Scouts Inc. 2009 College Previews
| Scouts Takes: Key individual matchups | ||
 | Texas at Texas A&M Thursday, November 26, 2009 Thomas is an effective open-field tackler who makes up for his lack of size with toughness and explosive closing speed. He's capable of limiting Johnson's production on the ground but can't be too eager to jump up when he's asked to play a centerfielder-type role or cover the deep half of the field. The reason is that Johnson can zip the ball downfield without setting his feet and that makes him very dangerous when he's flushed out of the pocket. And while Johnson has done a better job of taking care of the ball this year he will be tested by the versatile Thomas, who can line up at corner or safety and has above-average ball skills. |  |
 | Alabama at Auburn Friday, November 27, 2009 This is perhaps the only individual matchup in this game that heavily favors Auburn. Davis is a strong run blocker and should be able to drive Coleman off the line of scrimmage when he's able to get into Coleman's body, but establishing initial position will be a struggle for Davis. Coleman does a nice job of using his quick feet and hands to stay off blocks in the run game and has the initial burst and change-of-direction skills to keep Davis off-balance in pass protection. Keeping QB Greg McElroy upright has been a problem for Alabama this season and in order to avoid a potential meltdown in the passing game Davis is going to need extra help on nearly every passing down. |  |
 | Nevada at Boise State Friday, November 27, 2009 Boise State DS George Iloka Kaepernick is one the nation's top running quarterbacks, a long strider with deceiving top-end speed who can ruin pursuit angles. Iloka has the size, strength and range to counter that but he will be tested mentally. He must get a solid initial read in the backfield and put himself in a favorable position to slow Kaepernick should he keep the ball. In addition, Iloka will have to do a good job of breaking down in the open field against Kaepernick, who isn't the most elusive runner but is shifty and can be tough for defenders to get a firm grasp on. On the flip side, Kaepernick must keep an eye on Iloka when dropping back to pass because Iloka shows above-average instincts in coverage and has enough range to track down errant throws in the middle of the field. |  |
- Rumors: Kelly, Meyer odds leaders for Irish job
- Feldman: A Week 12 wrap-up
- Tools: Game Predictor | PickCenter
- Draft: Mel's Big Board (11/18) | NFL draft blog
