Welcome to Prospect Pulse: Week Ten, your premier source for tracking the Top Devy Prospects throughout the 2024 football season. Each week, we will spotlight key games and the standout players poised to make an impact, providing in-depth analysis and insights into their performances. Whether you are a fan, a scout, or just curious about the future stars of the NFL, “Prospect Pulse” will keep you updated. Stay tuned as we track the thrilling journey of these young athletes, game by game.
This week we talk about five matchups and 12 different players that are looking to make a statement to begin the 2024 college football season.
Ohio State (4) @ Penn State (3) (19)
Game is Scheduled for Saturday November 2 at Noon (EST)
Ohio State – Running Backs – Quinshon Judkins & Treveyon Henderson
The Ohio State running backs will need to bounce back this week after both underperformed last week. Both running backs averaged under three yards per carry. Judkins, in particular, has struggled to find his footing over the past two weeks. This has limited Ohio State’s offensive balance. With a crucial matchup against Penn State happening, the Buckeyes will need both backs to rediscover their form and provide a steady ground attack. The challenge is steep, as they will be going up against arguably the best backfield duos in college football. This raises the pressure for Henderson and Judkins to match that level of production.
Judkins will need to lean into his trademark elusiveness and bully running style, slipping through tackles and wearing down defenders. Meanwhile, Henderson’s strength and relentless motor—constantly driving his feet forward for extra yards—will be essential to keeping drives alive. Penn State has a physical defense that excels at jamming runners at the line of scrimmage. The Buckeyes’ backfield will face an ultimate test of toughness and endurance. Establishing the run game early will not only give Ohio State control of the tempo but also open up opportunities in the passing game. If Henderson and Judkins can rise to the occasion, they will give Ohio State the balance and firepower needed to compete with Penn State’s high-powered running offense and formidable defense.
Penn State – Running Backs – Nicholas Singleton & Kaytron Allen
The Penn State running backs have been a dynamic duo this season. Their complementary running styles have helped the Nittany Lions to an undefeated record. Singleton runs with purpose, showing patience between the tackles while also flashing his versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. On the other hand, Allen brings a blend of vertical speed and strength, bursting through gaps with force and accelerating into the second level of defenses. Both backs have displayed impressive elusiveness. They each have forced double-digit missed tackles. Plus, their excellent contact balance has been a key factor, with each recording over 200 yards after contact.
The strength of Singleton and Allen’s running game could be Penn State’s ticket to victory in tough matchups, especially against Ohio State. Their ability to grind out yards against physical defenses, allows the offense to maintain the tempo and wear down opposing front sevens. When both backs get going, it puts added pressure on defenses. This opens opportunities for the passing game to capitalize. Singleton’s pass-catching ability also keeps defenders guessing. On the other hand, Allen’s hard-nosed style ensures Penn State can lean on him in short-yardage situations. If they can establish the ground game early, the duo will set the tone and give Penn State a solid chance to keep their undefeated season alive.
Ole Miss (19) @ Arkansas
Game is Scheduled for Saturday November 2 at Noon (EST)
Ole Miss – Quarterback – Jaxson Dart
Dart will aim to build on his momentum from last week. He delivered his best performance in over a month by leading Ole Miss to a victory against Oklahoma. Dart completed over 70% of his passes and threw for more than 300 yards, a much needed rebound after struggling in recent weeks. Early in the season, Dart was on fire, surpassing 350 passing yards in each of the first four games, but his production dipped in recent outings. The recent resurgence in his performance is exactly what the Rebels need as they push for a spot in the College Football Playoff. With the SEC offering no easy paths, consistency from Dart will be critical through the final stretch. For Ole Miss to remain in the playoff hunt, Dart’s ability to maintain this upward trend is essential. Fortunately for the Rebels, the upcoming matchup against Arkansas presents a favorable opportunity. The Razorbacks’ secondary has shown vulnerability throughout the season, which could allow Dart to exploit mismatches and extend drives. However, if Dart struggles to find rhythm, Ole Miss could face an uphill battle.
