For a second straight week, I had a tough time determining which players should make my Weekly Heisman Trophy Ballot because we had players from Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State not being able to play this weekend. Alabama and Ohio State had their games postponed/cancelled because of CO-VID19. Clemson had a bye-week following that 47-40 road loss against Notre Dame.
I am glad the SEC has allowed all teams who aren’t playing in The SEC Championship Game to have a make-up game on that same day (Dec.19) of The SEC Championship Game. I hope it will be Alabama vs Florida in The SEC Championship Game. I hope they put all divisional games on Dec.12 and all inter/cross-division games on Dec.19.
Indiana Head Coach Tom Allen should be in the lead for Big Ten Coach of the Year. This past SAT, he coached the Hoosiers to a 24-0 road win over Indiana, which marked their first road win over the MSU Spartans since 2001 and their first 4-0 start in Big Ten conference play since 1987. Don’t forget about Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald. This former All-American LB has coached his alma mater from a 3-9 mark from last season to a 4-0 start this season. WOW and unbelievable job that he is doing! Both Northwestern and Indiana are underdogs in their respective games this SAT.
take care all! Sincerely, RICH
RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT
1. Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame(368 total offensive yards and 4 TDs responsible for in the Fighting Irish’s 45-31 road win over Boston College. Passed 20-27, 283 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 10 carries, 85 yards, and 1 TD from 6 yards out. Also had a 20-yard carry. His current streak of 204 consecutive pass attempts without an INT are second-most for a single-season in school history. His 635 career pass completions are third-most in school history.)
2. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida(Passed 23-29, 356 yards, and 6 TDs in the Gators’ 63-35 home win over Arkansas. His 6 straight games with 4 passing TDs is a school and SEC record. His 28 passing TDs lead the nation.)
3. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty( 403 total offensive yards and 5 TDs responsible for in the Flames’ 58-14 home win over Western Carolina. Passed 14-19, 306 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 8 carries, 97 yards, and 2 TDs of 1 and 43. His 7.1 rushing yards per carry are tenth nationally.)
RICH’S TOP TEN
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Cincinnati
4. Ohio State
5. Oregon
6. Marshall
7. BYU
8. Clemson
9. Miami
10. Liberty
OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):
Wisconsin, Indiana, Texas A&M, Florida, and Northwestern
RANKINGS ANALYSIS:As you can see, my top ten rankings remain the same from last week, which could very well change next week with upsets and so on… It’s a disappointment that we had some games get postponed, including #1 Alabama at LSU and #4 Ohio State at Maryland…#2 Notre Dame survived a tough as anticipated 45-31 road win over Boston College. The Fighting Irish are on a current 14-game winning streak (including a 7-0 start this season), which is the longest active streak in the nation, and scored 45 points in two straight games. Notre Dame has a bye-week before Nov.27 road game against North Carolina on Black Friday……#1 Alabama is coming off a second-straight bye week after a prime time road game against LSU got postponed. The Crimson Tide remain undefeated with a 6-0 mark Alabama will look to make up for lost time and put on a clinic (particularly on offense) against Kentucky this SAT (4 PM, SECN)…Undefeated Cincinnati remains ranked #3 in my top ten rankings after a 55-17 home-finale win over East Carolina. The remainder of the UC Bearcats’ 2020 schedule will now be tougher with three more games, which are all road games prior to the AAC Championship Game. Cincinnati has a road game against upset-minded UCF this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN). The Bearcats can’t look past these Golden Knights for those other road games against Temple (Nov.28) and Tulsa (Dec.4). If UCF beats Cincy, a rematch in the AAC Championship Game could be in the cards…#4 Ohio State is coming off a second straight bye-week after a road game against Maryland was cancelled because some of those Maryland players tested positive for CO-VID19. The Buckeyes will have a home game against Indiana, who is among my OTMs as a surprise team that is on a 4-0 start, this SAT (Noon, FOX)… #5 Oregon took care of business to remain