I hope all people who have an official vote for national awards really took note of a lot of players such as Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, Rutgers P Adam Korsak, Purdue WR David Bell, UTSA PK Hunter Duplesis, and more to name for their performances in wins over their respective opponents.
I can’t wait for this weekend of Week three.
Sincerely, RICH
RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT
1. C.J Verdell, RB, Oregon(195 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Ducks’ 35-28 road win over Ohio State. Rushed 20 carries, 161 yards, and 2 TDs of 14 and 77. Received 3 catches, 34 yard, and 1 TD of 14 yards. Also had a 20-yard catch. His 11 career games with 100 rushing yards are fifth-most in school history.)
2. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina(456 total offensive yards and 5 TDs responsible for in the Tar Heels’ 59-17 home win over Georgia State. Passed 21-29, 352 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 11 carries, 104 yards, and 2 TDs of 22 and 62 yards. Currently on a streak of 27 straight games with having a passing TD, which is the longest active streak in the nation.)
3. Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma(Passed 20-26, 304 yards, and 5 TDs in the Sooners’ 76-0 home win over Western Carolina. Rushed 4 carries for 29 yards, including a 22-yard carry.)
RICH’S TOP TEN
1. Alabama
2. Georgia
3. Oklahoma (4)
4. Cincinnati (5)
5. Iowa (8)
6. Oregon (not ranked or mentioned)
7. Notre Dame
8. Coastal Carolina (OTM)
9. Penn State (10)
10. Texas A&M (not ranked or mentioned)
OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):Clemson (OTM), Ohio State (3), Oklahoma State, Florida, and Auburn
RANKINGS ANALYSIS:
For a second straight week, we have a shake-up in my top ten rankings…. The biggest change to discuss is Oregon having a 35-28 road win over Ohio State, who I had ranked #3. I had to move somewhere in my top ten rankings at #6. I really thought the Buckeyes were gonna beat the Ducks, who I really thought had little of a chance to get a win in “the horseshoe”. I should’ve never doubted the defending two-time Pac-12 Champions’ chances of getting a road win in Columbus, OH. Because of that upset road win over Ohio State, I have to rank Oregon, who will have an easy home game against Stony Brook this SAT (7:30 PM, PAC-12N). Ohio State will redeem themselves with a home game against Tulsa, who is 0-2, this SAT (3:30 PM, FS1)… No surprise that #1 Alabama and #2 Georgia had blowout wins in their home-opening games. Alabama had a 48-14 home win over Mercer while Georgia had a 56-7 home win over the defending C-USA Champions UAB. Alabama will have a road game against Florida, which will be a rematch from the SEC Championship Game from last season, this SAT (3:30 PM, CBS) while Georgia has a home game against South Carolina this SAT (7 PM, ESPN). Remember what happened the last time these Gamecocks had a road game against these Bulldogs in Athens, GA? Those ‘Cocks beat those “Dawgs on a FG in OT to pull off that upset…. Cincinnati moved up from #5 to #4 after a 42-7 home win over Murray State. The UC Bearcats will have their first true test with a road game against Indiana this SAT (Noon, ESPN), which will be the first of two road trips to the state of IN this season. After this game, Cincy has a bye-week before coming back to the state of IN for an Oct.2 road game against Notre Dame….Iowa moved up from #8 to #5 after an impressive 27-17 road win over in-state rival Iowa State, who were ranked #9 in my top ten rankings last week, and remain on a six-game winning streak over the Cyclones to keep the Cy-Hawk trophy in their custody. That win over Iowa State solidified Iowa as a top five team in which the Hawkeyes are also ranked #5 in the AP Sportswriters’ Poll. Watch out for the Hawkeyes, who will have a home game against Kent State this SAT (3:30 PM), to keep up their winning ways…Oklahoma moved up from #4 to #3 in my top ten rankings. The Sooners really made up for what they lacked in a 40-35 season-opening home win over Tulane last week. Oklahoma is ready for past Big Eight rival Nebraska (Noon, FOX)…. Notre Dame remains ranked #7 in my top ten rankings after escaping with another comeback win. The Fighting Irish had a 32-29 comeback home-opening win over Toledo, who covered whatever the spread was prior to kickoff. Notre Dame should thank their lucky stars that undefeated teams such as Ohio State and USC, who I had ranked ahead of the Irish last week, lost a home game to their respective opponents. Had either the Buckeyes or the Trojans respectively won this past SAT, Notre Dame would’ve dropped down to #8. I hope Head Coach Brian Kelly had this football team practice hard. The Irish have a home game against Purdue, who is called their little brother in their home state (IN) and on a 2-0 start, this SAT (2:30 PM, NBC)… Coastal Carolina moved up from my OTMs to #8 in my top ten rankings. All it took was a 49-22 home win over Kansas, who is the weakling of all Big 12 teams, and three then-undefeated teams lost this past SAT. The CCU Chanticleers have a road game against upset-minded Buffalo this SAT (Noon, ESPN). Keep up the good work!