Top Prospects Key Weekend Matchups: Week 10

Each week NFL Mocks will release an article discussing the top prospect match-ups of the weekend.   We hope to show you what match-ups you should keep an eye on and what would help or hurt that prospects stock.  We encourage you to take a look at these match-ups and watch closely on Saturday to see who comes out on top.  We will discuss the results of those match-ups on Sunday.

Game: #6 Alabama @  #10 LSU

Where to Watch: Saturday November 6th, 3:30pm CBS

Prospects: Alabama WR #8 Julio Jones vs LSU CB #7 Patrick Peterson

Thoughts: This is a marque match-up if there every was one.  These two players are top notch athletes that have been contributing since early in their career.  Now their two teams go head to head in a game that will have major implications on the final SEC standings.  Honestly this may be the top match-up all season and the performances of each player will have an impact on their draft stock.

How they Raise Their Stock:  The knock on Jones is his inconsistency and lack of concentration and to make his mark on the game he will need to be fully invested.  It is going to be a struggle for Jones to get down the field on Peterson so he needs to convert on every opportunity available.  For Jones to help himself he needs to limit his drops and have a high catch total.  Peterson is going to have his hands full with Jones and he will be tested all over the field.  I would like to see Peterson play physical and not allow Jones to use his size to make plays.

Game: #9 Wisconsin @ Purdue

Where to Watch: Saturday November 6th, 12:00 Big Ten Network

Prospects: Wisconsin OT #68 Gabe Carimi vs Purdue DE #94 Ryan Kerrigan

Thoughts:  Carimi continues on his world wide tour against top rated defensive end prospects.  This time he faces Ryan Kerrigan who is arguably the best pass rusher he will face all season.  Kerrigan will test Carimi’s edge protection as well has his endurance.  As far as the teams are concerned this game will be dominated by Wisconsin and that could have an impact on the outcome of this match-up.

How they Raise Their Stock:  We have mentioned it week in and week out but the fact remains that people questions Carimi’s ability to stop speed rushers.  Kerrigan doesn’t have elite speed but he is good at getting around the edge, Carimi is going to have to move his feet and mirror Kerrigan.  If Carimi keeps Kerrigan in-front of him and doesn’t allow him to get the edge he will  improve his stock.  For Kerrigan I want to see him hold strong against the run.  Carimi is a physical and accomplished run blocker so Kerrigan needs to be able to get off blocks and make plays in the running game.  If he is able to hold strong against the run he will easy some concerns about his ability to play defensive end in a 4-3 position.

Game:#18 Arkansas @ #19 South Carolina

Where to Watch: Saturday November 6th, 7:00pm ESPN

Prospects: Arkansas OT #65 DeMarcus Love vs South Carolina DE #83 Cliff Matthews

Thoughts:  Every week it seems like two ranked SEC teams are going head to head in an important match-up.  This week’s game with South Carolina and Arkansas is another one of those contests that is a must watch game.  As far as the prospects go I am very excited to see Love go head to head with Matthews.  With the Hogs pass heavy offense Matthews will have plenty of opportunities to get pressure on Ryan Mallett.

How they Raise Their Stock: The stock of both of these players is very much in flux and an impressive game against another draft prospect could earn them a lot of money.  It’s no secret that Arkansas is going to pass the football so it will be important for Love to keep Mallett upright and give him space to step into his throws.  Matthews needs to get pressure and if he is unable to it could be a long day for this South Carolina defense.