Mason Rudolph, QB, Sr, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 230lbs
Opponent:Tulsa
THE GOOD: Rudolph showed off his solid arm strength in this game. The Cowboys like to push the ball downfield so Rudolph will have plenty of opportunities to show NFL scouts his deep ball. Rudolph did a great job at working through his progressions when needed and finding the open man. He also showed off his lead blocking ability. Late in the first half he threw a huge block to spring his WR for a first down. That type of leadership and toughness will go a long way in a NFL locker room.THE BAD: When you see a quarterback complete over 80% of his throws you would not expect his accuracy to be questioned. However, Rudolph's ball placement was poor throughout the game so you cant help but question. There were far too many balls that were thrown short or behind the receiver for my liking. It was hard not to wonder if the opposition was better would he have had such a good stat line.
THE UGLY: Tulsa was outmatched in most aspects of the game but they did just enough to expose a glaring weakness in Rudolph's game. Rudolph looked uncomfortable, uncoordinated and most of all lumbering when he had to make throws on the run. His lack of mobility was responsible for an awful fumble late in the first half. It also led to an atrocious attempt at a throw on the run in the middle of the third quarter.
IN THE END: Rudolph had an impressive 2016 for the Cowboys and I was very high on Rudolph coming into the season. After seeing Rudolph struggle with his ability to make plays outside of the pocket I have tempered my expectations. It is hard envision a senior QB all of a sudden being able to correct a major issue like this but it is early in the season and anything can happen. Based on this game I cannot see Rudolph being an early round selection in the draft.
Josh Allen, QB, Jr, Wyoming, 6-5, 233lbs
Opponent: Iowa
THE GOOD: Allen lived up to the hype about his arm strength. A majority of Wyoming's pass plays were 10+ yard out routes and Allen made them with ease. The throws to the far sideline were especially impressive. When Allen was under center he dropped back smoothly. He showed poise on a play action pass where he had to climb the pocket to avoid pressure and make a throw. Allen also showed he is a big athletic quarterback that can make plays with his feet.THE BAD: Allen's mechanics gave me flashbacks of Jay Cutler in Chicago. There were throws that he made off his back foot, including his interceptions, that should have never happened. Allen knows he has a strong arm but may have fallen in love with it a little too much. I did not see much ability to work through progressions and find the open man from Allen. I understand that many throws were one read options but he failed to impress on plays that were not.
THE UGLY: From the onset of the game it was clear Allen was worried about the Iowa pressure. By the 2nd half Allen was feeling phantom pressure and bailing out of the pocket earlier than he had to. Allen's offensive line didn't do him any favors but there were plays to be made if he was willing to stand in the face of the rush and deliver the ball.
IN THE END: This was the game I was most excited about during opening weekend. It was the small school QB with top prospect hype from draft gurus versus a major conference defense. Allen's talent was evident but I came away feeling that he is far from deserving of the top QB prospect ranking. If he is not able to stay composed and be productive under pressure then he will have an extremely hard time making the transition to the NFL. I do not see Allen declaring for the draft this year but staying for his senior year to improve his skill set.
Week 2 Spotlight: Royce Freeman (RB-Oregon), Nick Chubb (RB-Georgia)
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