• USC senior S Taylor Mays' downfield deficiencies in pass coverage were on display in a 55-21 blowout loss to Stanford, as the highly touted physical marvel was late once again — while in a single-high look— getting over the top and unable to break up a fourth-quarter TD grab by sophomore TE Coby Fleener. Mays' lack of instincts were evident on the play, as Stanford redshirt freshman QB Andrew Luck made no attempt to use his eyes to hold Mays in the middle of the field and instead stared down the route. While Mays certainly brings the thunder as a run defender, and will wow scouts with his chiseled frame and eye-popping measurables, still likely fitting into the top 10, his vulnerability defending the deep ball has shown up too much this season, as he has appeared to play overly cautiously — as if he does not want to get hurt.
• Despite not seeing more than 10 carries in any game this season when playing in a heavy rotation, LSU senior RB Keiland Williams took over the starting job against Louisiana Tech last week after Charles Scott went down with a season-ending collarbone injury and the Tigers' offense did not skip a beat as Williams gained 116 yards on 15 carries and scored two TDs. Questions have swirled in the scouting community about his competitiveness after appearing too complacent seeing limited action, but he is very well built with a strong frame and hits the line very hard, getting to and through the hole quickly. He has several games to show he can be more than a backup in the pros, where he still projects, but he now has a chance to flourish in more of a featured role.
• North Carolina junior CB Kendric Burney picked off three passes to key a 33-24 victory over Miami, returning one for a touchdown and appearing to lateral, although it was ruled a fumble, another to Melvin Williams for a TD. Burney, who has lobbied offensive coordinator John Shoop to line up as a receiver this season but has yet to crack the offensive lineup, accounted for a school-record 170 return yards and played the ball like a receiver, elevating to pluck it out of a crowd. His lack of size, at an estimated 5-9, 190 pounds, will lessen his draft value, but he has shown desirable instincts and ball skills and could be drafted in the first three rounds if he declares.