2024 NFL Draft Stock Report: Holiday Bowl
Every single year I do this series I try to take it to another level. Well, this year part of the enhancements include individual write-ups for Bowl games. Yes, you’re getting a breakdown of the DirecTV Holiday Bowl between Louisville and USC. Maybe I’ll regret even doing this but we’ll see how it goes.
You know that yin and yang thing? Well while the opt-outs take some of the excitement out of these games, it’s not all bad. If anything, remember Bowl season can serve as a stepping stone for next year. We can still learn things from games like this. We’ll see how many Bowl games I end of doing but as always you’re welcome in advance.
To be honest, I picked this game because I wanted to see how the game would look at Petco Park. I don’t regret the decision.
USC
Lincoln Riley is always going to have a really good offense. Miller Moss doesn’t look super mobile. Not unmobile but It’s a shock to your eyes after seeing Caleb Williams for so long. He looks like a modern day version of Graham Harrell. Except right now you can see he’s clearly a freshman. A lost freshman but not totally bambi either. Also, the touch accuracy just wasn’t there. It killed some of the well dialed up plays that didn’t have the ability to create YAC yardage that would have happened with accurate throws. Still played a gutsy game and hung in there making big throws. Put up a performance that included six passing touchdowns. Ugly interception but you can’t expect a freshman to play a perfect game.
What are they doing at quarterback next year? Malachi Nelson is transferring out but are we sure that means what you think it means? I’m not sure USC wanted him. I think USC knows something and we saw it tonight. From what I’ve heard, Nelson wasn’t playing for USC next year regardless of what they end up doing. Moss certainly put himself in a good spot after tonight. You just never say never with this transfer portal stuff.
The depth USC has at receivers is stupid. A bunch of guys sat out in this one and it didn’t matter. Tahj Washington had a damn good game. The Memphis transfer shook a bunch of dudes out of their shoes on his touchdown reception. Then he scored another one on a deep ball when he had to fight for the ball in the air.
Really impressive performance by Washington. Keep in mind that he declared for the draft. Played in the game anyway. It was a great decision given the performance. That’s a baller type of guy right there.
Number 16 on the USC defense Prophet Brown tackles. Not something we’ve actually seen from the USC secondary but it happened. I don’t know why this guy wasn’t getting playing time but that needs to change next year. Looks fast too. Former four star guy. He was a a standout on that side of the ball from the eye test. Got hit for a flag but it was one that shouldn’t have even been called.
Louisville
Quincy Riley came away with a nice pick. It was a telegraphed throw but still a nice play. His second pick of the year. I think it was pretty obvious he was their best corner tonight and probably has been all year.
Huggins-Bruce bad drop early in the game and small. Not a good first impression. Remember Thrash is the best receiver there and opted out. There are targets up here for grabs.
Isaac Guerendo had a pretty nice game too. Normally, it’s not like you have to overanalyze Lousiville running backs. Well, Wisconsin makes a lot of good ones and that’s where Guerendo comes from. Physical downhill runner that runs hard. Big guy at 230 but can also catch. Finished the day with 23 carries for 161 yards and three scores. Added five receptions too.
Jack Plummer was not impressive in this one. In fairness, it was obvious he injured his pinky. It doesn’t help that Jamari Thrash wasn’t out there. It just doesn’t change the fact that he can’t play fast and isn’t explosive in any way. Just zero explosion in his game. Can run okay but can’t create explosive plays. If you’re only throwing for 138 yards and zero touchdowns on the USC defense, there is a problem.
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