Kendall Fuller vs Tyler Boyd Should Be a Great Matchup

Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) is tackled by Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) after a short gain at Ohio Stadium. Virginia Tech won the game 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies are making final preparations for tonight’s big showdown with the Pittsburgh Panthers and defensive coordinator Bud Foster is probably locking down a gameplan to contain Pittsburgh’s rushing attack and force turnovers off of Pittsburgh QB Chad Voytik. Foster probably already has one matchup in mind and it could have a big impact on the game.

Sophomore cornerback Kendall Fuller is already one of the best cornerbacks in all of college football while Tyler Boyd was one of the best freshmen at wide receiver last season. Both of these players had great freshman seasons but Fuller and Boyd are both big time threats for each of their respective teams.

Fuller has been absolutely dominant as he has already shut down one very impressive wide receiver in East Carolina’s Justin Hardy with most of Hardy’s limited production in that game coming when Fuller wasn’t covering him. Fuller knows that the attention of college football will be on this matchup and he will look to take advantage.

Boyd has not been as productive so far as he was last season but the sophomore is still Pittsburgh’s best receiver with 30 catches for 423 yards and 4 touchdowns. Boyd averages just over 14 yards per reception and is clearly still a quality playmaker for the Panthers despite the fact that he isn’t on the same production pace as he was last season.

This will be a big time matchup and while Boyd is a quality receiver, he will not be able to have much success if any because of Fuller Island. Fuller has proven himself as an elite man-to-man cover cornerback and Boyd will not be able to get much space to make a play whenever he is covered by the sophomore cornerback.

Voytik will likely try to get the ball to Boyd and the Panthers might have to get creative to get Boyd some space. However, Fuller will shut down Boyd tonight and Voytik will make a pass that becomes the second interception of the season for Fuller.

Kendall Fuller knows that this is a big stage and he will shine in the college football spotlight.