Dear Readers,
First and foremost, I apologize for how long it took for me to finish working on this week’s edition.I had a doctor’s appt on THURS under a different storyline. Thanks for your understanding!
So far, the Heisman Trophy voting race is wide open. It sounds like anyone can be a candidate but this month whoever performs their best could have a first-class ticket punched to the Big Apple (New York, N.Y). There was a feature on an ESPN college football show in which they discussed Heisman Trophy winners who performed their best in November. That month of November is a crunchtime month for college football teams just like December is a crunchtime month in the NFL. I can’t wait to see what goes down in what is leftover from this season.
Speaking of the Heisman Trophy, I only had four players to think about who to choose and place in my weekly Heisman Trophy ballot. I did consider Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III but it was not a big game that he performed in. But next week’s game where he and the MSU Spartans have a road game against Ohio State could determine his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy. I know Walker will be a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s best RB, and one of several players to consider for Big Ten MVP. Win or lose, if Walker has 100 rushing yards against the Buckeyes, he should win the Doak Walker Award.
Speaking of the Michigan State at Ohio State game, ESPN College Gameday will emanate from Columbus, OH while FOX Big Noon Kickoff will emanate from Norman, OK for the Iowa State at Oklahoma game.
I was looking through kicking stats. I don’t know how I could’ve missed Colorado State PK Cayden Camper, who had scored more than 4 FGs in OCT wins over fellow MW teams. I know CSU had two very talented players coming into this season. I can’t believe I overlooked Camper, who leads the nation with 23 FGs scored this season. I can’t believe that he was robbed out of a gameball and helmet sticker for his performances.
I hope all people who have an official vote for national awards really took note of a lot of players such as Northern Illinois PK John Richardson, Wisconsin LB Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal, and more to name for their performances in wins over their respective opponents this week. I just found out the Lombardi Award has already selected four players as finalists. It is a joke that Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr is not a finalist for that prestigious national individual award.
I apologize for an error I made last week. I pointed out in my rankings analysis section about Houston. I copied something I typed the week before and meant to change/reword something in reference their road win over South Florida. I apologize for that error about the UH Cougars.
Take care all!
Sincerely, RICH
RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT
1. C.J Stroud, QB, Ohio State(Passed 31-38,361 yards, and 5 TDs in the Buckeyes’ 59-31 home win over Purdue. His 30 passing TDs tie 2006 Heisman Trophy-winning QB Troy Smith for third-most for a single-season in school history and eighth-most in Big Ten history. His 179.4 pass efficiency rating leads the Big Ten and fourth nationally.)
2. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan(Produced 7 tackles, 3 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the U-M Wolverines 21-17 road win over Penn State. His 10 sacks co-lead the Big Ten with teammate LB David Ojabo.)
3. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati(All-time winningest QB in school history with a 41-5 mark. 369 total offensive yards and 4 TDs responsible for in the UC Bearcats’ 45-28 road win over South Florida. Passed 31-29, 304 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 13 carries, 65 yards, and 1 TD of 13 yards. Also had a 15-yard carry. His 79 career passing TDs is a school record and third-most in AAC history. His 22 passing TDs are second in the AAC.)
RICH’S TOP TEN
1. Georgia
2. Cincinnati (3)
3. Alabama (4)
4. Oregon (5)
5. Ohio State (6)
6. Oklahoma State (7)
7. Michigan State (8)
8. Michigan (9)
9. Notre Dame (10)
10.Oklahoma (2)
OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):Houston, UTSA, Wake Forest, Baylor, Iowa, and Louisiana
RANKINGS ANALYSIS:
So far, one game forced me to make a change in my top ten rankings. I started to allow teams with two losses to be among my OTMs…Oklahoma moved down from #2 to #10 after a disastrous 27-14 road loss against Baylor, who I decided to put among my OTMs after this game. The Sooners came off a bye-week and played poorly against the Bears. It took 2 missed FGs, penalties, and missed tackles for them to lose this game. I knew when starting QB Caleb Williams injured his throwing hand, Oklahoma’s chances of losing this game increased as their 17-game game winning streak (including a 9-0 start), which was the longest active streak in the nation, came to an end. All weaknesses on defense caught up to them. This football team has to regroup for a home-finale game against Iowa State this SAT (FOX, ) and it will continue to get tougher and tougher. If the Cyclones defeat the Sooners, the door is open for Baylor to earn a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game…No surprise that Georgia remains undefeated after a 41-17 road win over Tennessee. The Bulldogs have their tickets punched to the SEC Championship Game, which should be a bus ride to Atlanta, GA and likely play Alabama. This football team will go through a breeze for the next two weeks, including a home-finale game against Charleston Southern this SAT (Noon, SECN)…Speaking