in my top five after a 43-29 road win over Washington State. The Ducks will play a home game against their former Head Coach Chip Kelly and his UCLA Bruins this SAT …As expected, #6 Marshall had a 42-14 home win over MTSU. The Thundering Herd dedicated this home win over the Blue Raiders to the memory of those Marshall players, coaches, and fans who died in that plane crash 50 years ago (coming home from a road game against East Carolina). Their home game against Charlotte has been postponed due to CO-VID19…#7 BYU is coming off a bye-week after that unbelievable and dominating road win over Boise State. The BYU Cougars have a home-finale game against North Alabama this SAT…#8 Clemson is coming off a bye-week after a 47-40 road loss against Notre Dame. The Tigers used that bye-week to regroup for three more upcoming games before they could earn a berth in the ACC Championship Game. All-ACC QB Trevor Lawrence should be back in the starting lineup for this Tigers offense. Clemson has a road game against Florida State this SAT (Noon, ABC)….#10 Liberty is coming off a 58-14 home win over Western Carolina. The Flames have made the most of whatever national TV exposure they had from the last two weeks and are ranked #21 in the AP Sportwritters’ Poll. Liberty will have a road game against upset-minded N.C State, who are 5-3, including coming off a 38-22 home win over Florida State, this SAT. The Flames can’t take the Wolfpack lightly if they want to remain undefeated…I have the Big Ten West Division leaders-Wisconsin and Northwestern-among my OTMs. Both teams are undefeated. The Badgers have made up for lost time after the last two weeks have been cancelled because of CO-VID19 and are coming off an unbelievable 49-11 road win over Michigan to get onto a 2-0 start. The Wildcats are coming off a tough 27-20 road win over Purdue to get onto a 4-0 start. The Wisconsin at Northwestern game takes place this SAT (3:30 PM, ABC) with a lot at stake. The winner will be have sole lead their division and be ranked in my top ten (provided somebody losses)… Florida is coming off a 56-35 home win over Arkansas. The Gators are on a current three-game winning streak after that road loss against Texas A&M and then having two games postponed because of CO-VID19. Florida will have a road game against Vanderbilt, who are winless (0-6), this SAT (Noon, ESPN)…Texas A&M is coming off a bye-week after their road game against Tennessee was postponed because of CO-VID19. The Aggies are on a four-game winning streak after an early-season road loss against Alabama. Texas A&M will have another bye-week because their home game against Mississippi is postponed because of CO-VID19. One game that intrigues me coming up this SAT (7:30 PM, ABC) is Oklahoma State at Oklahoma. I wish the OSU Cowboys could still remain undefeated. They blew a 10-point lead in that home loss against Texas. The Sooners are currently on a four-game winning streak after the month of September 2020 ended with a 1-2 start. Oklahoma State and Iowa State, who each from one loss in Big 12 conference play, are currently in the lead of the Big 12 standings. The winner of this game will likely play in the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 19, 2020…
GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS
Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, and North Carolina- Wins over respective opponents made them bowl eligible this season.
Miami DE Jaelan Phillips- Produced 8 tackles (co-led team; 4 solo), 4 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks in the Hurricanes’ 25-24 comeback home win over rival Virginia Tech. Made that game-winning TFL (on QB Hendon Hooker; on last play) to win this game.
Miami P Lou Hedley- Had 7 punts with 52.4 yards per punt in the Hurricanes’ road win over Virginia Tech. Had a 52-yard punt landing on the 9-yard line.
North Carolina QB Sam Howell- Passed 32-45, 550 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 INT in the Tar Heels’ 59-53 home win over Wake Forest. His 550 yards and 6 TDs are new single-game school records among these passing categories.
North Carolina WR Dazz Newsome- Received 10 catches, 189 yards, and 2 TDs (75 and 44) in the Tar Heels’ home win over Wake Forest.
USC NB Greg Johnson- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Trojans’ 34-30 road win over Arizona.
Texas Tech PK Jonathan Garibay- Scored 12 points in the Red Raiders’ 24-23 comeback home win over Baylor. Scored on all 4 FG attempts (including a 48-yard FG) and kicked 0-1 XPK attempt. Scored a 25-yard FG (on last play) to win this game.
