[2024] Week 4 - Matchup of the Week

[SageBow]

Week 3's Matchup of the Week ended in a 55-0 blowout victory for #2 Tennessee, but star receiver Hayes Edwards was completely left off the box score. Vote for who you think won, and we'll look at our star studded matchup for Week 4

Week 4 Matchup of the Week

RB Rishard Ward, (SR), UNT vs ILB Jordan Virgin, (SR), TULS

Absolutely got to check out this all-AAC clash. North Texas running back Rishard Ward takes on @acewulf's Tulsa star linebacker Jordan Virgin. Truly two top flight athletes, potentially both first rounders in this upcoming class, and we get to witness them go head to head against each other. One of the most versatile backfield weapons in the nation, Ward had 152 carries for 689 yards and 7 TDs rushing, and 43 receptions for 538 yards with 2 TDs receiving last season playing with star quarterback Blake Smith beside him. Now, he's the main man of the offense having to taken on a fearsome defender in Virgin who had 84 tackles, 28 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 2 FR, and 1 INT as a junior in Tulsa.

For the season, the 2-1 Mean Green have shown a propensity to not go Ward's way, preferring senior Kenneth Fife (24 carries for 212 yards, 1 TD). However, Ward must be due for a breakout game to add to his current 13 carry for 79 yards, 2 TD total. Ward has yet to show effectiveness in the receiving game as well, with only 2 receptions for 20 yards and 1 TD to his name. Look for the Mean Green to spice things up and get the ball to their main man more against undefeated #4 Tulsa. While Ward has struggled out of the gate, Virgin has been dynamic. He leads all Tulsa linebackers with 10 tackles, to go along with 2.5 TFLs, and 0.5 sacks. A true wrecking ball to clean up whatever escapes Tulsa's talented defensive line.

Both guys have elite traits. Ward is a guy that has truly elite speed and great receiving skills, while Virgin is an old school thumper that is extremely stout in tackling, strength, pass rush, and run defense. The facets of this match up change drastically with Ward carrying the ball vs Ward going out for a reception, and this will be an entertaining battle to watch all Saturday morning.

Prediction - Not going to overlook Jordan Virgin here. Rishard Ward is a great player, but I think their offense is going to struggle with Tulsa's great defensive line and Jordan Virgin hitting behind them. Ward and the Mean Green offense are stifled by a truly great defense.

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

Week 3 - WR Hayes Edwards, (SR), TENN vs CB Freddie Koch, SR, LU

Edited May 14 by SageBow