GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Akron sophomore QB Kato Nelson is coming off a career day in the Zips’ 49-28 loss at Ohio. He had career highs in pass attempts (41), completions (24), yardage (356) and touchdowns (four). Ohio managed to get to him for two sacks and Akron has yielded 29 sacks this season. LB T.J. Brunson (four sacks) and DT Javon Kinlaw (3.5) are the best bets to get pressure on Nelson.
DRAFT SLANT
–WR Deebo Samuel is No. 2 among wide receivers on NFLDraftScout.com’s rankings. In addition to that, he has returned four kickoffs for touchdowns in his career. “They’ve got a bonafide NFL receiver,” Akron coach Terry Bowden said during his game week press conference, referring to Samuel. Samuel’s 210 receiving yards against Clemson last week ties Troy Williamson as the second-most in a game in program history.
ROSTER REPORT:
–DE D.J. Wonnum will miss the Akron game and possibly the bowl game as well after having ankle surgery. He has played in only five games because of injuries.
–DE Aaron Sterling is out until at least the bowl game after having ankle surgery.
–LB Bryson Allen-Williams is out after having ankle surgery.
–DB Jaycee Horn, who has started at both corner and nickel, missed the Clemson game with an ankle injury. His foot was in a boot this week and his status for Saturday is uncertain.
–RB A.J. Turner is getting some work on defense at nickel back because of the injuries that have hit the secondary and the extra depth at running back. “He is a good tackler and a good space player,” coach Will Muschamp said. “He has the look to be a good man coverage guy. He’s a good athlete, so we’re going to give him the opportunity to play on the defensive side of the ball this week.” Muschamp said he will “take a look at that” when asked about the possibility of Turner moving to defense his senior season in 2019.
–DE Daniel Fennell sustained a knee injury against Clemson and is out this week.
–QB Jake Bentley passed for 510 yards in the loss to Clemson, a single-game high in program history. He was 32 of 50 and sailed past the previous high of 473 by Steve Tannyhill against Mississippi State in 1995.
–TE Kiel Pollard, a junior, had a career-best in receiving yards with 94 on two receptions against Clemson, one a 67-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