The Northwestern defense- Held the Purdue offense to 265 total yards (including 2 rushing yards) in the Wildcats’ 27-20 road win over Purdue.
Purdue DE DeMarcus Mitchell- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 3 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble in the Boilermakers’ home loss against Northwestern.
Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 QB hurries in the Ducks’ 43-29 road win over Washington State.
Florida WR Trevon Grimes- Received 6 catches, 109 yards, and 2 TDs (9 and 23) in the Gators’ 63-35 home win over Arkansas. Also had a 30-yard catch.
Florida LB Mohamoud Diabete- Produced 7 tackles (led team; 3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Gators’ home win over Arkansas.
Indiana WR Ty Fryfogle- Received 11 catches, 200 yards, and 2 TDs (16 and 65) in the Hoosiers’ 24-0 road win over Michigan State.
Indiana CB Tiawan Mullen- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo) and 2 INTs (including a 2-yard INT return) in the Hoosiers’ road win over Michigan State.
Indiana CB Reese Taylor- Produced 2 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (53 yards), 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Hoosiers’ road win over Michigan State.
Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez- Rushed 13 carries, 149 yards, and 2 TDs (32 and 3) in the UK Wildcats’ 38-35 home win over Vanderbilt. Also had a 74-yard carry.
Nebraska S Deontai Williams- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery (26-yard TD) in the Cornhuskers’ 30-23 home win over Penn State.
Nebraska S Marquel Dismuke- Produced 15 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Cornhuskers’ home win over Penn State.
Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth- Received 7 catches for 113 yards, including a 74-yard catch, in the Nittany Lions’ road loss against Nebraska.
Washington LB Edefuan Ulofoshio- Produced 10 tackles (led team; 9 solo), 1 fumble recovery, and 4 PBUs in the Huskies’ 27-21 home win over Oregon State.
Washington LB Zion Tupuola-Fetui- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in the Huskies’ home win over Oregon State.
Virginia LB Zane Zandier- Produced 8 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Cavaliers’ 31-17 home win over Louisville.
West Virginia LB Tykee Smith- Produced 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (42 yards), and 1 PBU in the Mountaineers’ 24-6 home win over TCU.
Mississippi QB Matt Coral- Passed 28-32, 513 yards, and 4 TDs in the Ole Miss Rebels’ 59-42 home win over South Carolina.
Mississippi WR Elijah Moore- Received 13 catches, 225 yards, and 2 TDs (91 and 25) in the Rebels’ home win over South Carolina.
Mississippi S A.J Finley- Produced 6 tackles (all assisted), 1 INT, 1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Rebels’ home win over South Carolina.
N.C State WR Thayer Thomas- Received 11 catches, 135 yards, and 2 TDs (10 and 24) in the Wolfpack’s 38-22 home win over Florida State. Also had a 26-yard catch.
Iowa RB Tyler Goodson- Rushed 20 carries, 142 yards, and 2 TDs (7 and 1) in the Hawkeyes’ 35-7 road win over Minnesota. Also had a 45-yard carry.
Iowa S Jack Koerner- Produced 2 tackles (all solo), 1 INT (9 yards), 1 PBU, and 1 blocked FG attempt in the Hawkeyes’ road win over Minnesota.
Iowa P Tory Taylor- Had 3 punts with 44.3 yards per punt in the Hawkeyes’ road win over Minnesota. All 3 punts landed inside the 20-yard line, including a 55-yard punt landing on the 5-yard line.
Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (3 yards), and 1 QB hurry in the Badgers’ 49-11 road win over Michigan.
Colorado LB Nate Landman- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on last play) to seal the Buffaloes’ 35-32 road win over Stanford. Also produced 14 tackles (led team; 11 solo) and 1 TFL.
Illinois PK James McCourt- Scored 11 points in the Fighting Illini’s 23-20 comeback road win over Rutgers. Kicked 2-3 FGs and scored on all 2 XPK attempts. Scored a 47-yard FG (on 3rd and 2 with 0:03 remaining) to win this game.
Illinois P Blake Hayes- Had 4 punts with 46 yards per punt in the Fighting Illini’s road win over Rutgers. Had 3 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, including a 59-yard punt landing on the 8-yard line.