…Penn State moved up from #10 to #9 in my top ten rankings. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 44-13 home win over defending MAC Champions Ball State, who were coming off an eight game-winning streak. This football team will have another tough challenge coming up, which will be a home game against Auburn, who is among my OTMs, this SAT (7:30 PM, ABC). The real match-up will be the Penn State defense vs the Auburn offense, who is coming off back to back games with scoring 60 points. If the Tigers beat the Nittany Lions, Auburn will have to be in my top ten rankings…Texas A&M is the most overrated team being ranked in the top five in any major poll. The Aggies are ranked #5 in the Coaches’ Poll and #10 in my poll. Texas A&M escaped with a 10-7 neutral-site win (in Denver, CO) win over the Buffaloes. These Aggies needed a lot of help this past SAT to be in my top ten rankings. This football team needs to find a reliable QB to lead this team.The Aggies will have a home game against New Mexico this SAT (Noon, SECN)…Oklahoma State escapes with another home win, such as a 28-23 home win over Tulsa. The OSU Cowboys’ luck might run out with a road game against Boise State this SAT (9 PM, FS1)… USC dropped out of my top ten rankings because of a disappointing 42-28 home loss against Stanford. The Trojans played poorly, including trailing 42-13 to the Cardinal. USC is starting to become a beatable football team.
GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS
Oregon DE/TE D.J Johnson- Made that game-winning TFL/sack (on Ohio State QB C.J Stroud; on last play) to seal the Ducks’ 35-28 road win over Ohio State.
Oregon S Verone McKinley- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, and 2 PBUs in the Ducks’ road win over Ohio State.
The Oregon offensive line- Held the Ohio State defense to 1 TFL in the Duck’s road win over Ohio State.
Ohio State QB C.J Stroud- Passed 35-54, 484 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in the Buckeyes’ home loss against Oregon. His 484 passing yards are second-most for a single-game in school history.
Ohio State WR Jaxson Smith- Received 7 catches, 145 yards, and 2 TDs (26 and 15) in the Buckeyes’ home loss against Oregon. Also had a 29-yard catch.
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer- Received 7 catches, 81 yards, and 2 TDs (4 and 18) in the Fighting Irish’s 32-29 comeback home win over Toledo. Scored that 18-yard receiving TD (on 1st and 10 with 1:09 remaining) to eventually win that game.
The Notre Dame defense- Produced 11 TFLs (including 5 sacks) and 5 PBUs in the Fighting Irish’s home win over Toledo.
Notre Dame LB J.D Bertrand- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 10 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery in the Fighting Irish’s home win over Toledo.
Toledo RB Bryant Koback- Rushed 21 carries, 122 yards, and 1 TD (from 8 yards out) in the Rockets’ road loss against Notre Dame.
Toledo DE Terrance Taylor- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the Rockets’ road loss against Notre Dame.
Texas A&M DT Jayden Peevy- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Aggies’ 10-7 neutral-site win (in Denver, CO) over Colorado.
Colorado LB Nate Landman- Produced 10 tackles (led team; all solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 PBUs in the Buffaloes neutral-site loss against Texas A&M.
Jacksonville State WR Damond Philjaw-Johnson- Received 1 catch for a 59-yard TD (on last play) in the Gamecocks’ 20-17 upset road win over Florida State.
Iowa CB Matt Hankins- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 INTs (including a 41-yard INT return), and 1 PBU in the Hawkeyes’ 27-17 road win over in-state rival Iowa State.
Iowa P Tory Taylor- Had 8 punts with 51.1 yards per punt in the Hawkeyes’ road win over Iowa State.
Iowa PK Caleb Shudak- Scored 12 points in the Haweyes’ road win over Iowa State. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 51-yard FG) and 3 XPK attempts.
Stanford RB Nathaniel Peat- Rushed 6 carries, 115 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 87 yards) in the Cardinals’ 42-28 upset road win over USC.
Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 INT (31-yard TD), and 3 PBUs in the Cardinals’ road win over USC.
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry- Produced 6 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Crimson Tide’s 48-14 home win over Mercer.
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett- 6th career start. Subbed for QB J.T Daniels as the starting QB for this Bulldogs offense. Passed 10-12, 288 yards, and 5 TDs in the Bulldogs’ 56-7 home win over UAB.
Georgia WR Brock Bowers- Received 3 catches, 107 yards, and 2 TDs (89 and 9) in the Bulldogs’ home win over UAB.
Miami P Lou Hedley- Had 6 punts with 39 yards per punt in the Hurricanes’ 25-23 home win over Appalachian State. Had all punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 41-yard punt landing on the 2-yard line.
Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson- Produced 5 tackles and 3 PBUs in the Hurricanes’ home win over Appalachian State. Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 6 with 0:59 remaining) to win this game.
TCU RB Zach Evans- Rushed 22 carries, 190 yards, and 1 TD (51 yards) in the Horn Frogs’ 34-32 home win over California.
California WR Trevon Clark- Received 2 catches,122 yards, and 1 TD (54 yards) in the Cal Golden Bears’ road loss against TCU. Also had a 68-yard catch.
South Carolina PK Parker White- Scored 8 points in the Gamecocks’ 20-17 comeback road win over East Carolina. Scored on all 2 FG (including a 39-yard FG) and 2 XPK attempts. Scored a 36-yard FG (on last play) to win that game, which is his sixth career game-winning FG. His 127 career XPKs scored are second-most in school history.
South Carolina WR Josh Vann- Received 5 catches for 116 yards, including a 45-yard catch, in the Gamecocks’ road win over East Carolina.
South Carolina CB Cam Smith- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Gamecocks’ road win over East Carolina.
Minnesota RB Trey Potts- First career start. Rushed 34 carries, 178 yards, and 2 TDs (4 and 21) in the Golden Gophers’ 31-26 home win over Miami (OH).
Kentucky CB Carrington Valentine- Marked that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 13 with 1:30 remaining) to seal the UK WIldcats’ 35-28 home win over Missouri. Also produced 5 tackles (all solo).
Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez- Rushed 27 carries, 206 yards, and 3 TDs (5,2,and 3) in the Wildcats’ home win over Missouri.
Kansas State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in the K-State Wildcats’ 31-23 home win over Southern Illinois.
Texas Tech WR Erik Ezukanma- Received 6 catches, 143 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards on 1st series) in the Red Raiders’ 28-22 home win over Stephen F. Austin.
Texas Tech CB DaMarcus Fields- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 5 solo) and 2 PBUs in the Red Raiders’ home win over Stephen F. Austin.
Rutgers P Adam Korsak- Had 6 punts with 52.2 yards per punt in the Scarlet Knights’ 17-7 road win over Syracuse. Had 5 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 69-yard punt landing on the 1-yard line.
Miss. State S Jalen Green- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 PBUs in the MSU Bulldogs’ 24-10 home win over N.C State.
Florida QB Anthony Richardson- 267 total offensive yards and 3 TDs responsible for in the Gators’ 42-20 road win over South Florida. Completed on all 3 pass attempts, 152 yards, and 2 TDs. Rushed 4 carries, 115 yards, and 1 TD (80 yards).
Florida WR Jacob Copeland- Received 5 catches, 175 yards, and 2 TDs (75 and 41) in the Gators’ road win over South Florida.
The Arkansas defense- Held the Texas offense to 256 total yards (including 138 rushing yards) in the Razorbacks’ 40-21 home win over rival Texas. Also produced 10 TFLs
Arkansas PK Cam Little- Scored 16 points in the Razorbacks’ home win over Texas. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 44-yard FG) and 4 XPK attempts.
Arkansas LBs Hayden Henry and Grant Morgan- Each produced 2 TFLs in the Razorbacks’ home win over Texas. Henry produced 15 tackles (3 solo). Morgan produced 13 tackles (4 solo).
Boston College RB Patrick Garwo- Rushed 15 carries for 160 yards, including a 42-yard carry, in the BC Eagles’ 45-28 road win over Massachusetts.
Boston College DE Shitta Sillah- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team; 2 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Eagles’ road win over Massachusetts.
Oregon State RB B.J Baylor- Rushed 18 carries, 171 yards, and 3 TDs (66,30, and 1) in the OSU Beavers’ 45-27 home win over Hawaii.
