Week 2 of the NFL season options loads of fascinating matchups, together with two quarterback rematches from current faculty soccer nationwide championship video games.
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals host Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, which is a QB rematch from the 2020 Faculty Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship recreation, the place LSU defeated Clemson, 42-25. J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings will welcome Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons to U.S. Financial institution Stadium, which is a QB rematch of the 2024 CFP Nationwide Championship recreation, the place Michigan defeated Washington, 34-13.
All 4 of those quarterbacks went on to be chosen within the first spherical of their respective drafts. A few of their NFL careers have taken off, whereas there are query marks for others. Let’s revisit these 4 quarterbacks, who they had been as faculty gamers, how they fared of their championship video games and what their NFL careers have been like.
Burrow turns into a legend after dropping QB battle
“Joe Cool,” a four-star recruit from The Plains, Ohio, started his faculty profession at Ohio State. He performed simply 11 video games for the Buckeyes, backing up J.T. Barrett after which dropping a QB battle to Dwayne Haskins, earlier than opting to affix LSU as a graduate switch. In his first season with the Tigers as a redshirt junior in 2018, Burrow accomplished 57.8% of his passes for two,894 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions whereas the LSU went 10-3. It was a strong first marketing campaign, however that season set the desk for faculty soccer historical past.
In 2019, the Burrow-led Tigers stood atop the FBS with 568.4 complete yards per recreation and 48.4 factors per recreation. Burrow led the SEC in nearly each passing metric, finishing 402 of 527 passes (76.3%) for five,671 yards, 60 touchdowns and simply six interceptions in 15 complete video games. His 65 complete touchdowns are nonetheless tied for an NCAA document, and Burrow gained the Heisman Trophy, AP Faculty Soccer Participant of the Yr, and different honors, such because the Manning Award. LSU went an ideal 12-0 within the common season.
As a prospect, Burrow drew comparisons to Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner. He was lauded for his soccer IQ, consolation with full-field progressions and the power to throw with anticipation. All of the stuff you need from a potential franchise quarterback, which is why he was finally chosen No. 1 total.
CBS Sports activities’ Dave Richard was clearly enthusiastic about Burrow’s potential:
“Burrow has practically all of the traits desired to be an awesome NFL quarterback. His throwing movement and footwork are NFL-ready, serving to him effortlessly and precisely place balls for his receivers everywhere in the subject. He does a superb job avoiding the cross rush when he can whereas conserving his eyes downfield, however he is even higher at realizing that it is coming and adjusting to it earlier than the snap. He throws with good velocity and might add the proper quantity of contact when wanted.
Lawrence shortly goes from No. 1 recruit to champion
The 6-foot-6 quarterback from Cartersville, Georgia, was the No. 1 total prospect within the 2018 class, in accordance with 247Sports. Whereas he started his collegiate profession on the bench behind Kelly Bryant, Lawrence shortly took over as a starter after 4 video games and led Clemson to the ACC Championship recreation, throwing for 3,280 yards, 30 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
It was a magical season, as Clemson blew out Notre Dame within the ACC title recreation, defeated Notre Dame by 27 factors within the Cotton Bowl Basic after which handed Tua Tagovailoa and Nick Saban a 44-16 loss within the 2019 CFP Nationwide Championship recreation. Lawrence threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns, adequate for Offensive MVP honors. The Tigers completed the season an ideal 15-0.
Lawrence entered his sophomore 12 months as the favourite to win the Heisman Trophy, and ended up main the ACC with 3,665 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Clemson had one other undefeated season going, destroying Virginia within the ACC Championship, 62-17, and slipping by Justin Fields‘ Buckeyes within the Fiesta Bowl, 29-23. That arrange a date with LSU within the nationwide championship, which we’ll get to quickly…
Lawrence completed his collegiate profession with a 34-2 document and was in comparison with Andrew Luck as a prospect. He was praised for his measurement, means as a pocket passer, inner clock and athleticism. Sure, he was even described as “generational.” With the Jaguars holding the No. 1 total decide within the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence was hailed as “The prince who was promised.”
