Commentary

Mel's Matchups: Week 2

Originally Published: September 3, 2009
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com
There are always intriguing player matchups to look for in college football. Often players who will meet in the NFL first line up across from one another on the college level. Let's take a look at some of the big individual matchups I'll be keeping an eye on from this week's slate of college games. These guys all have NFL futures:

No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan Sat., Sept. 12, 3:30 ET (ABC)
Brandon Graham versus Sam Young or Paul Duncan
and Donovan Warren versus Michael Floyd or Golden Tate: Wolverines senior defensive end Brandon Graham, who plays on the left side in their base defense, will square off against Sam Young. If they move him to the other side for this game, he'll face senior left tackle Paul Duncan. Either way, it'll be pivotal for the Irish, who have a pass-oriented offense and will need to keep junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen upright to have success. Graham will be the key for Michigan's defense. If he can harass Clausen sufficiently, he'll help the secondary.

Michigan junior cornerback Donovan Warren is very physical but will have his hands full with physically gifted sophomore wide receiver Michael Floyd or outstanding junior wideout Golden Tate. Either way, it will be a tough assignment, especially when you look at what that Irish passing attack did last week against Nevada.

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Mel Kiper Jr.

Football analyst
  • ESPN NFL Draft analyst since 1984
  • Contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio
  • Writes weekly for ESPN Insider

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