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College Football Week 13: Open Thread

Today we take a closer look at potential late first-round prospects that the 49ers could target in the 2020 NFL Draft. We also have your latest Heisman Watch, CFB Playoff Projections, and your Top 25 schedule of games.

By Alex Eisen
NCAA Football: Ohio State at Michigan State Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Intro:

Greetings Faithful! We have reached the penultimate week of the 2019 college football regular season. Before we move forward with this week’s edition of college football action, I wanted to spend a moment to reflect on Tua Tagovailoa. We all know that injuries are part of the game; however, the devastating hip injury that ended Tua’s season was especially unfortunate. Whether you support Alabama or not, you simply can’t deny that Tua Tagovailoa was one of the best and most exciting college football players of this generation. When healthy, his play on the field was electric and inspiring to watch. I pray that Tua makes a full recovery and has the opportunity to play professional football…he’s earned it.

NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Alabama Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers had a late-game comeback against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday in a fierce NFC West showdown. This means it is another week in the 32nd position slot for the 49ers. The Niners and their 9-1 record will welcome the 8-2 Green Bay Packers to Levi’s Stadium for a primetime Sunday Night Football showdown at Levi’s Stadium.

This week we are going to continue our focus on prospects the 49ers could potentially target at the backend of the first round. While it is still early to determine what position the team might be targeting in round one, my early take is either a defensive back, wide receiver, or offensive linemen. With all that said, the team will continue their run of defensive lineman! Let’s jump in and meet some more 2020 prospects.

Tyler Biadasz, Center, No. 61 – Wisconsin
Height: 6”3” – Weight: 316 lbs.
Purdue at #14 Wisconsin – 1:00 p.m. (PT) Kickoff – Saturday, November 23 – FOX

Games in the National Football League are won on the line of scrimmage, and the 49ers may continue their excellent trend of selecting linemen with premium picks. This time they return to the offensive line with Tyler Biadasz and look to solidify their depth and future at the center position. Biadasz has a strong and physical presence along the line and would be a perfect fit in the zone-run scheme. Biadasz has demonstrated his ability to create running lanes for ball carriers. He is also efficient in pass protection. The 49ers have a lot of talent along their line. However this season they have had their share of injuries to deal with as well. Those injuries should serve as a reminder that you can never have too much depth at positions geared to protect your 134 million dollar quarterback.

Shaun Wade, CB, No. 24 – Ohio State
Height: 6’1” – Weight: 193 lbs.
#9 Penn State at #2 Ohio State – 9:00 a.m. (PT) Kickoff – Saturday, November 23 – FOX

You’ll have to forgive me if this is all for nothing because Wade is a redshirt sophomore, and there is a chance he returns to Ohio State in 2020. However, Wade’s stock continues to rise, and he continues to play at a high level. This season Wade has 15 tackles, with seven passes broken up and two sacks for the season. Wade has a physical presence on the football field. He gets himself involved both in passing and rushing plays, and on multiple occasions, has demonstrated his ability to blitz successfully in designed packages. His play on the field has been far more impressive than his numbers and stats lead on. Wade has efficient speed for the position and can defend the receiver at all three levels on the field. Wade has the ability to knock a receiver off of their route and eliminate them from the initial play. Wade is still raw and has areas to improve his game. We will have to take a wait-and-see if Wade declares for the draft or returns to school. Should he declare, Wade is a fringe first-round prospect.

Heisman Watch:

NCAA Football: Heisman Trophy Presentation Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The only thing stopping Joe Burrow at this point is a season-ending injury, and even then, he may already have the Heisman signed, sealed, and delivered. A new name enters the short list. Clemson running back Travis Etienne, who has been Clemson’s MVP this season, especially on the offensive side of the football. From the moment Etienne arrived on campus, he has been a dominating and relentless force for the Tigers and the run game. His hard work, consistency, and numbers over the last three years just may earn him an invite to New York City.

Joe Burrow, QB – LSU

Jalen Hurts, QB – Oklahoma

Justin Fields, QB – Ohio State

Chase Young, DE – Ohio State

Travis Etienne, RB – Clemson

College Football Playoff Projection (Week 13):

NCAA Football: College Football Playoff-Media Day Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – (1) LSU (SEC) vs (4) Oregon (PAC 12)

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl – (2) Ohio State (BIG10) vs (3) Clemson (ACC)

National Championship Game – (1) LSU (SEC) vs (3) Clemson (ACC)

Top 25 Schedule – Week 13:

NCAA Football: Penn State at Ohio State Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Who are YOU excited to see in action this week? Please share in the comments below!

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