of Alabama, the Crimson Tide were dominant in a 59-3 home win over New Mexico State. This football team scored 59 unanswered points after spotting the NMSU Aggies a 3-0 lead. ‘Bama better not look past a Nov.27 road game against Auburn (aka The Iron Bowl) for their home-finale game against Arkansas this SAT (3:30 PM, CBS). The Tide better know the Razorbacks are a different team from last season…Cincinnati moved up from #3 to #2 after a 45-28 road win over South Florida. The UC Bearcats could’ve done better than that but have three more games to keep proving themselves. This football team has a home-finale game against SMU this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN). Cincy did a number on these Mustangs and ruined their homecoming game last season…Oregon moved up from #5 to #4 after a 38-24 home win over Washington State. It is still beyond me how the Ducks had a road loss against a less-talented team like Stanford six weeks ago. This football team has a road game against Utah this SAT (7:30 PM, ABC)….The Michigan State at Ohio State is the top game this weekend, which will take place this SAT (Noon, ABC). Ohio State moved up from #6 to #5 after a 59-31 home win over Purdue. Some people thought the Boilermakers were going to give the Buckeyes some kind of hell. It turned out to be no contest before halftime. We had to put Ohio State in the top five because of that performance. Michigan State moved up from #8 to #7 after a 40-21 home win over Maryland. The winner of this game could win the Big Ten East Division title and play in the Big Ten Championship Game…We can’t forget about Michigan, who moved up from #9 to #8. The U-M Wolverines are coming off a tough as anticipated 21-17 comeback road win over Penn State. This football team shouldn’t look past a road game against Maryland this SAT (3:30 PM, BTN). Michigan has to kick some shell before their big showdown against the Buckeyes in “The Big House”….Oklahoma State moved up from #7 to #6 after a 63-17 home win over TCU. The OSU Cowboys have been a stronger football team after that tough road loss against Iowa State three weeks ago. The OSU Cowboys are still in the race for a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. This football team has a road game against Texas Tech this SAT (7 PM, FOX) before a Nov.20 home-finale game against rival Oklahoma…Notre Dame moved up from #10 to #9 after a 28-3 road win over Virginia. The Fighting Irish took advantage of all shortcomings of the Cavaliers, who were missing star QB Brennan Armstrong because of a rib injury. This football team has a home-finale game against Georgia Tech this SAT (2:30 PM, NBC). A win for the Irish would put them on a current streak of five straight seasons with 10 wins, which is a school record. Notre Dame won’t lose another game until they find out they will play in a bowl game…Houston is continuing to make strides and surprise everyone. The UH Cougars keep winning after that season-opening neutral-site loss (at NRG Stadium in downtown Houston, TX) to Texas Tech. This football team is coming off a 37-8 road win over Temple. Houston has a home-finale game against Memphis this SAT (9 PM). A win would end a five-game losing streak against the Tigers and clinch a berth in the AAC Championship Game. Since this game will be the Cougars’ last AAC conference game of this season, Houston will need SMU (this SAT) or (at) East Carolina (Nov.26) to upset Cincinnati to be the first-place team and earn home-field advantage in the AAC Championship Game….Wake Forest remains among my OTMs after a tough as anticipated 45-42 home win over rival N.C State. If the Demon Deacons win this week or next week, this football team will win the ACC Atlantic Division title and play in the ACC Championship Game against the winner of the Virginia at Pittsburgh game. Wake Forest will have a road game against Clemson this SAT (Noon, ESPN)… UTSA is one of the most surprising teams this season. The undefeated Roadrunners are reaching a lot of firsts in school history this season, including their first-ever 10-0 start in school history. This football team is coming off a 27-17 home win over Southern Miss, which marked their first-ever 10-win season. UTSA stays home for a home-finale game against the defending C-USA Champions UAB Blazers. If the Roadrunners beat the Blazers, UTSA will win the C-USA West Division title and play in the C-USA Championship Game…Iowa keeps rebounding after losing two straight games to end their October schedule. A 27-22 home win over Minnesota allowed them to be among my OTMs. I can’t see the Hawkeyes losing again before they find out who they will play in a bowl game. This football team has a home-finale game against Illinois this SAT (2 PM, FS1). If Iowa still has hopes to win the Big Ten West Division, the Hawkeyes need to win out and Wisconsin to lose one more game.. I have decided to place Louisiana among my OTMs because they keep winning and won their fourth straight SBC West Division title. Like Houston, the Ragin’ Cajuns are winning out since that season-opening loss (a road game against Texas). This football team has a challenging road game against Liberty this SAT (4 PM, ESPNU)….ENJOY THE GAMES THIS WEEKEND!!!!
GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS
Army, Boise State, Boston College, Central Michigan, East Carolina, Miss.State, Oregon State, Texas Tech, UCLA, and Western Michigan –Winsover respective opponents made them bowl eligible this season.
Michigan RB Hassan Haskins- Rushed 31 carries for 156 yards, including a 17-yard carry, in the U-M Wolverines’ 21-17 comeback road win over Penn State.