The Oregon State defense- Produced 16 passes defended (including 14 PBUs) in the Beavers’ home win over Hawaii.
Oregon State LB Avery Roberts- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 PBU in the Beavers’ home win over Hawaii.
Oregon State LB Riley Sharp- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT, 1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Beavers’ home win over Hawaii.
Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez- 354 total offensive yards in the Cornhuskers’ 28-3 home win over Buffalo. Passed 13-19, 242 yards, and 2 TDs. Rushed 9 carries for 112 yards, including a 71-yard carry. Fifth QB in Big Ten history with 6,000 career passing yards and 2,000 career rushing yards.
Nebraska WR Samori Toure- Received 2 catches, 136 yards, and 2 TDs (each from 68 yards) in the Cornhuskers’ home win over Buffalo.
Virginia Tech LB Dax Hollifield- Produced 8 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in the Hokies’ 35-14 home-opening win over MTSU.
Virginia Tech P Peter Moore- Had 4 punts with 42.5 yards per punt in the Hokies’ home win over MTSU. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 50-yard punt landing on the 8-yard line.
Arizona State QB Jayden Daniels- 300 total offensive yards in the Sun Devils’ 37-10 home win over UNLV. Passed 20-29, 175 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 13 carries for 125 yards, including a 23-yard carry.
Arizona State LB Darien Butler- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 3 solo) and 2 TFLs/sacks in the Sun Devils’ home win over UNLV.
Wisconsin RB Chez Mellusi- Rushed 20 carries, 144 yards, and 1 TD (from 6 yards out) in the Badgers’ 34-7 home win over Eastern Michigan.
Wake Forest PK Nick Sciba- Scored 11 points in the Demon Deacons’ 41-16 home win over Norfolk State. His current streak of scoring on 14 straight FG attempts is the third-longest active streak in the nation.
LSU DT Mason-Smith- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo) and 3 TFLs/TFLs in the Tigers’ 34-7 road win over McNeese State.
Louisville WR Bruce Huggins- Received 4 catches for 151 yards, including a 93-yard catch, in the Cardinals’ 30-3 home-opening win over Eastern Kentucky.
Louisville CB Kei’trel Clark- Produced 6 tackles (co-led team; 5 solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 INTs in the Cardinals’ home win over Eastern Kentucky.
Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong- 436 total offensive yards in the Cavaliers’ 42-14 home win over Illinois. Passed 27-36, 405 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 5 carries for 31 yards, including a 17-yard carry.
Virginia WR Jelani Woods- Received 5 catches, 122 yards, and 1 TD (32 yards on 1st series) in the Cavaliers’ home win over Illinois.
Virginia LB Noah Taylor- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team; 4 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 PBU in the Cavaliers’ home win over Illinois.
Virginia S Nick Grant- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Cavaliers’ home win over Illinois.
Michigan State WR/RS Jayden Reed- 261 all-purpose running yards in the MSU Spartans’ 42-14 home-opening win over Youngstown State. Received 4 catches, 181 yards, and 2 TDs (75 and 85). Returned 3 punts for 48 yards, including a 30-yard punt return. Returned 1 kickoff for 32 yards.
Michigan State S Xavier Henderson- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Spartans’ home win over Youngstown State.
Duke LB Shaka Heyward- Produced 16 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 QB hurry in the Blue Devils’ 45-17 home-opening win over North Dakota.
Georgia Tech LB Jordan Domineck- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery (70-yard TD) in the Yellow Jackets’ 45-17 home win over Kennesaw State.
Mississippi WR Donario Drummond- Received 6 catches, 107 yards, and 2 TDs (1 and 49) in the Ole Miss Rebels’ 54-17 home-opening win over Austin Peay.
North Carolina WR Antoine Green- Received 3 catches, 117 yards, and 1 TD (57 yards) in the Tar Heels’ 59-17 home win over Georgia State.
Indiana LB Micah McFadden- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Hoosiers’ 56-14 home-opening win over Idaho.
Purdue WR David Bell- Received 6 catches, 121 yards, and 3 TDs (30,59,and 8) in the Boilermakers’ 49-0 road win over Connecticut. His 11 career games are tied third-most (with WR Taylor Stubblefield, 2001-04) in school history.
Purdue DE George Karlafitis- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 forced fumble, 2 PBUs, and 3 QB hurries in the Boilermakers’ road win over Connecticut.
Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter- Rushed 8 carries, 147 yards, and 1 TD (94 yards) in the Tigers’ 62-0 home win over Alabama State.
