[2024] Week 3 - Matchup of the Week

[SageBow]

Week 2 is over, showcasing an exciting 21-17 RedHawks victory over the FAU Owls in Oxford. Vote for who you think won, and we'll look at our star studded matchup for Week 3

Week 3 Matchup of the Week

WR Hayes Edwards, (SR), TENN vs CB Freddie Koch, SR, LU

I know what you're thinking, "Sage, WTF, you're gonna pick a @tsweezyTennessee offensive player taking on a G5 defensive player? What are you thinking this is a beatdown for Savage and Edwards all day." I mean, it might be, but take a look at the guy Freddie Koch. The older brother of Tennessee's much maligned sophomore QB Mark Koch, Freddie has elevated himself to the #1 man cover corner for the Liberty Flames after a junior campaign of 40 tackles, 1 FR, 5 PDs, and 1 INT. Similarly, Edwards is now the #1 receiving option for Tennessee after a junior season where he caught 100 passes for 1747 yards and 15 touchdowns. This is going to be an exciting one.

Through two games, Edwards is second on his team in receiving yards (229), third in receptions (12), but leads the team in touchdowns with 4. That's right, 1 in 3 of his receptions find the end zone. He's simply a tremendous talent. Meanwhile the elder Koch had a quiet season opener with only 2 tackles, but notably kept Charlotte's top receiving target Ryan Lydon to a single reception (that went for a 77 yard touchdown...). This is going to be a battle all day long, one of the country's best route technicians and safests hands, against a challenging, physical cornerback that might be the fastest player on the field.

Prediction - Koch is great, but the Savage to Edwards connection keeps rolling. I'd be surprised if Freddie puts up too much of a fight, Edward's ability to separate with great routes, while at the same time utilizing his high football IQ to be in places that Brandon Savage wants him to be is such a tall task for any DB in the country. 

Week 0 - TE Torrey Barbato, SR, Notre Dame vs SS Roko Souza, JR, Navy

Week 1 - RB James Livingston, SO, VT vs ILB Austin Rosario, SR, TEX

Week 2 - TE Tavon Thomas, SR, FAU vs SS Joshua Martin, SR, MIAO