Remember The Valero Alamo Bowl
Bowl games are always a way for teams to have exciting new matchups. The 26th edition of the Valero Alamo Bowl fits that bill as the #13 Washington State Cougars take on the #24 Iowa State Cyclones. What makes this game so compelling is that this will pit the #1 passing offense in Washington State versus one of the best passing defenses in Iowa State.
It is almost a game to prove whether elite offense or elite defense win’s games. On the other hand, our prospects on defense might say that this team is more than a flashy offense. Here is your guide to our prospects in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
James Williams – RB
Rushing: 13 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: 10 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
James Williams has been such a sure weapon this season. On the ground, he will punch it in or use his agility and vision to cut upfield and make a new hole. Receiving, he has shown to have sure hands like many of the Tight Ends in the NFL, where if you need a first down, you look his way.
I see Williams having a big day in this one, because of his ability to change the game rushing or receiving.
Current Draft Stock: 5th Round
Davontavean Martin – WR
Receiving: 4 reception, 57 yards, 0 TD
Martin has had great games and then he has had silent games, so it is somewhat unpredictable as to how he will play. That has less to do with his talent level and more to do with the overall talent of the receiving corps he plays with. Martin will make some critical catches in this one and that will be where he makes the difference. With his athleticism.
Current Draft Stock: 6th Round
Andre Dillard – OL
Dillard is the best offensive lineman in this game. That does not slight anyone because there is a lot of talent, but if you have watched Dillard all year, you know that he is a force to be reckoned with. He does such a good job of creating time for Minshew to get the pass off. He will not allow a sack in this game.
Draft Stock: 2nd Round
Peyton Pelluer – LB
Pelluer will come to play. He brings intensity with him and it rubs off on the other linebackers. He makes his teammates play better and make big plays. Watch his ability to swarm the ball in this one. The big matchup here will be Peyton Pelluer vs David Montgomery. Look for some big collisions on runs up the middle.
Draft Stock: 6th Round
Jalen Thompson – S
Brock Purdy will have his work cut out for him. He has had a great season, but he has not faced a secondary quite like the one from Pullman, WA. Thompson will continue to eliminate the long ball. He will keep everything in front of him and make tackles. That is a big thing to watch. He does not let people go when he goes for a tackle. If he makes contact, they are going down, because he does such a great job of wrapping up to limit the yards after the catch. We will see an interception in the Alamodome.
Draft Stock: 3rd Round
Let me know what you think about these prospects and my predictions in the comments!