College Football: 8 Under-the-Radar Players You Need to Watch

This has been a crazy year in college football. For the first time in years, we may finally have multiple undefeated teams that could finally bring some major flaws in the BCS system to the forefront.

There are two extremely talented teams about to play the most important football game of the year next Saturday when Alabama takes on LSU. Whether there is a Hail Mary finish, a top 10 team losing or a freshman named Sammy Watkins making insane football plays, there is something that will catch every college football fan's eye.  

In the middle of all this excitement, there are always some players who don't get the attention they deserve. Here is a list of eight players that fall into that category. Not only do they put up sick numbers every week, they may be the stars you are watching on Sundays in a few years.

Case Keenum

No. 7 for the Houston Cougars is a surgeon at the quarterback position. He has been tearing up Conference USA defenses to the tune of 32 touchdown passes this season. This fifth-year senior might just be the best quarterback in college football.  

Last night he shredded the Rice Owls' secondary for nine touchdown passes. That's right, nine. It doesn't look like there is a defense in the country that can stop the all-time FBS leader in touchdown passes (139). 

Along with his 32 touchdowns, Keenum has only thrown three interceptions, while amassing over 3,200 yards through the air this season. It's too bad the Heisman trophy doesn't go to the player with the most ridiculous numbers, because this guy would have it locked up already.

Seth Doege

Another No. 7, this junior quarterback is putting up Heisman-caliber numbers against some of the best defenses in the Big 12. The second-leading passer in terms of yardage in the FBS, Doege has been nothing but outstanding this season.  

Throwing for 441 yards and four touchdowns, Doege led the Red Raiders to a victory on the road over former No. 1 Oklahoma. So far this season, No. 7 has thrown for over 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns, with only four picks.  

Unfortunately, playing on an average team in the Big 12, Doege has taken a back seat to Landry Jones (Oklahoma) and Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State). Just do me a favor. Take a little time Saturday to watch the Red Raiders as they take on Iowa State. You'll see a magic show through the air that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor.

Collin Klein

There must be something about quarterbacks with the No. 7. Here's a tip to parents around the country: If you have a son playing quarterback in high school, make him change his jersey number right now. He'll start tearing it up.

The third No. 7 on this list, Collin Klein isn't what you would call a conventional quarterback. At 6'5" and 226 pounds, he looks more like a wide receiver on the field. But don't let his looks fool you, this dude can ball.

All this guy does is score touchdowns. Leading the Kansas State Wildcats to a 7-0 record this year, Klein can do it with his arm and with his legs. He has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards this year and eight touchdowns. You might be saying to yourself, "That's it? What's so special about this guy?" Let me finish.

He has also managed to rush for 670 yards and 14 touchdowns. He doesn't need to get it done in the air when he can run like that. Those 14 touchdowns are good for fourth in the FBS.  

With games coming up against No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 16 Texas A&M, the country will finally get to see what Collin Klein is all about.

David Wilson

David Wilson is a model of consistency. The leading rusher in the FBS has rushed for over 120 yards in seven of Virginia Tech's eight games this season.

The only rusher with over 1,000 yards this season, No. 4 is getting it done on the ground for a Hokies team that has only one loss this season. While the touchdowns aren't there (only seven through eight games), Wilson is averaging over 6.3 yards per carry this year.

With games coming up against Duke, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Virginia, make sure you tune in and watch this junior running back. If you forget, don't worry, you'll be seeing him rush all over NFL defenses very soon.

Bernard Pierce

Bernard Pierce has a lot to smile about this season.

This junior running back for the Temple Owls is the fifth-leading rusher in the FBS, barreling his way to 910 yards on the ground this season. He has rushed for over 100 yards in six of Temple's eight games, proving he is both consistent and durable.

If that isn't enough to impress, he leads the nation with 18 touchdowns on the ground. This was highlighted by a five-touchdown explosion against Maryland earlier this season.

Not only does he have breakaway speed, he may be the best in the country when it comes to making opposing defensive players miss and picking up extra yards.

This guy shouldn't be a surprise. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns his freshman year. If you haven't seen this explosive back in action yet, tune in to ESPN next Wednesday, when the Temple Owls take on Ohio. Get a bowl of popcorn and take a seat on the couch, because you won't want to miss a second of the Bernard Pierce show. 

Zach Line

Zach Line is a monster. At 6'1" and 230 pounds, there aren't too many linebackers who are taking this freight train down.

SMU has been riding this horse all year. His 828 rushing yards this season are good for 15th in the FBS, but the statistic that is staggering is the fact that the second-leading rusher for the Mustangs has only 49 yards on the ground this season.  

This guy is it. Opposing defenses know he is gonna get the ball, and they still can't stop him. Line has rumbled for 13 touchdowns this season, the fifth most in the country. In seven games, No. 48 has put up over 100 yards on the ground in six of them.

If you enjoy good, old-fashioned power football, take some time to watch Zach Line as he overpowers Conference USA defenses and leaves them in his dust.

Patrick Edwards

At 5'9" and 175 pounds, Patrick Edwards looks more like a high school cornerback than an FBS wide receiver. No matter what this guy appears to be, there is one thing he definitely is: dangerous.

No. 83 is making college football look like a game of Madden. With 1,069 yards receiving this season, Edwards is one of the best receivers in the country. He proved that fact last night with a 318-yard, five-touchdown masterpiece against Rice.

With 51 receptions this year, he is a threat to score on each and every play. His 11 touchdowns are first among FBS receivers. He takes roughly one out of every five of his catches to the house. No wonder Case Keenum is leading the nation in passing yards and touchdowns.  

Possibly the most explosive player in college football today, Edwards has helped Houston become the most exciting team to watch every week.

Jordan White

This senior from Western Michigan does one thing better than anyone else in the country: catch footballs.

Through eight games this season, No. 83 has racked up 74 receptions, first among all FBS receivers. Playing for a mediocre Broncos team, White is one of the best receivers, not only in the MAC, but in the entire country.

Last season, No. 83 reeled in 94 balls while scoring 10 touchdowns and racking up over 1,300 yards. While many receivers would be satisfied with those numbers, White seems primed to outdo himself this season.

He already has 873 yards and seven scores through the air with four, possibly five games left this year. As the Broncos' main offensive weapon, don't be surprised if White shatters his Heisman-like numbers from last season.