Story of the tape: 2020 CFP championship
Getty Photos
It was the 14-0 Tigers vs. the 14-0 Tigers in New Orleans. Lawrence had a loaded arsenal that included Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, Amari Rodgers and Travis Etienne, however LSU boasted extra eventual NFL Draft picks. Burrow was throwing to a few wideouts named Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, and had the backing of a protection that included Patrick Queen, Okay’Lavon Chaisson, Kristian Fulton, Derek Stingley Jr. and Grant Delpit — simply to call a couple of. LSU was favored by about 4.5 factors coming into this matchup, and you can perceive why with them having “home-field benefit” in Louisiana.
Consider it or not, this recreation started with 4 straight punts — together with three three-and-outs! Lawrence obtained the scoring began with a one-yard landing run to cap a five-play, 67-yard drive. Burrow answered late within the first quarter with a 52-yard landing cross to Chase — who tormented eventual first-round CB A.J. Terrell that recreation. Clemson would rating 10 straight factors to begin off the second quarter, however that is when LSU blew it open.
Ed Orgeron’s Tigers scored three straight touchdowns to go up 28-17 at halftime. An Etienne landing within the third quarter pulled Clemson inside three factors, however LSU would shut out the sport with two extra touchdowns for a 42-25 victory. LSU’s win snapped Clemson’s 29-game win streak and accomplished the proper season for the “Bayou Bengals.”
Burrow, Lawrence’s 2020 CFP championship recreation stats
|
Passing |
31/49 |
18/37 |
|
Passing yards |
463 |
234 |
|
Passing TDs |
5 |
0 |
|
INTs |
0 |
0 |
|
Speeding makes an attempt |
14 |
10 |
|
Speeding yards |
58 |
49 |
|
Speeding TDs |
1 |
1 |
Burrow clearly outplayed Lawrence on this recreation, scoring six complete touchdowns in comparison with Lawrence’s one dashing landing.
Burrow firmly amongst NFL’s prime QBs
It is protected to say that Burrow lived as much as the No. 1 total billing, as he’s thought to be among the best quarterbacks within the NFL at the moment.
Whereas he tore his ACL 10 video games into his rookie season, Burrow returned in Yr 2 to take the Bengals to the Tremendous Bowl. He is a two-time Professional Bowler, two-time Comeback Participant of the Yr and led the NFL in each passing yards (4,918) and passing touchdowns (43) this previous season. Simply three quarterbacks have ever thrown for 4,500 yards, 40 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions in a season: Burrow in 2024, Aaron Rodgers in 2011 and Tom Brady in 2007. Burrow is the one one of many three to not win MVP after that marketing campaign.
Lawrence amid make-or-break 12 months
The jury remains to be out on the No. 1 total decide within the 2021 NFL Draft. Some imagine Lawrence is an authorized bust, whereas others assume there’s an opportunity the 25-year-old sign caller can flip it round. Beneath City Meyer in Yr 1, Lawrence went 3-14 whereas throwing for 3,641 yards, 12 touchdowns and a league-high 17 interceptions. He was given a cross since Meyer was such a catastrophe within the NFL. Lawrence did rebound in 2022 below Doug Pederson.
Was Trevor Lawrence definitely worth the hype? His make-or-break 2025 season begins now
Jared Dubin
The Jags went 9-8 in 2022, whereas Lawrence threw for 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Jacksonville gained the AFC South and got here again from down 27-0 vs. the Chargers within the wild-card spherical to win, 31-30. It marked the fifth-largest comeback in NFL historical past. Nevertheless, that was most likely the top of the Lawrence period to this point. He went 8-8 in 2023 and signed a five-year, $275 million deal the next offseason, however has gone simply 3-8 since.
Accidents have sadly been a giant storyline for Lawrence as of late. A shoulder damage and concussion held him to only 10 video games performed in 2024, which was Pederson’s ultimate season in Jacksonville. There’s optimism for Lawrence with Liam Coen now roaming the sidelines, however he didn’t look particularly sharp within the 26-10 Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, throwing for 178 yards, one landing and one interception. We’ll see what occurs.
Now for the Sunday evening conflict.
Michael Penix Jr.’s out-of-nowhere star flip
Getty Photos
Penix was a three-star recruit hailing from Tampa and dedicated to play soccer at Indiana in 2018. He suffered a torn ACL as a real freshman, wanted shoulder surgical procedure that reduce his 2019 season brief after which suffered one other torn ACL in 2020, adopted by a dislocated shoulder in 2021. It seemed like Penix’s story was going to be one headlined by damage, however the whole lot modified when he transferred to Washington.
