By Mark Pszonak
Transfers are once again playing a vital role this season. Here are five that everyone should keep an eye on this Saturday:
QB Brock Vandagriff, Kentucky (Georgia)
Despite the loss, Kentucky showed enough fight against Georgia to potentially save their season. However, if Vandagriff doesn’t improve his level of play, the season may not be saved for very long. He has a chance to gain some confidence at home against Ohio, which he will need to do. So while it isn’t a marquee SEC opponent, it is still vitally important for the Wildcats that improvement is seen before Kentucky continues their conference schedule next weekend at #5 Ole Miss.
QB Max Brosmer, Minnesota (New Hampshire)
While Brosmer hasn’t been dynamic through three games, he has been steady enough to give the Gophers’ passing game a needed jolt. Completing an impressive 68.8% of his attempts, he has also only thrown one interception. Now his biggest challenge awaits, as Iowa comes into town. In what will likely be a low scoring fist fight, mistakes and turnovers are magnified, which Brosmer will have to avoid if the Gophers are finish the day with a win.
LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, USC (Oregon State)
After trying to improve their defense for years, the Trojans finally seem to have found a recipe that works. One of the main ingredients has been Mascarenas-Arnold, who arrived as a accomplished veteran and has continued to impress at USC. He will be in the spotlight in Ann Arbor as the Trojans play their first ever Big Ten conference game. USC will be looking to make a statement and if they do, Mascarenas-Arnold will be a big part of it.
RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, Arkansas (Utah)
Expectations are rather limited right now for Arkansas and Auburn, so when the two play each other in September it suddenly becomes an important game as both hope to make a push towards a winning season. With the help of Jackson, the Razorbacks are 2-1 and hoping to surprise a few people in the SEC. He is currently the SEC’s leading rusher with 397 yards, and has six touchdowns on the ground. Another top-level performance would go a long way in grabbing a road win at Auburn.
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QB Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers (Minnesota)
A trendy off-season pick to make some noise in the Big Ten this season, Rutgers has started 2-0 with both wins coming against weak opposition. Now the season really starts for the Scarlet Knights, and if they want to remain a trendy pick, they’ll need to win at Virginia Tech. Kaliakmanis’ play has given the passing game a boost, with 377 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Tomorrow he will be relied on to keep the Hokies’ defense honest as they’ll likely stack the box to try and stop running back Kyle Monangai. There will be opportunities for him to make an impact.
