Its a not great matchup for us defensively.
Cam's a great back. And he's built somewhat like Alstott, but he's quicker than you might think. Not like super duper elite speed, but still more than 3 yards and a pile of crap type speed and quickness. And he gets stronger as the game wears on. Pretty good OL.
As mentioned, their best WR is out so that is a benefit to us, hope he has a good recovery.
Leavitt is a kid I liked the tiny bit I saw of him at MSU and has potential. He's athletic, and throws. He might be one of the better run-pass options we've seen all year. Like Daniels can really run, but he's also incredibly inaccurate. Similar to Avery Johnson, etc. He's sitting at about 68% completion. So he's not a one trick poney.
Defensively, they're 27th in stopping the run, tied with us with 14 interceptions and 26th nationally in passing efficiency defense where we are 5th, so they're top 30 in both categories defensively and 34th nationally in scoring defense.
In a way, I'd say they are who we typically are most years on defense. Very solid at both run and pass statistically.
Not a great matchup. I think they are peaking right now. Being down their stud WR hurts but still a very solid team. If we are able to get Brahmer back and Verdon... I like our odds better, presuming JR is good to go and everyone else stays healthy.
I imagine it'll be a close game.