Saturday NFL Draft watch notes.

Today I'll be watching the Akron/Ohio game, which makes me thankful for DVR and the people who cut up tape and put it on YouTube. I'll be watching Bobcats wide receiver LaVon Brazill and ZIps linebacker Brian Wagner. We'll have a few more game-specific notes shortly, but here are some general notes for the day:

Look for a big game today from Oklahoma State junior wide receiver Justin Blackmon. He's had games of less than 100 yards receiving two weeks in a row, and it's unlikely to reach three. Missouri doesn't have anyone who can line up against Blackmon and stop him from getting open. Blackmon is rounding out as a sure top 10 prospect and should show why today. In this game, also watch for Cowboys left tackle Levy Adcock against Tigers end Brad Madison, who is come along nicely this season. Neither are especially fast, but they should match-up against one another well.

The Clemson/North Carolina game is speed against speed. Few teams can match Clemson's speed on offense, but if anyone can it's the North Carolina defense. In terms of draft watching, this could be a proving game for Tigers running back Andre Ellington. The Tar Heels have speedy, swarming linebackers who make it hard for running backs to break big plays. Namely, UNC linebacker Kevin Reddick could give Ellington a lot of trouble today. This game also features some of the best defensive tackle prospects in Clemson's Brandon Thompson and North Carolina's Tydreke Powell.

Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry is second in the nation in sacks with nine and a half with six coming in the last two games. He'll have to continue getting pressure today against Houston. Cougars quarterback Case Keenum gets rid of the ball quickly and could pick apart the Thundering Herd defense. It will be up to the athletic Curry to show why he's the best player on the field today.

One of the better one-on-one showdowns this week could be Iowa State cornerback Leonard Johnson against Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller. Johnson is a strong defensive back who could even be looked at as a safety in the NFL. A&M likes to get Fuller the ball on short, quick passes which could play directly into Johnson's strengths. Also worth noting in this game is Cyclones left tackle Kelechi Osemele. A&M uses a lot of speed on the outside, which could test Osemele. He's not known as a quick athlete, which is why he's considered a guard or right tackle prospect. Today, he could prove otherwise.

If Miami's Sean Spence really wants to show he's still a solid NFL linebacker prospect, he needs a good game today against option-based Georgia Tech. Spence has been rusty since returning from suspension but needs to show his instincts and tackling ability.

Temple may only be playing Bowling Green today, but Owls running back Bernard Pierce is quietly pushing for a Heisman Trophy run. He has 17 touchdowns in seven games this season, and could gouge the Falcons. Don't be shocked if the junior running back jumps to the NFL after this season.