In his first season with coach Kalen DeBoer’s Huskies, Penix led the FBS in passing yards per recreation with 357, and had his finest collegiate season to that time, throwing for 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. In 2023, Penix in some way upped the ante by throwing for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions whereas Washington went 14-0. As Dennis Dodd wrote final 12 months, Penix took management of his profession and have become essentially the most impactful participant of the switch portal period.
Penix wrapped up his collegiate profession with a 37-8 document over six seasons and was the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up. He turned the primary participant since Patrick Mahomes to have a number of seasons of 4,500 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns, and shined as a deep-ball thrower. Penix led the FBS in completions (60) and passing touchdowns (26) of 25+ air yards over his ultimate two seasons.
As a prospect, Penix was lauded for his arm expertise and willingness to chuck the ball everywhere in the subject. Nevertheless, there have been loads of evaluators who had been completely fearful of his damage rap sheet, and puzzled if he was definitely worth the funding as a first-round decide.
J.J. McCarthy elevated Harbaugh’s Michigan period
McCarthy was born in Illinois and started his highschool profession at Nazareth Academy earlier than transferring to IMG Academy. He grew up as an Ohio State fan, however after being spurned by Ryan Day, he switched his allegiance to Michigan. 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks was impressed with McCarthy’s mobility when he evaluated the younger quarterback in 2020:
“Already flashes plus vertical arm capability and good velocity within the short-to-intermediate recreation. Able to pushing the ball down the sector even when compelled to stay flat-footed with strain in his face. Persistently makes on-target throws from the pocket, but additionally is harmful breaking the pocket and throwing on the transfer. Professional-style QB with purposeful athleticism to harm defenses as a scrambler, whether or not through off-schedule throws or tucking it. Match the ball in some tight home windows as a senior and owns requisite arm energy to drive the ball to the perimeter when required…”
In his second collegiate season, McCarthy took the beginning job from Cade McNamara — who had led Michigan to a CFP berth, dropping to Georgia — and threw for two,719 yards, 22 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. That 12 months, the Wolverines gained their first recreation in Ohio Stadium since 2000, defeated Purdue within the Huge Ten Championship recreation and made the CFP with a 13-0 document. McCarthy had confirmed a transparent improve over McNamara. Nevertheless, Michigan was surprised within the CFP semifinal by TCU, 51-45, as Quentin Johnston exploded for 163 yards receiving and one landing.
McCarthy has not misplaced a recreation since then. He upped his recreation in 2023, finishing 72.3% of his passes for two,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. This Michigan workforce was loaded, and by no means dropped under No. 3 within the AP ballot. The Wolverines cruised to a 12-0 document, blanked Iowa 26-0 within the Huge Ten Championship, defeated Alabama within the Faculty Soccer Playoff Semifinal on the Rose Bowl in time beyond regulation after which took down Washington for his or her first nationwide championship since 1997.
McCarthy completed his collegiate profession with a 27-1 document, which is the third-best by a quarterback in FBS historical past. He threw 44 touchdowns in comparison with 9 interceptions in his ultimate two seasons, nevertheless it was clear he was not essentially the most thrilling prospect within the historical past of faculty soccer. He by no means threw for 3,000 yards in a season and was not recognized for letting the ball rip downfield. CBS Sports activities’ Dan Schneier described McCarthy as probably the most polarizing prospects within the 2024 NFL Draft, however in contrast him to Wealthy Gannon with extra to supply as a runner.
Certain, McCarthy was environment friendly, however was he a professional playmaker price drafting within the prime 10 or prime 5?
Story of the tape: 2024 CFP championship
Getty Photos
This recreation was about Washington’s offense vs. Michigan’s protection. Penix commanded the No. 2 passing offense within the FBS, which averaged 343.7 yards per recreation, whereas Michigan touted the No. 1 total protection, permitting simply 247 complete yards per recreation and an unbelievable 10.4 factors per recreation. Harbaugh’s squad did not permit 10 factors in a recreation till Michigan’s sixth recreation that 12 months.
