College Football ’19: Players to watch in Week 14

Each week, The Game Haus will highlight five players to watch from college football games featuring Associated Press Top 25 teams. From established stars to players on the verge of breaking out, we’ll offer some names to remember every week of the college football season.

Here’s a look at five players to watch in Week 14 (All times Eastern):

Sam Crosa, K, No. 18 Cincinnati

Photo courtesy of downthedrive.com

Matchup: at No. 17 Memphis, 3:30 p.m., Friday

Breakdown: Talk about a big-time performer and one of the true players to watch in Week 14, Crosa is a key reason why the Bearcats are in the hunt for the Group of Five bid. He’s made 6 of 7 field goals over the last four games. That included a last-second 32-yard winner at East Carolina and a 37-yarder for the same outcome versus South Florida.

Kwity Paye, DL, No. 10 Michigan

Matchup: vs. No. 2 Ohio State, Noon, Saturday

Breakdown: A lot is made about Ohio State pass rusher Chase Young, and rightfully so. However, Paye is a pretty good front-seven defender in his own right as one of our players to watch in Week 14. Paye has 6 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season. Michigan will need him to be disruptive against the Buckeyes’ potent offense.

Chris Olave, WR, No. 2 Ohio State

Matchup: at No. 10 Michigan, Noon, Saturday

Breakdown: Last season, Olave enjoyed a breakout, two-touchdown game against Michigan. This year, he’s among the top big-play receivers in the nation with 10 touchdown catches. The Buckeyes will again be looking for Olave to be a star against the Wolverines, who have allowed one TD reception over the last three games.

Rashod Bateman, WR, No. 9 Minnesota

Matchup: vs. No. 13 Wisconsin, 3:30 p.m., Saturday

Breakdown: Entering the season, Tyler Johnson was expected to be Tanner Morgan’s top receiving threat. That’s certainly been the case, with Johnson’s 66 catches for 1,025 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, Bateman has been equally as good with 51 receptions for 1,023 yards and the same 10 TDs. The sophomore Bateman had three scores last week versus Northwestern and hopes to again be a factor with the Big Ten West title on the line.

Jared Mayden, DB, No. 5 Alabama

Photo courtesy of 247sports.com

Matchup: at No. 16 Auburn, 3:30 p.m., Saturday

Breakdown: Alabama gets its first look at talented Auburn freshman quarterback Bo Nix. Mayden should be eager to help the Tide thwart Nix and the Tigers’ attempt to end the visitor’s chances of remaining in the College Football Playoff conversation. Mayden has made the most of his senior season with four interceptions and 48 tackles.

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