We have spent roughly 24 hours mourning the Malachi Toney news, but now it's time to get ready for the game, as the ball will be put on a tee in South Bend Saturday night. Toney plays 60+ snaps a game, so who is going to fill those snaps?
I am excited to see freshmen Vance Spafford and Somourian Wingo if given the opportunity, but I believe the player who needs to step up—and will step up, beginning Saturday night—is Dre Jacobs. He has recorded 9 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown so far this season.
WHY I'M LOOKING AT DRE
Jacobs, a junior transfer from South Carolina, is no stranger to this situation. He's an experienced receiver who has played in the SEC and performed well for the Gamecocks as a sophomore, including in some big road games.
Jacobs recorded 7 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown at Missouri. He also had 4 catches for 64 yards at Texas A&M in November. His biggest game came in the final regular-season game against Clemson, when he hauled in 7 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Jacobs has the track record. Is he going to replace Toney's production with 15 catches and 150 yards in the first half? No. But I can see him recording 4-6 catches and approaching 100 yards.
The most impressive thing about Jacobs, in my opinion, is his home-run ability. Last year at South Carolina, he had 32 catches for 548 yards (17.2 yards per catch), and this season, he is averaging 16.7 yards per catch.
After winning the ACC title at Duke last season, Mensah and Barkate have proven they have the familiarity and ability to win at a high level. I expect Barkate to be Mensah's No. 1 target Saturday night and throughout November, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Jacobs step up and become the second-leading receiver in catches. He could even lead the Canes in receiving yards throughout November, giving Mensah another weapon heading into January when Toney is back in the lineup.
I am excited to see freshmen Vance Spafford and Somourian Wingo if given the opportunity, but I believe the player who needs to step up—and will step up, beginning Saturday night—is Dre Jacobs. He has recorded 9 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown so far this season.
WHY I'M LOOKING AT DRE
Jacobs, a junior transfer from South Carolina, is no stranger to this situation. He's an experienced receiver who has played in the SEC and performed well for the Gamecocks as a sophomore, including in some big road games.
Jacobs recorded 7 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown at Missouri. He also had 4 catches for 64 yards at Texas A&M in November. His biggest game came in the final regular-season game against Clemson, when he hauled in 7 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Jacobs has the track record. Is he going to replace Toney's production with 15 catches and 150 yards in the first half? No. But I can see him recording 4-6 catches and approaching 100 yards.
The most impressive thing about Jacobs, in my opinion, is his home-run ability. Last year at South Carolina, he had 32 catches for 548 yards (17.2 yards per catch), and this season, he is averaging 16.7 yards per catch.
After winning the ACC title at Duke last season, Mensah and Barkate have proven they have the familiarity and ability to win at a high level. I expect Barkate to be Mensah's No. 1 target Saturday night and throughout November, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Jacobs step up and become the second-leading receiver in catches. He could even lead the Canes in receiving yards throughout November, giving Mensah another weapon heading into January when Toney is back in the lineup.