Arkansas – Running Back – Braylen Russell
Arkansas’ freshman running back will likely be relied upon again to carry the load in the backfield. Starting running back Ja’Quinden Jackson is expected to miss his second straight game. Russell shined last week, rushing for 175 yards and showcasing his speed to break away from defenders and evade tackles. His breakout performance gave the Razorbacks a much-needed boost. Russell showed he can step up when called upon. However, the challenge will be greater this week against a more physical Ole Miss defense. To succeed, Russell may need to lean more on his agility and footwork to find gaps and extend plays. The Rebels’ defense is known for being tougher at the line of scrimmage. This means Russell will need to use quick cuts and smart decision-making to avoid getting bottled up. Despite being a freshman, Russell has impressed with his composure and production when given the opportunity, earning the trust of Arkansas’ coaching staff. If he can balance speed with precision this week, the Razorbacks may be able to control the clock and keep the game within reach.
Stanford @ NC State
Game is Scheduled for Saturday November 2 Noon (EST)
Stanford – Wide Receiver – Elic Ayomanor
Stanford will need to elevate their game against NC State if the Cardinals hope to pull out a much-needed victory. Ayomanor is coming off his best performance of the season, hauling in 11 receptions for 96 yards, showing he can be a reliable target to move the chains. However, his impact has been limited by his struggles to generate yards after the catch. This reduces his overall effectiveness when the ball is in his hands. Additionally, his 54.5% completion rate when targeted raises concerns, especially since he is the team’s top receiver. For Stanford to turn their season around, Ayomanor must improve his efficiency and capitalize on every opportunity that comes his way. This week’s matchup against NC State presents a crucial moment for Ayomanor to step up and become more of a game-changer. Stanford needs him to not just catch passes but to extend plays to swing the momentum. If Ayomanor can elevate his play and connect more effectively with the quarterback, it will relieve pressure on the run game and open up the offense.
NC State Wide Receiver – Kevin Concepcion
Concepcion exploded in Week 1 with 9 receptions for 121 yards and 3 touchdowns, but he has struggled to replicate that level of production since. Over the rest of the season, he has managed only one additional touchdown and just two more games with over 50 receiving yards. Despite these struggles, Concepcion remains a central figure in the Wolfpack offense. He leads the team in targets (67) and receptions (43). However, his 365 receiving yards place him second on the team, highlighting his inefficiency in turning opportunities into big plays. With NC State’s offense relying on him to deliver in key moments, Concepcion’s inconsistency has been a factor in some of their missed opportunities this season.
This week’s matchup against Stanford presents a prime opportunity for Concepcion to turn things around. The Cardinal’s secondary has shown vulnerability, making it an ideal game for him to regain his early-season form and make a bigger impact. NC State clearly wants him involved in every game. However, to help secure victories, Concepcion must become more efficient with his touches and convert targets into yards and points. If he can step up and deliver, it will open up the offense and relieve pressure on the run game.
Oregon (1) @ Michigan
Game Scheduled for Saturday November 2 at 3:30PM (EST)
Oregon – Quarterback – Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel has been a standout leader for the Oregon Ducks this season. He has displayed his pinpoint accuracy with an impressive 76.2% completion rate and over 2,300 passing yards. His ability to distribute the ball effectively has kept Oregon’s offense humming, making the Ducks a threat in the passing game. However, Gabriel has also been known to struggle under pressure, which raises concerns as he faces a strong Michigan defense. When forced to make quick decisions, he has a tendency to fold, resulting in turnovers or missed opportunities. At times, he fails to recognize open receivers due to the pressure closing in. This inconsistency could be critical against a Michigan team that prides itself on generating pressure and collapsing the pocket.
For Gabriel to succeed against Michigan, he will need to get the ball out quickly and efficiently, something he has managed to do throughout the season. Trusting his offensive line to provide him with enough time to scan the field will be essential. If Michigan can effectively collapse the pocket and force Gabriel into bad timing throws, the Ducks may find themselves in a difficult position. This could cause for potential turnovers that provide Michigan with excellent field position. Maintaining his poise in the pocket will be critical for Gabriel to avoid mistakes and keep the chains moving. If he can withstand the pressure and make smart, timely throws, Oregon’s offense will have a much better chance of thriving against a tough Michigan defense.