Auburn PK Anders Carlson- Scored 13 points in the Tigers’ home win over Alabama State. Scored on all 2 FG (including a 34-yard FG) and 7 XPK attempts. His 55 career FGs are third-most in school history.
Maryland WR Dontay Demus- Received 6 catches, 128 yards, and 1 TD (14 yards) in the Terrapins’ 62-0 home win over Howard. Also had a 42-yard catch.
Baylor S Jalen Pitre- Produced 6 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble in the Bears’ 66-7 home win over Texas Southern.
La Tech CB Cedric Woods- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 3rd and 10 with 0:52 remaining) to seal the Bulldogs’ 45-42 home win over SE Louisiana. Also produced 2 tackles (all solo) and 1 PBU.
La Tech S BeeJay Williamson- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 INTs (62 yards, including a 45-yard TD), and 2 forced fumbles in the Bulldogs’ home win over SE Louisiana.
La Tech DT Levi Bell- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 2 QB hurries in the Bulldogs’ home win over SE Louisiana.
Memphis S Quindell Johnson- Made that game-winning PBU (on last play) to seal the Tigers’ 55-50 road win over Arkansas State. Also produced 9 tackles (7 solo).
Memphis S Greg Rubin- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, and 6 PBUs in the Tigers’ road win over Arkansas State.
Memphis RB Brandon Thomas- Rushed 18 carries, 191 yards, and 2 TDs (70 and 75) in the Tigers’ road win over Arkansas State.
Memphis QB Seth Henigan- Passed 22-33, 417 yards, and 5 TDs in the Tigers’ road win over Arkansas State.
Memphis WR Calvin Austin III- Received 6 catches, 239 yards, and 3 TDs (55,,50, and 75) in the Tigers’ road win over Arkansas State.
Memphis TE Sean Dykes- Received 9 catches, 143 yards, and 2 TDs (17 and 40) in the Tigers’ road win over Arkansas State.
Arkansas State WR Jeff Foreman- Received 8 catches, 198 yards, and 1 TD (89 yards) in the Red Wolves’ home loss against Memphis.
Arkansas State PK Blake Grupe- Scored 14 points in the Red Wolves’ home loss against Memphis. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 48-yard FG) and 5 XPK attempts. His 49 career FGs scored are third-most in school history.
Texas State DT Caeveon Patton- Made that game-saving fumble recovery (on 3rd and 8 in 1st OT period to set up a game-winning TD) in the Bobcats’ 23-17 road win over FIU. Also produced 5 tackles (2 solo) and 1 PBU.
New Mexico WR/RS Emmanuel Logan-Greene- 254 all-purpose running yards in the Lobos’ 34-25 home win over New Mexico State. Received 7 catches, 106 yards, and 1 TD (58 yards). Returned 1 punt for 53 yards. Returned 3 kickoffs for 95 yards, including a 36-yard kickoff return.
Air Force LB Demonte Meeks- Produced 9 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the AFA Falcons’ 23-3 road win over Navy.
San Diego State WR Daniel Bellinger- Received 3 catches, 113 yards, and 1 TD (25 yards) in the SDSU Aztecs’ 38-14 road win over Arizona. Also had a 73-yard catch.
San Diego State LB Andrew Aleki- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 3 QB hurries in the Aztecs’ road win over Arizona.
SMU RB Ulysses Bentlry IV- Rushed 10 carries, 141 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 85 yards) in the Mustangs’ 35-12 home win over North Texas. Received 2 catches, 21 yards, and 1 TD (19 yards).
Utah State QB Logan Bonner- Passed 21-33, 390 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in the USU Aggies’ 48-24 home-opening win over North Dakota.
Utah State WR Deven Thompkins- Received 8 catches, 172 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Aggies’ home win over North Dakota.
Utah State LB Justin Rice- Produced 9 tackles (co-led team; 4 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 INTs (46 yards, including a 36-yard INT return) in the Aggies’ home win over North Dakota.
Temple WR Randle Jones- Received 7 catches, 170 yards, and 2 TDs (70 and 27) in the Owls’ 45-24 road win over Akron.
Temple LB William Kwenkeu- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 fumble recovery (38-yard TD) in the Owls’ road win over Akron.
Coastal Carolina RB Reese White- Rushed 14 carries, 102 yards, and 3 TDs (2,19, and 3) in the CCU Chanticleers’ 49-22 home win over Kansas.
