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 4 (All times Eastern):
Shea Patterson, QB, No. 11 Michigan
Matchup: at No. 13 Wisconsin, Noon, Saturday
Breakdown: It’s simple, Patterson needs to take better care of the football. That was something he had trouble doing while the Wolverines nearly lost to Army. Now, Patterson is one our players to watch in Week 4 because he needs to step up his game against a Wisconsin defense that’s allowed 215 total yards through two games.
Christopher Brown Jr., RB, No. 23 Cal
Matchup: at Mississippi, Noon, Saturday
Breakdown: The Golden Bears are looking to start 4-0 for the first time since 2015, but they face a tough test against the Rebels. Their success this weekend could depend on how well Brown runs the football. Through three games, the sophomore running back has rushed for 324 yards on 65 carries. Ole Miss is giving up an average of 106.3 rushing yards through three games.
JaTarvious Whitlow, RB, No. 8 Auburn
Matchup: at No. 17 Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m., Saturday
Breakdown: Whitlow is making freshman quarterback Bo Nix’s job a little easier with the way he’s performed this early. Known as “Boobie,” the sophomore Whitlow has gained 341 yards and rushed for three touchdowns on the ground to become one of our players to watch in Week 4. Texas A&M has allowed 243 rushing yards in its last two contests.
Mase Funa, LB, No. 16 Oregon
Matchup: at Stanford, 7 p.m., Saturday
Breakdown: With three sacks to start the season, Funa has been pretty disruptive. Stanford’s offense has struggled early on, so there is a chance Funa, who also has five tackles for loss, can continue to male life miserable for opponents.
Asmar Bilal, LB, No. 7 Notre Dame
Matchup: at No. 3 Georgia, 8 p.m., Saturday
Breakdown: Arguably the most seasoned of the Irish defenders, Bilal and Co. will have their hands full this weekend against a Georgia squad that’s scored 148 points through three games. Bilal has recorded 12 tackles through Notre Dame’s first two games, with 10 of them solos. He’ll need to be active and on top of his game as the Irish try to pull off the upset in the biggest game of the week.
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