Michigan – Defensive Line – Mason Graham
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham has the potential to be a difference maker in the Wolverines’ highly anticipated matchup against top-ranked Oregon. Graham’s ability to generate pressure from the interior will be needed, especially alongside talented edge rushers Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart. By consistently disrupting Oregon’s quarterback, Graham can force quick decisions, increasing the likelihood of turnovers. This could provide Michigan with additional scoring opportunities. His strong presence in the trenches will not only help in pressuring the passer but will also set the tone for the entire defensive front.
In addition to pressuring the quarterback, Michigan’s front seven, anchored by Graham, will need to effectively close gaps to contain Oregon’s potent run game. The Wolverines must make it difficult for Oregon’s running backs to find their lanes. If their running backs are allowed to hit gaps quickly it could spell trouble for the defense. By clogging the running lanes and maintaining disciplined gap integrity, Graham and his fellow defenders can force the Ducks into predictable passing situations, allowing Michigan’s secondary to focus on coverage. This strategy will not only limit Oregon’s offensive options but also give Michigan’s linebackers a better chance to make plays before the running backs can break into the open field. If Graham can excel in both pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run, he will be instrumental in giving Michigan a competitive edge in this game.
Kentucky @ Tennessee (7)
Game scheduled Saturday November 2 7:45PM (EST)
Kentucky – Defensive Line – Deone Walker
Walker will have his work cut out for him this week against Tennessee. He excels at generating pressure and disrupting rushing attacks, but this week he will go up against a quarterback with impressive pocket fluidity and a running back who rarely goes down on first contact. His ability to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield will be needed in limiting Tennessee’s offensive rhythm. Walker bounced back last week with four run stops after managing only one in each of the previous two games. Kentucky will need him to sustain that form if they hope to contain Tennessee’s explosive offense.
As the anchor of the Wildcats’ defensive front seven, Walker’s performance will directly impact Kentucky’s chances of pulling off a win. His ability to occupy multiple blockers can free up linebackers to make plays. He will also need to finish tackles when the opportunity arises. Tennessee’s offensive line will be a tough matchup, and Walker will need to rely on his strength and technique to break through and create disruption. If Kentucky’s defense cannot consistently pressure the quarterback or stop the run at the line of scrimmage, they will struggle to stay in the game. Walker’s presence, leadership, and playmaking ability will be critical for the Wildcats to have any hope of slowing down Tennessee this week.
Tennessee – Running Back – Dylan Sampson
Sampson will look to continue his dominance against a tough Kentucky defense. He brings a blend of power and elusiveness into the matchup. Sampson has been a force all season, forcing 32 missed tackles and gaining more than half of his 838 rushing yards after contact. His ability to break tackles and keep moving makes him difficult for defenses to contain. He has been remarkably consistent, with only one game under 100 rushing yards this season. Against a physical Kentucky front, Sampson’s ability to fight through initial contact and extend runs will be key to keeping Tennessee’s offense on schedule.
Sampson’s success on the ground forces defenses to stack the box, creating opportunities for deeper shots downfield. His efficiency when the ball is in his hands ensures Tennessee can maintain balance and control the tempo of the game. If he can establish the run early, it will not only wear down Kentucky’s defense but also set up Tennessee’s passing game to capitalize on lighter coverage. For the Volunteers to emerge victorious, Sampson’s consistent production will be a driving factor.
That concludes my Prospect Pulse: Week Ten. Stay tuned for more Prospect Pulse articles highlighting different prospects each week. Follow me on X @thepprshow for daily and weekly recap threads. If you enjoy fantasy football then do not forget to subscribe to our Fantasy Football Universe YouTube page. Plus, for more articles like this on our website fantasyfootballuniverse.com. Thank you for reading!
