By Ty Scheiner
This week’s key player matchups are packed with potential game-changers as teams fight for position in the latter half of the season. From Xavier Restrepo’s favorable matchup against Louisville’s secondary to Alonza Barnett III‘s opportunity against Georgia Southern’s struggling defense, and Athan Kaliakmanis‘ rebound opportunity, I highlight the players poised for big performances. Here’s a look at who to watch in Week 8.
Xavier Restrepo: Ready to Exploit Louisville’s Leaky Defense
Louisville comes into this ACC matchup ranked 12th (of 17) for the ACC in pass defense. I think Cam Ward and the Hurricanes’ offense can take advantage of this Cardinal secondary, which bodes well for Xavier Restrepo. Louisville’s defense has been giving up explosive plays this year, and the Hurricanes are an offense built on explosive plays. Also, according to PFF, the Cardinals have missed the fourth-most tackles in the Power Five in coverage. I think there will be plenty of opportunities for Restrepo to get the ball early and often and have a big day against this defense.
Athan Kaliakmanis: A Chance to Rebound Against UCLA’s Weak Defense
Kaliakmanis had a rough last outing against Wisconsin. UCLA is ranked last in the Big Ten in pass defense, giving up 265 yards/game, 14 TDs through the air, and allowing a 70% completion percentage.
This would be a good ‘get right’ spot for the Scarlet Knights’ offense and passing game as they get ready for USC and the second half of their schedule. Kaliakmanis is ranked toward the bottom of the conference in passing, but they’ve played Washington, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, who all rank in the top eight in passing defense in the conference. This matchup could allow Kaliakmanis to exploit the Bruins’ secondary and gain confidence heading into the second half of their schedule.
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Alonza Barnett III: Poised for Success Against Struggling Georgia Southern
Alonza Barnett III burst onto the scene this season. He’ll face a Georgia Southern defense that is at the bottom of the Sun Belt. On the ground, they give up 193 yards/game and 14 rushing TDs, and through the air, they are allowing 281 yards/game and 10 passing TDs.
Barnett is third in the conference in passing yards (1,472), second with 15 passing touchdowns, and 12th in the conference in rushing (second-best for a QB behind Gio Lopez) with 309 rushing yards and five rushing TDs. This game presents a great opportunity for Barnett and the Dukes as they continue their road to the Sun Belt Conference championship.
