Every Sunday, the editorial staff of DNA of Sports offers you an update on university players. Who performed well and who disappointed? Here is a weekly focused on the individual performances of future NFL players. Only players eligible for the 2023 draft are listed here.
Happy New Year to all college football fans! This NCAA column focuses on players from the 2 CFP playoff semi-finals, opposing TCU to Michigan and Georgia to Ohio State, and eligible for the 2023 NFL draft.
These 2 semi-finals gave birth to a surprise for one and an incredible suspense for the other. 2 games where we are not bored.
Other bowls were played throughout the month of December but we will not develop the description of the players and these matches in this article.
Michigan-TCU: 45-51
Here is an outcome that we did not expect at all! Indeed, favorite Michigan was beaten by a team supposedly weaker than them, the TCU Horned Frogs. The latter reached the CFP final for the first time in their history. It’s also a first for a Big 12 conference team.
For this, they were able to count on a huge ground game embodied by Emari Demercardo, who replaced Kendre Miller, injured during the meeting, author of his career record on the ground (150 yards) with a touchdown. Author of 4 touchdowns (2 on the pass, 2 on the ground), TCU quarterback Max Duggan was also decisive and honored his nomination for the title of best university player despite 2 interceptions.
On the Wolverines side, receivers Ronnie Bell and Roman Wilson made their match in the air. Despite the selflessness of quarterback JJ McCarthy, Jim Harbraugh’s players made a lot of mistakes to hope to reach the final.
We will therefore have to wait until next year to see Michigan in the NCAA Finals. A stage that they have never reached since the creation of the playoffs in 2014.
The player who shone
- Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU) – 6 receptions, 163 yards, 1 touchdown
The match scenario and the statistics speak for themselves. Indeed, while the score was 41-38 for TCU at the start of the 4th quarter, Quentin Johnston scored a touchdown from 76 yards by breaking a tackle that will definitely seal the outcome of the game.
The Horned Frogs receiver has improved in his receiving technique with fewer drops and he has a better route tree in an offensive system made for him. He has physical characteristics comparable to DeAndre Hopkins and arguably put his name at the top of the receiver position for the 2023 Draft.
The receiver has everything of a number 1 receiver and it will definitely no longer be a surprise if an NFL team calls him in the 1st round of the 2023 draft next April.
Mentions
- Dylan Horton (DE, TCU) – 6 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 deflected pass
- Dee Winters (LB, TCU) – 7 tackles (including 3 for loss), 1 pass defended, 1 interception (1 TD)
- Steve Avila (OL, TCU)
- Ronnie Bell (WR, Michigan) – 6 receptions, 135 yards, 1 touchdown
Despite conceding 45 points, the front seven from TCU shone. Pass rusher Dylan Horton notably prevented a ground touchdown from JJ McCarthy. Linebacker Dee Winters made a pick six allowing TCU to drive the point home. These two players could be drafted on Saturday (4th-7th round) if they both show up for the Draft.
If TCU’s ground game was up to par, it’s thanks in particular to the contribution of offensive lineman Steve Avila. He should be a second-round drafted player if he makes it to the Draft this year.
Running back Blake Corum missed on the ground despite a strong performance from Donovan Edwards. It is therefore in the air that Michigan has distinguished itself and in particular Ronnie Bell, author of a match over 100 yards. The receiver released his best publicity with NFL recruiters since he has already declared himself to the next draft next April.
The disappointing player
- DJ Turner (BC, Michigan) – 3 tackles
If Quentin Johnston put the decisive touchdown to seal the victory for the Horned Frogs, he owes it to DJ Turner’s missed tackle. The cornerback was in trouble when it came to tackling but also covering since he was also guilty on Taye Barber’s touchdown which allowed TCU to take an 18-point advantage before halftime.
Despite a high rating for the next Draft, the player did not score points in a deep and quality vintage.
Could have been mentioned: Mike Morris (DE, Michigan)
Georgia–Ohio State: 42-41
A missed field goal, that’s what cost the Ohio State Buckeyes to create the other surprise of these CFP semi-finals. Indeed, Noah Ruggles sees his kick from 50 yards from completely next to the posts.
Before that, Ohio State led almost the entire game and even had a 14-point lead at the start of the last quarter. But, Georgia and Stetson Bennett were more decisive with a touchdown from the comeback Adonai Mitchell (Draft 2024) to allow the Bulldogs to snatch the victory (see elsewhere).
The turning point of the game is probably the injury of Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (Draft 2024). Before his injury, the receiver made the Georgia secondary see all the colors with 2 touchdowns.
Georgia will therefore defend its title the night of Monday to next Tuesday against TCU at SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles.
The player who shone
- CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State) – 23/34, 348 yards, 4 touchdowns
He made the match almost perfect. He only needed victory for his performance to be rewarded.
CJ Stroud showed personality and leadership worthy of a match of this magnitude. With 4 touchdown passes, he did his job in the air. He also did the ground work, including a 27-yard run that should have allowed his team to win on a field goal.
He probably showed several NFL teams that he could be their future quarterback for the next 10 years.
Mentions
- Stetson Bennett IV (QB, Georgia) – 23/34, 398 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Kenny McIntosh (RB, Georgia) – 5 carries, 70 yards, 5 receptions, 56 yards, 1 touchdown
- Luke Wypler (OL, Ohio State)
The quarterbacks shone during this game. Indeed, Stetson Bennett had a match in the image of his season, brilliant and which could end with a new trophy next week. If he does not have the physique or the technique of an elite quarterback, his mentality and his leadership could make him a drafted player between the 4th and 7th rounds.
Kenny McIntosh shone in the two essential areas for a running back. Like James Cook (Bills) and Zamir White (Raiders) last year, he could well be the next running back from Georgia to be called up next April.
He muzzled Jalen Carter and only conceded a squeeze. Ohio State center Luke Wypler had a remarkable game, also helped by veteran right guard Matthew Jones. In a deeper vintage than in previous years on the inside of the offensive line, he could be a player drafted in the 3rd round.
The disappointing player
- Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia) – 1 tackle, 1 pass defended
Georgia’s defensive linemen weren’t up to snuff in this game. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who is considered a potential top-5 player for next April, hasn’t done much damage to Ohio State’s offensive line.
He will have the opportunity to catch up in the Finals next week against the TCU offensive line.
Could have been mentioned: Kelee Ringo (BC, Georgia), Ronnie Hickman (S, Ohio State)
action of the week
Georgia’s game-winning touchdown by returning receiver Adonai Mitchell.
TD GEORGIA!
WR Adonai Mitchell!!! 🔥
Superb pass from QB Stetson Bennett and the Bulldogs pass the Buckeyes less than a minute from the end of the game!Georgia 42, Ohio State 41
📺 @espn pic.twitter.com/wsuT2ebFAE
— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) January 1, 2023