Illinois LB Jake Hansen- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (4 yards), and 1 PBU in the Fighting Illini’s road win over Rutgers.
Illinois QB Isiah Williams- First career start. Rushed 31 carries, 195 yards, and 1 TD (from 3 yards out). Also had a 26-yard carry.
Rutgers WR Bo Melton- Received 4 catches, 140 yards, and 2 TDs (29 and 66) in the Scarlet Knights’ home loss against Illinois.
UCLA S Qwuantrez Knight- Produced 5 tackles (co-led team; 1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 PBU in the Bruins’ 34-10 home win over California.
UCLA CB Mo Osling II- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Bruins’ home win over California.
UCLA LB Caleb Johnson- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 1 INT (13 yards) in the Bruins’ home win over California.
UCLA P Luke Ayers- Had 3 punts 41.7 yards per punt with 41.7 yards per punt in the Bruins’ home win over California. All 3 punts landed inside the 20-yard line, including 40-yard punt landing on the 9-yard line, after having a punt blocked (with 13:50 remaining in the 1st quarter to begin this game).
Marshall QB Grant Wells- Passed 25-37, 336 yards, and 5 TDs in the Thundering Herd’s 42-14 home win over MTSU.
Marshall WR Willie Johnson- Received 8 catches, 137 yards, and 2 TDs (3 and 23) in the Thundering Herd’s home win over MTSU. Also had a 46-yard catch.
Marshall DE Darius Hodge- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 3 QB hurries in the Thundering Herd’s home win over MTSU.
Marshall P Robert LeFevre- Had 5 punts with 39.6 yards per punt in the Thundering Herd’s home win over MTSU. Had 4 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, including a 47-yard punt landing on the 6-yard line.
Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder- 402 total offensive yards and 4 TDs responsible for in the UC Bearcats’ 55-17 home-finale win over East Carolina. Passed 24-31, 327 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 8 carries, 75 yards, and 1 TD (from 3 yards out). Also had a 27-yard carry.
Cincinnati LB Jarrell White- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (26-yard TD), 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Bearcats home win over East Carolina.
Tulsa LB Zaven Collins- Made that game-winning INT (5 yards; on 1st and 10 with 1:29 remaining) to seal the Golden Hurricanes’ 28-24 comeback home win over SMU. Also produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry.
The Appalachian State defense- Produced 9 TFLs and 9 PBUs in the App State Mountaineers’ 17-13 home win over Georgia State.
Appalachian State LB D’Marco Jackson- Produced 9 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 2 PBUs, and 1 QB hurry in the Mountaineers’ home win over Georgia State.
Appalachian State DE Demetrius Taylor- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Mountaineers’ home win over Georgia State.
Liberty DE TreShaun Clark- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 QB hurries in the Flames’ home win over Western Carolina.
Liberty DE Durrell Johnson- Produced 2 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (18 yards), and 1 QB hurry in the Flames’ home win over Western Carolina.
Western Michigan QB Kaleb Eleby- Passed 20-29, 284 yards, and 3 TDs in the WMU Broncos’ 41-38 comeback home win over Toledo. Had a 9-yard passing TD (received by WR Jaylen Hall; on 1st and Goal with 0:17 remaining) to eventually win this game.
Western Michigan S Harrison Taylor- Made that game-winning INT (4 yards; on last play) to seal the Broncos’ home win over Toledo. Also produced 1 assisted tackle.
Western Kentucky P John Haggerty- Had 5 punts with 48.6 yards per punt in the WKU Hilltoppers’ 10-7 home win over Southern Miss. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 57-yard punt landing on the 10-yard line.
Ball State RB Caleb Huntley- Rushed 34 carries, 204 yards, and 3 TDs (7,13, and 1) in the Cardinals’ 38-31 home win over Eastern Michigan. Scored that 1-yard rushing TD (on 2nd and Goal with 0:37 remaining) to win this game. Also had a 21-yard carry.