Coastal Carolina WR Jaivon Heiligh- Received 6 catches, 122 yards, and 1 TD (33 yards) in the Chanticleers’ home win over Kansas.
Coastal Carolina DT Josaiah Stewart- Produced 8 tackles (5 solo) and 3 TFLs/sacks in the Chanticleers’ home win over Kansas.
Marshall LB Charlie Gray- Produced 6 tackles (led team; 3 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 QB hurries in the Thundering Herd’ s 44-10 home win over N.C Central.
Cincinnati RB Jerome Ford- Rushed 18 carries, 113 yards, and 3 TDs (13,8,and 3) in the UC Bearcats’ 42-7 home win over Murray State.
Cincinnati LB Joel Dublanko- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 3 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in Bearcats’ home win over Murray State.
Boise State WR Khalil Shakir- Received 7 catches for 166 yards, including a 36-yard catch, in the Broncos’ 54-13 home win over UTEP.
Boise State LB Ezekie Noa- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 fumble recoveries (32 yards, including a 25-yard fumble recovery return) in the Bronco’s home win over UTEP.
Boise State S Seyi Oladipo- Produced 1 solo tackle, 1 TFL, 2 INTs (83 yards, including a 52-yard INT return), and 1 PBU in the Broncos’ home win over UTEP.
Boise State PK Jonah Dalmas- Scored 18 points in the Broncos’ home win over UTEP. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 39-yard FG) and 6 XPK attempts.
UCF RB Isaiah Bowser- Rushed 12 carries, 59 yards, and 4 TDs (17,1,1, and 9) in the Golden Knights’ 63-14 home win over Bethune-Cookman.
UCF S Dyllon Lester- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Golden Knights’ home win over Bethune-Cookman.
South Alabama LB Quentin Wilfawn- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 3rd and 11 with 1:21 remaining) to seal the USA Jaguars’ 22-19 home win over Bowling Green. Also produced 3 tackles (1 solo).
Florida Atlantic QB N’Kosi Perry- Passed 19-27, 332 yards, and 4 TDs in the FAU Owls’ 38-6 home win over Georgia Southern.
Florida Atlantic CB Korel Smith- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Owls’ home win over Georgia Southern.
Nevada QB Carson Strong- Passed 34-43, 381 yards, and 4 TDs in the Wolfpack’s 49-10 home-opening win over Idaho State.
Nevada RB Toa Taua- Rushed 9 carries for 103 yards, including a 59-yard carry, in the Wolfpack’s home win over Idaho State.
Nevada LB Lawson Hall- Produced 10 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Wolfpacks’ home win over Idaho State.
Nevada DT Tristan Nichols- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Wolfpack’s home win over Idaho State.
Houston P Laine Wilkins- Had 3 punts with 48.7 yards per punt in the UH Cougars’ 44-7 road win over rival Rice. Had all punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 47-yard punt landing on the 4-yard line.
Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr- Rushed 21 carries, 162 yards, and 1 TD (51 yards) in the USM Golden Eagles’ 37-0 home win over Grambling.
Old Dominion PK Nick Rice- Scored 17 points in the Monarchs’ 47-7 home win over Hampton. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 33-yard FG) and 5 XPK attempts. His 4 FGs scored are second-most for a single-game in school history. His 49 career FGs scored are tied second-most (with PK Jarod Brown, 2010-13) in school history.
Fresno State QB Jake Haener- Passed 17-22, 380 yards, and 4 TDs in the Bulldogs’ 63-10 home win over California-Poly.
Fresno State WR Josh Kelly- Received 3 catches, 127 yards, and 2 TDs (51 and 14-each scored in the 2nd quarter) in the Bulldogs’ home win over California-Poly,
Fresno State S Evan Williams- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
UTSA PK Hunter Diuplesis- Scored 15 points in the Roadrunners’ 54-0 home win over Lamar. Scored on all 3 FG (including 2 FGs from 46 yards out) and 6 XPK attempts. His 32 career FGs scored are third-most in school history.
Tulane LB Kevin Henry- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT (49-yard TD) in the Green Wave’s 69-20 home-opening win over Morgan State.
Kent State RB Marquez Cooper- Rushed 12 carries, 119 yards, and 1 TD (from 2 yards out on 1st series) in the Golden Flashes’ 60-10 home win over VMI. Also had a 66-yard carry.
Kent State CB Montre Miller- Produced 3 tackles (all solo) and 3 INTs in the Golden Flashes’ home win over VMI.
