Here we are, the final Stock Up/Stock Down of the 2017 calendar year. I'm not crying, you're crying.
The Buckeyes enter the final game of the 2017 campaign as favorites in the Cotton Bowl against USC, and while the buzz surrounding the bowl isn't that of a playoff game, the excitement will surely be elevated because of the old rivalry between Ohio State and the Trojans.
Both Ohio State and USC had playoff aspirations heading into the season, however there is still plenty to play for. The Buckeyes appear to have the edge, at least on paper, for the Cotton Bowl matchup and that leads us into our final edition of the Stock Up/Stock Down of the year.
Stock Up
J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber
Through 13 games this season, USC is allowing more than 150 yards per game on the ground and has allowed 10 games of more than 100 yards rushing this season, including 377 in a 49-14 loss to Notre Dame. Having struggled to stop the run all season, there is a good chance Dobbins and Weber could have a field day against the Trojans.
Weber didn't see much time against Wisconsin after a crucial fumble led to Badger points in the Big Ten title game, but I expect him to play like a man possessed after a poor showing in Indianapolis and last years bowl game against Clemson. Combined that with the consistency that Dobbins and J.T. Barrett bring to Ohio State's run game, I expect the Buckeyes to roll up and down the field on the ground against the Trojans.
Jerome Baker and Dre'Mont Jones
Both Baker and Jones are considered possible candidates to declare early for the NFL Draft, however both could use big performances in order to improve their stock. Baker especially hasn't had the season that most thought he would, and a good showing against a future NFL quarterback could be the game that gets him back into the first few rounds of the draft.
For Jones, a first-round selection is still within reach, but a impressive performance in the Cotton Bowl could almost guarantee a selection on the first day of the draft. I expect both to use the Cotton Bowl as an audition of sorts for the NFL and I think both will play their best games of the year.
Big Ten Conference
The Buckeyes are favored to win over the Trojans, and I find myself favoring most of the Big Ten teams in their respective bowl games. I especially like the Nittany Lions in the Fiesta Bowl against Washington.
With the SEC having a down year, the Big Ten could make a statement as the top conference in college football during this bowl season, despite not having a representative in the College Football Playoff. My upset pick has Purdue knocking off Arizona. I am all aboard the Brohm Train.
Stock Down
Sam Darnold – Future Browns Quarterback
Putting Darnold in my Stock Down has almost nothing to do with the Cotton Bowl. It has everything to do with the likelihood that come NFL Draft time, he will be a Cleveland Brown. This poor, poor soul is one good game away from wearing the Orange and Brown and I could not feel so bad for the guy.
If I am Darnold, I am 100 percent coming back to school. I think he has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in the upcoming draft, but if he comes out early, I don't like his chances in the NFL in 2018.
Ohio State Secondary
The Buckeye secondary has improved this year, but with rumors of Denzel Ward not playing in the Cotton Bowl swirling around, it is hard to pick Ohio State's defensive backfield to put together a shut down performance. Even if Ward does play, Darnold will be one of, if not the best quarterback the Buckeyes have faced this season.
Ward's ability to shut down an entire side of the field could be crucial in this game, and if he plays it could be a turning point in the game. His playing could swing the magnitude of this game, but if he isn't on the field, Darnold could have the game that makes him the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
