By Ty Scheiner
I know everyone is saying this is a ‘down’ week and that there aren’t any ‘premiere’ games to watch this weekend, but that’s usually when we get a ‘crazy’ weekend. There are still plenty of storylines, matchups, and players to keep an eye on. Here are three players I’ll be watching this week.
Burden III Eyes Breakout Game
Luther Burden III, who is supposed to be one of the best wide receivers in the league, will face the surprisingly undefeated Boston College Eagles at home this weekend. In a matchup of Top 25 teams, we finally get to see Missouri face a more competitive team in Bill O’Brien’s Eagles. This is also a clash of top 20 defenses, with Missouri ranked number 1 in total defense and BC tied for 15th. The Tigers have been criticized for being 2-0 and still ranked in the Top 10 without playing tough competition. However, this Saturday, they will have a chance to prove they deserve that ranking, and Burden will have the opportunity to show why he is considered one of the best playmakers in the league. The Eagles’ defense has allowed an average of 173.5 passing yards per game and 11 yards per completion.
The preseason All-American has been relatively quiet by his standards in the two blowout wins, recording seven receptions for 64 yards and 1 TD reception, along with 21 yards on the ground and a rushing TD. I’ll be watching to see if the Tigers can validate their rankings and if Burden will have a breakout game for the 2024 season.
Harvey Leads UCF’s Charge Against TCU’s Defense
Harvey enters this game second in the nation in rushing TDs (6) and eighth in the nation in rushing yards with 268. TCU’s defense last year left much to be desired, so they fired their defensive coordinator, Joe Gillespie, and brought in Andy Avalos, former Boise State head coach. Now, TCU has only given up 90 rushing yards per game, but to be fair, the TCU defensive line hasn’t been truly tested. As well as the Horned Frogs have played through the first two games, they’ve been without their star defensive end, Paul Oyewale, who is on track to return this week, which should bode well for the TCU defense.
I still think this ‘game within the game’ will be a fun thing to watch: one of the top rushing attacks going up against TCU’s defensive line. I believe the outcome of this game comes down to whether the TCU defensive line can stop UCF’s rushing attack. However, I really like the three-headed monster of Harvey, Peny Boone, and KJ Jefferson. I think Harvey can be the main benefactor, with Jefferson and Boone taking some pressure off him and giving him a breather to keep him fresh.
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Rourke Faces First Big Test
The transfer from Ohio, Kurtis Rourke, has looked impressive since making the jump to the Big Ten. In two games, he is 30-of-41 for 448 yards through the air with 3 TDs, as well as 1 TD on the ground, and most importantly, a 2-0 record. Now, his first real test comes Saturday when the Hoosiers travel west to play UCLA in the Rose Bowl. The stock is up for the Hoosiers and this will be the first conference game of the season for both teams and the first conference matchup for UCLA and new head coach Deshaun Foster. It’s a small sample size, but the Bruins have played pretty well, so this will be a good test for Rourke and the Hoosiers’ offense. UCLA had nine passes defended against the Warriors, and Rourke has yet to throw a pass that has been batted down.
Last week, Rourke and the offense set school records with 77 points and 701 total yards. The offensive line will need to continue playing well to protect Rourke, and this will be their toughest challenge this year. I’ll be keeping an eye on Curt Cignetti, Rourke, and the Hoosiers’ offense this week. The Bruins have a pretty athletic defense, but if Rourke can maintain his consistent, turnover-free play and manage the game, we could see the Hoosiers go 3-0.
