The College Football Playoff is starting this weekend, and with it comes four high-powered matchups with eight of the best teams in the amateur landscape of football. Four teams received byes and get to enjoy these eight teams beating themselves up, but for NFL fans, it means you get to see these players for potentially the last time before they head to the NFL Draft.
With that in mind, we wanted to highlight some players that fans should be watching in the Tulane vs. Ole Miss matchup.
The game is a rematch of what we saw earlier in the year when Ole Miss steamrolled Tulane, but the circumstances have changed since then. One coach is already gone and been replaced, the other is gone when the team is knocked out of the playoffs. Either way, both teams have a lot to play for and prove, but will the margin be as wide as before?
Here are three prospects from each team we will be watching this weekend.
Tulane Prospects (Just Two Prospects)
Jake Retzlaff, Quarterback
The Tulane quarterback arrived late in the offseason but immediately became a difference maker for the Green Wave. He handles pressure better than most quarterbacks, he makes plays with his legs, and he has a never-say-die attitude that his team rallies around. If Tulane pulls off this massive upset, it will be because of his playmaking ability.
Shadre Hurst, Guard
Hurst will be the best offensive line on the field in this matchup, on either sideline. Hurst surprises folks with his mobility when tasked with pulling and providing run support for Tulane. But what really is impressive when you look at his numbers is he did not allow a sack all year long at either guard or tackle when he showed versatility filling in there. Look for Hurst and how he handles the power of the Ole Miss front this weekend.
Ole Miss Prospects
Dae’Quan Wright, Tight End
Wright is a big play option in the Ole Miss offense when he is targeted. He averages over 16 yards per reception and is a safety valve option for Trinidad Chambliss in critical situations as well. Wright’s second-highest receiving total of the year came against Tulane, so look for him to be a top target once again.
Zxavian Harris, Defensive Line
Harris is a really fun nose tackle option for the Rebels’ defense and will be a major x-factor in containing Retzlaff. The Tulane quarterback has handled pressure well this year, but in their previous matchup, Harris was able to create some pressure but was contained. Look for him to play a bigger role in stopping the run, but don’t be surprised if he makes plays when they extend.
Suntarine Perkins, Edge Rusher
Taking over the Ole Miss pass rushing duties from Princely Umanmielen, Perkins has done well but has been hit or miss at times in the season. In their first matchup, he had just two pressures and no sacks collected for the Rebels. In this matchup, he will have film to look back at and build on which will go a long way in his evaluation.