The Wolverines entered this matchup as favorites of about 4.5 factors — the identical unfold of that Clemson-LSU championship we addressed earlier. Michigan kicked off the sport with a landing — a 41-yard Donovan Edwards run to cap an eight-play, 84-yard opening drive. Washington wasn’t rattled, as Penix led a 14-play, 67-yard drive that stalled contained in the Michigan 10-yard line. Kalen DeBoer settled for a subject objective. Edwards then once more broke free on the Wolverines’ subsequent possession, scoring from 46 yards out to place Michigan up 14-3.
Penix hit Jalen McMillan for a 3-yard landing within the second quarter to drag Washington inside seven factors at halftime, however the Huskies by no means obtained nearer. After the 2 groups exchanged subject objectives within the third quarter, Blake Corum scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to clinch a 34-13 victory.
Michigan put up 301 yards of complete offense in comparison with Michigan’s 443 yards. Nevertheless, McCarthy handed for simply 140 of these yards! Corum and Edwards had been the celebs of the present, as they mixed for 238 dashing yards and 4 dashing touchdowns. Edwards averaged 17.3 yards per carry, however Corum gained offensive MVP.
Michigan’s championship win was shrouded in controversy, as this system was within the midst of a sign-stealing investigation that led to Harbaugh being suspended for 3 video games on two separate events throughout this season.
McCarthy, Penix’s 2024 CFP championship recreation stats
|
Passing |
10/18 |
27/51 |
|
Passing yards |
140 |
255 |
|
Passing TDs |
0 |
1 |
|
INTs |
0 |
2 |
|
Speeding makes an attempt |
4 |
3 |
|
Speeding yards |
31 |
-5 |
|
Speeding TDs |
0 |
0 |
A shocking decide, Penix is now Atlanta’s man
The Falcons shocked the NFL world by deciding on Penix No. 8 total within the 2024 NFL Draft immediately after signing Kirk Cousins to a profitable deal in free company. Penix obtained three begins as a rookie, successful one among them, whereas throwing for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in 5 complete video games performed. Nonetheless, he did sufficient to win the belief of Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson, and was named the starter for the 2025 season.
There’s professional optimism surrounding Penix. Not solely does he possess sufficient expertise to be a franchise quarterback, however he is additionally surrounded by a fleet of weapons — Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Can McCarthy repay Minnesota’s belief?
McCarthy was chosen by the Vikings with the No. 10 total decide in the identical draft as Penix, however missed his total rookie season attributable to a knee damage. Kevin O’Connell felt comfy sufficient with him to permit Sam Darnold to hit free company following final 12 months’s 14-3 marketing campaign.
In his first NFL begin this previous Monday evening vs. the Chicago Bears, McCarthy accomplished 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, one decide six, and likewise rushed twice for 25 yards and one other rating. He began the sport painfully sluggish, however scored three complete touchdowns within the fourth quarter as Minnesota overcame an 11-point deficit to beat the Bears at Solider Discipline. It was the biggest fourth-quarter comeback recorded on the street by a quarterback in his first profession begin since no less than 2000. Little doubt McCarthy gained over the locker room together with his play in that one quarter.
Which QB has the perfect likelihood at revenge in Week 2?
Between Lawrence and Penix, which participant has the perfect shot at revenge this weekend? Each of those quarterbacks can be enjoying on the street. Consider it or not, sportsbooks point out Lawrence has the higher likelihood to safe an upset victory, regardless of him being most likely essentially the most disappointing quarterback of this group. His Jaguars are 3.5-point underdogs, in accordance with FanDuel Sportsbook, whereas Penix’s Falcons are 4.5-point underdogs to the Vikings.
With that being mentioned, I imagine it is truly Atlanta that has the higher likelihood to register an upset. Penix threw for 298 yards and accounted for 2 complete touchdowns vs. the Buccaneers final week, whereas Robinson shined as a receiver with 100 yards and one landing on six receptions. To me, the Vikings could possibly be a better opponent than the Burrow-led Bengals. McCarthy had an unbelievable fourth quarter on Monday evening, however he seemed like a quarterback that was not ready in any respect within the first half of his first begin.
I say Penix has a greater likelihood at beating McCarthy than Lawrence has of beating Burrow.
