Recap of UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet vs. Utah's Defense
Zach Charbonnet was dominant in UCLA's 42-32 win over Utah. He finished the night with 198 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. He showcased two explosive runs of 49 and 44 yards while rushing for 100+ yards for the third week in a row. He showed breakaway speed along with the power to break off tacklers in both of his long runs. Utah, despite putting forward multiple five-man fronts, was still unable to take down Charbonnet with poor tackling, something we knew was going to be a key from the linebacking group of Utah. Charbonnet's draft stock continues to rise into the tier right behind Texas running back Bijan Robinson and Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. UCLA and Charbonnet continue to garner national relevance, which should only help his case of increasing his draft stock. UCLA has a bye this week and then will have a massive game against Oregon with huge Pac-12 implications.
This Week's Matchup to Watch
USC WR Jordan Addison vs. Utah CB Clark Phillips
On Saturday night, we will stay out west to feature two elite potential 2023 first-round picks. USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, a transfer from Pittsburgh, is in the conversation for the top wide receiver in the upcoming draft. At 6-foot-0 and 175 pounds, which isn't the most desirable size for a receiver, Addison is a threat at all three levels with some of the best route-running skills in the college game. He also is dangerous after the catch, which instantly makes him a playmaker. Through six games, he has 32 receptions for 479 yards and six touchdowns. Being a part of the Lincoln Riley offense has benefitted Addison, and will continue to improve his draft stock. The USC passing attack will face one of the best cornerbacks in the country in Utah's Clark Phillips III. Phillips, at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, is a bit undersized, but he is a playmaker who makes up for his size with speed and incredible ball skills. He has backed up the ball skills this year with five interceptions which leads the nation. Two of those have been taken back for touchdowns. Phillips is an elite competitor who has started all 26 games that he has been at Utah and is someone who usually rises to the occasion against elite talent.
USC has elite other receiving options outside of Jordan Addison from two other transfers. Mario Williams and Brenden Rice have also been great options for quarterback Caleb Williams. The question will be where Utah Defensive Coordinator Morgan Scalley will move Clark Phillips around. As a spectator, we would love to see the Addison-Phillips matchup, but Phillips will most likely see all three of these receivers a good amount. Phillips is someone Utah can leave on an island to cover any of these three receivers so that the Utes can commit their resources elsewhere. This game has massive implications for Addison and Phillips and their draft stock. Both players are trending in the right direction, and this will be a great litmus test for both individuals. Not to mention this game has big implications for their respective teams. USC can't afford a slip-up if they want to keep their National Title hopes alive. Utah, despite losing to UCLA last week, can keep themselves in the Pac-12 Title picture with a win. It should be a great battle out west between Jordan Addison and Clark Phillips III, and their individual performances will prove to have a big impact on who leaves victorious.
