Fiesta Bowl & Orange Bowl Game Info and Prospects to Watch

Today we cover the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between Oregon and Iowa State and the Capital One Orange Bowl between Texas A&M and North Carolina. These bowl games will conclude the New Year’s 6 Bowl Games for this season.

In a recap of yesterday’s semi-final matchups in the College Football Playoff, Alabama defeated Notre Dame 31-14, while Ohio State defeated Clemson 49-28. This sets up a showdown between Alabama and Ohio State on Monday, January 11^th, for the National Championship. Alabama opens up as a -7 favorite. However, if Justin Fields repeats his historic Sugar Bowl performance, this could be an absolute shootout! If you like offense…be sure to tune in. I will be providing a preview and prospects to watch.

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl:

Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Oregon vs. Iowa State
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. (PT)
Where: State Farm Stadium – Glendale, AZ
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN APP
Line: Iowa State -4.5

Oregon Prospects to Watch:

Many draft prospects, including Penei Sewell (OT), Jevon Holland (Safety), and Thomas Graham (CB), have opted out of the season.

Deommodore Lenoir, CB – Oregon
Height: 5’11” – Weight: 202 lbs.
2020 Stats: 24 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception.

A fluid and sound runner, Lenoir has good straight-line speed and coverage abilities. Is a major contributor and constantly involved against the run. Finishes his tackles cleanly and efficiently. Will run in motion stride for stride with receivers and works well in press coverage formats. He is probably best in zone coverage schemes. He has shown his ability to track down and anticipate where passes are going.

Lenoir has ample experience on special teams and can contribute positively, especially as he transitions to the next level. Lenoir needs to continue to build his consistency and polish the skillset that he has already. His size is a concern, but he can often play bigger and physical. Lenoir is a day 3 pick.

Other Draft Prospects:

Jordan Scott, DL – Oregon
Height: 6’1” – Weight: 311 lbs.
2020 Stats: 12 tackles.

Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Austin Faoliu, DL. – Oregon
Height: 6’3” – Weight: 300 lbs.
2020 Stats: 15 tackles.

Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Iowa State Prospects to Watch:

Greg Eisworth, Safety, - Iowa State
Height: 6’0” – Weight: 205 lbs.
2020 Stats: 45 total tackles, 1 interception.

Here is another defensive back who plays with a chip on his shoulder and displays a football's physical brand. Eisworth is a force on the field and makes his presence known, especially in the run game. A relentless run defender who will make his way inside the box and defend against the run. Provides plenty of thump in his tackle sand hits and often breaks up the momentum of ball carriers. Does especially well on the perimeter and outside along the edge. He has fierce downhill, straight-line speed. Eisworth is also a leader on his defense and one of the main communicators on the field. He sets the tone and leads by example. He is limited to strong safety assignments, and his abilities in pass coverage need more work and seasoning. When the action is in front of him, he often finds the most success. Eisworth is a true strong safety and a late day three pick.

Other Draft Prospects:

Mike Rose, LB – Iowa State
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 264 lbs.
2020 Stats: 90 Tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 interceptions.

O’Rien Vance, LB – Iowa State
Height: 6’2” – Weight: 248 lbs.
2020 Stats: 64 tackles, 1 sack.

Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images

Capital One Orange Bowl:

Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Texas A&M vs. North Carolina
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. (PT)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
TV: ESPN
STREAM: fuboTV, ESPN APP
Line: -7.5 Texas A&M

Texas A&M Prospects to Watch:

Kellen Mond, QB – Texas A&M
Height: 6’3” – Weight: 217 lbs.
2020 Stats: 2,050 yards, 19 touchdowns, 3 interceptions.

Kellen Mond is a well-built quarterback. He has somewhat of a narrow frame but will be able to fill out more as he transitions to the next level. Has great velocity on his throws. He is quite efficient in both the short and intermediate areas of the field and has demonstrated his ability to be consistent with his passes at these levels. He has demonstrated his ability to be poised in the pocket and not panic when the pocket breaks down or collapses. He can elude and escape oncoming pass rushers and extend plays with his legs. While Mond is not the most dangerous runner with his legs, he can produce positive net yardage carrying the ball. He can throw very well when on the run, which in today’s NFL is an important skill that evaluators seek in passers. He has played his entire career in the shotgun and pistol formation, and so transitioning to a more traditional offense will take time to develop. He can make some questionable throws downfield and will need to “live to see another play” more often and avoid dangerous passes that can be picked off. Mond is a day 3 pick and project who will need to continue to polish and season his game. Learning from an established starter already in place would be the best situation for Mond.

Other Draft Prospects:

Leon O’Neal, Safety – Texas A&M
Height: 6’1” – Weight: 210 lbs.
2020 Stats: 44 Tackles, 2 Interceptions, 3 passes deflected.

Tyree Johnson, EDGE – Texas A&M
Height: 6’4” – Weight: 240 lbs.
2020 Stats: 17 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 1 forced Fumble

So many exciting prospects have opted out for this game, including Chazz Surratt (LB), Javonte Williams (RB), Dyami Brown (WR), and Michael Carter (RB).

North Carolina Prospect to Watch:

Dazz Newsome, WR – North Carolina
Height: 5’11” – Weight: 190 lbs.
2020 Stats: 48 receptions, 616 yards, 5 touchdowns.

I’m not sure where wide receiver falls on the priority list for the 49ers this offseason. Again, my rule of thumb is you can never have too many talented players at each position. Newsome has been a steady and productive pass catcher for the Tar Heels in his career. He has excelled in Mac Brown’s system. He has 2,367 yards, 182 receptions, and 17 touchdowns in his career at Chapel Hill. Newsome isn’t the biggest receiver and isn’t someone who is going to out-box defenders in man to man coverage. Offensive coordinators need to be creative with Newsome, a possession-type receiver with strong and reliable hands. Newsome makes up the height with his speed and can break out and win deep downfield. I love his ability to separate and create yards after the reception. He has demonstrated his ability to make all sorts of catches, including those outside the frame and lower passes that require him to scoop into his chest. He can track the ball over his shoulder and has steady awareness of his surroundings. Will work the middle and intermediate levels of the field. Something I also appreciate seeing on tape is Newsome’s abilities as a blocker in the run game. He can be shifty in misdirection and gadget plays as well when called upon. He has a limited route tree, and as Newsome transitions to the next level, he may be limited to playing in the slot. Newsome is a mid-round selection.

Closing:

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Be on the lookout for the National Championship Game Thread between Alabama and Ohio State on Monday, January 11^th, Senior Bowl Coverage (Week of January 25^th and the game on January 30^th), and scouting reports of various prospects. Please continue to share which prospects you would like to see a scouting report on in the comments below!