12AfterDark potential thrown in

Oregon at Wyoming 7PM CBS Sports Network

- The Ducks travel to Laramie and take on the latest QB prospect du jour in Josh Allen. Ducks DC JIm Leavitt will need to earn his salary in this one going against Allen armed with a shaky back four. Oregon showed that they can still pile up the points with just enough defense to hang on. Wyoming has been less than impressive in their games. A lot of NFL teams will be in attendance for this one. Which prospects will impress the pro scouts? Can the Ducks get to a 3-0 start to the Willie Taggart era? Will Craig Bohl continue his magic of upsetting Power 5 teams? My prediction: Ducks 45 Josh Allen 38.

Oregon prospect to watch

1. Royce Freeman 5'11 231 RB Senior

- Another game, another Royce Freeman sighting. He put up a decent game against Nebraska until the Ducks offense changed gears in the second half. Strength is a major plus. Lateral agility and footwork are pluses. Rapidly entering conversation for first back taken in the draft next year.

Wyoming prospect to watch

1. Josh Allen 6'5 234 QB RS Junior

- Allen definitely has the arm talent to make it as a pro. The question (among many) that I have is, is he too reliant on his big arm and force some throws into windows that aren't open. The injury history is not working in his favor either. I like him as one of the best QBs in the past two classes but he can be baited into making dumb throw decisions. Needs to prove it that he isn't an one year wonder. Needs more reps / experience being the guy as the history is not good for one year hits. The athleticism is a plus to his game as he's not just extending plays either. He can make guys miss with it.

Texas at #4 USC 8:30 PM FOX

- It has been awhile since these two blue blood programs have faced each other (allegedly). According to our friends in Los Angeles, they believe in the mantra of #FakeNews and #AlternativeFacts (*shows myself out to the politics threads*). I'm pretty sure at least one individual saw the most recent game between the two power programs way back when the PS2 was still a thing and iPhones weren't loaded down with the most insane technology. As for the current gen of the on field products, Texas is trying to find their feet under the new Tom Herman regime while USC is trying to live up to the hype once again. As of this writing, no word has been released on the status of Texas QB Shane Buechele. USC is coming off a dominant win over Stanford in which they basically applied the Stanford playbook to them.

Texas prospects to watch

1. Connor Williams 6'6 320 OT Junior

- It could be argued that Williams is the best offensive lineman in the 2018 class and you wouldn't find too many disagreements. He's that good. He's been a starter at left tackle from day one of his freshman season. He's talented enough to stick at left tackle in the pros as well. He bounced back from an rough outing in the season opener. Near lock to be a first round pick as of right now.

2. Malik Jefferson 6'3 240 LB Junior

- Jefferson has been inconsistently consistent during his first two years in Austin thanks to a myriad of changes swirling around the team. He's been miscast as an inside linebacker due to depth concerns. A pass rush terror that can also play in coverage. Could be one of the most talented linebackers in the class and a top draft pick by year's end. The general of the Horns' defense. He was formerly the top ranked recruit in the state of Texas. Maddeningly inconsistent still as a junior.

USC prospects to watch

1. Sam Darnold 6'4 225 QB Junior

- The latest "golden arm" prospect out of the Trojan factory. He had a less than impressive season debut two weeks ago against Western Michigan. Darnold showed why he is currently projected to be one of the top QBs taken against Stanford last week. Displayed a lot of touch on the deep ball and short game. Pocket presence has been a major improvement. Has all the physical tools to make it in the league.

2. Cameron Smith 6'2 245 LB Junior

- Smith is a grizzled college football veteran after having a sensational start to his career as a freshman. Smith is a fast twitch linebacker with a great football IQ. Very athletic and fits the mold for modern day linebackers. One of the best LBs in the country. Tackling machine and fundamentally sound. Can play both inside and outside with very little drop off in play. Injury history is muddled after suffering a knee problem in freshman season. Lateral agility and burst is undeniable. Back to being Cameron Smith that we know thus far into his junior campaign.

3. Iman Marshall 6'0 200 CB Junior

- If you look closely, "Biggie" was the better cornerback prospect than current Tennessee Titan Adoree Jackson and Jackson was a first round pick. Very solid in fundamentals. A great athlete that can keep up with the faster receivers in the nation. Ball skills are on point. CB1 potential and then some. Has been a standout ever since he stepped foot on campus. Marshall is the second ranked corner on my board after Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick. He's that good.

4. Porter Gustin 6'5 260 DE/LB Junior

- Gustin might be the best edge rusher in the Pac-12 if not the entire country. He's a freak athlete with great measureables. Flashed a lot of talent and potential during the first two years of his career. A defensive end by trade but has enough athleticism to pass for a good outside linebacker in certain situations.

Bonus games to watch

Ole Miss at Cal 10:30 PM ESPN

#19 Stanford at San Diego State 10:30 PM CBS Sports Network