Ohio P Jack Wilson- Had 5 punts with 36.4 yards per punt in the Bobcats’ 24-10 home win over Akron. Had 3 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, including a 46-yard punt landing on the 3-yard line.
Nevada WR Romeo Doubs- Received 5 catches, 172 yards, and 3 TDs (33,61, and 59) in the Wolfpack’s 27-20 neutral-site win (in Las Vegas, NV) over New Mexico.
Fresno State WR Jalen Cropper- Received 10 catches, 202 yards, and 3 TDs (9, 59, and 44) in the Bulldogs’ 35-16 road win over Utah State.
Fresno State S Evan Williams- Produced 7 tackles (led team; 3 solo), 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU, and 1 blocked XPK attempt in the Bulldogs’ road win over Utah State.
San Jose State RB Nick Nash- Rushed 8 carries for 94 yards, including a 28-yard carry, in the SJSU Spartans’ 34-17 home win over UNLV.
San Jose State DE Cade Hall- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo), 4 TFLs, and 3 sacks in the Spartans’ home win over UNLV.
Florida Atlantic QB Javion Posey- 262 total offensive yards and 3 TDs responsible for in the FAU Owls’ 38-19 road win over FIU. Rushed 18 carries, 182 yards, and 1 TD (from 2 yards out). Also had a 36-yard carry. Passed 10-16, 80 yards, and 2 TDs.
Florida Atlantic LB Leighton McCarthy- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 2 QB hurries in the FAU Owls’ 38-19 road win over FIU.
San Diego State RB Greg Bell- Rushed 19 carries, 160 yards, and 2 TDs (62 and 3) in the Aztecs’ 34-10 home win over Hawaii.
San Diego State LB Caden McDonald- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Aztecs’ home win over Hawaii.
San Diego State P Tanner Kuljan- Had 5 punts with 42.2 yards per punt in the Aztecs’ home win over Hawaii. Had 3 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, including a 46-yard punt landing on the 10-yard line.
UCF LB Eriq Gilyard- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery (6 yards) in the Golden Knights’ 38-13 home win over Temple.
Tulane DE Patrick Johnson- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Green Wave’s 38-12 home win over Army.
Louisiana S Percy Butler- Produced 6 tackles (led team; 4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT, and 1 forced fumble in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 38-10 home win over South Alabama.
Louisiana CB Mekhi Garner- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 4 PBUs in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ home win over South Alabama.
Boise State CB/RS Avery Williams- Produced 2 blocked punts (including 1 blocked punt in the endzone scored for a TD) in the Broncos’ 52-21 home win over Colorado State. Returned 7 punts for 85 yards, including a 33-yard punt return. Returned 3 kickoffs for 61 yards, including a 29-yard kickoff return.
Boise State DE Shane Irwin- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs/1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Broncos’ home win over Colorado State.
Boise State LB Riley Whimpey- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 6 solo) and 3 TFLs in the Broncos’ home win over Colorado State.
Boise State NB Kekaula Kaniho- Produced 8 tackles (4 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Broncos’ home win over Colorado State.
Central Michigan DT Mohamed Diallo- Transfer from Texas A&M. Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the CMU Chippewas’ 40-10 road win over Northern Illinois.
UTSA QB Frank Harris- Passed 22-26,312 yards, and 3 TDs in the Roadrunners’ 52-21 home win over UTEP.
UTSA WR Zahkari Franklin- Received 6 catches, 118 yards, and 1 TD (35 yards) in the Roadrunners’ home win over UTEP. Also had a 45-yard catch.
Buffalo QB Kyle Vantrease- Passed 17-27, 353 yards, and 4 TDs in the Bulls’ 42-10 home win over Miami (OH).
Houston DE Derek Parish- Produced 5 tackles (1 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery (85-yard TD), and 2 QB hurries in the UH Cougars’ 56-21 homecoming win over South Florida.
Houston RS/CB Marcus Jones- Returned 4 punts, 145 yards, and 1 TD (72 yards) in the Cougars’ home win over South Florida. Also produced 1 solo tackle.
Kent State LB Brandon Coleman- Produced 5 tackles (1 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Golden Flashes’ 62-24 road win over Bowling Green.