Michigan QB Cade McNamara- Passed 19-29, 217 yards, and 3 TDs in the Wolverines’ road win over Penn State. Had a 47-yard passing TD (received by TE Erick All; on 2nd and 9 with 3:29 remaining) to eventually win this game.
Penn State P/PK Jordan Stout- Had 4 punts with 51 yards per punt in the Nittany Lions’ home loss against Michigan. Had all punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 49-yard punt landing on the 1-yard line. Kicked 3-4 FGs, including a 52-yard FG.
Pittsburgh CB M.J Devonshire- Made that game-winning INT (13 yards; on 4th and 11 in 1st OT) to seal the Pitt Panthers’ 30-23 home win (1 OT) over North Carolina. Also produced 3 tackles (all solo)
North Carolina WR Antoine Green- Received 3 catches, 108 yards, and 2 TDs (76 and 23) in the Tar Heels’ road loss against Pittsburgh.
Wake Forest NB Traveon Redd- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (47 yards), 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Demon Deacons’ 45-42 home-finale win over rival N.C State.
Arkansas CB Montaric Brown- Made that game-saving INT (in the endzone; on 2nd and 7 in 1st OT) in the Razorbacks’ 16-13 road win (1 OT) over rival LSU.
Arkansas LB Bumper Pool- Produced 13 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 PBU in the Razorbacks’ road win over LSU.
Kansas RB Devin Neal- 169 all-purpose running yards and scored 4 TDs in the Jayhawks’ 57-56 upset road win over Texas. Rushed 24 carries, 143 yards, and 3 TDs (3,10, and 2). Also had a 58-yard carry. Received 2 catches, 28 yards, and 1 TD (19 yards).
Kansas DE Kyron Johnson- Produced 8 tackles (6 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery in the Jayhawks’ road win over Texas.
Kansas CB Jacobee Bryant- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (31-yard TD), and 1 PBU in the Jayhawks’ road win over Texas.
Texas WR Xavier Worthy- Received 14 catches, 152 yards, and 3 TDs (33,7, and 8) in the Longhorns’ home loss against Kansas.
The Baylor defense- Held the Oklahoma offense to 260 total yards (including 182 passing yards) in the Bears’ 27-14 home win over Oklahoma. Also produced 9 tackles (led team;5 solo) and 2 TFLs/sacks.
Baylor LB Terrel Bernard- Produced 9 tackles (led team;5 solo) and 2 TFLs/sacks in the Bears’ home win over Oklahoma.
Baylor QB Gary Bohanonb- 224 total offensive yards and 3 TDs responsible for in the Bears; home win over Oklahoma. Passed 12-21, 117 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Rushed 9 carries, 107 yards, and 2 TDs (5 and 14). Also had a 28-yard carry.
Baylor RB Abram Smith- Rushed 20 carries for 148 yards, including a 75-yard carry, in the Bears’ home win over Oklahoma.
Oregon S Jamal Hill- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Ducks’ 38-24 home win over Washington State.
The Georgia defense- Produced 9 TFLs (including 6 sacks) and 27 QB hurries in the Bulldogs’ 41-17 road win over Tennessee.
Georgia LB Nakobe Dean- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Bulldogs’ road win over Tennessee.
Georgia Channing Tindall- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 4 QB hurries in the Bulldogs’ road win over Tennessee.
Georgia RB James Cook- 147 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Bulldogs’ road win over Tennessee. Rushed 10 carries, 104 yards, and 2 TDs (39 and 5). Received 3 catches, 43 yards, and 1 TD (23 yards).
Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson- 177 all-purpose running yards and scored 4 TDs in the Buckeyes’ 59-31 home win over Purdue. Received 10 catches, 126 yards, and 3 TDs (21,12, and 24). Rushed 1 carry for a 51-yard TD.
Alabama WR Jameson Williams- Received 6 catches, 158 yards, and 3 TDs (50,32, and 7) in the Crimson Tide’s 59-3 home win over New Mexico State.
The Alabama defense- Produced 12 TFLs (including 7 sacks) and 5 PBUs in the Crimson Tide’s home win over New Mexico State.
Florida State DE Jermaine Johnson- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 5 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Seminoles’ 31-28 comeback road win over in-state rival Miami.
Florida State QB Jordan Travis- 336 total offensive yards in the Seminoles’ road win over Miami. Passed 18-26 and 274 yards. Rushed 22 carries, 62 yards, and 2 TDs (2 and 1). Scored that 1-yard rushing TD (on 2nd and Goal) to eventually win this game. Also had a 19-yard carry. Also had a 19-yard carry.
Texas Tech PK Jonathan Garibay- Scored 11 points in the Red Raiders’ 41-38 home win over Iowa State. Scored on all 2 FG (including a 62-yard FG) and 5 XPK attempts. Scored that 62-yard FG (on last play) to win this game.
Texas Tech WR Myles Price- Received 9 catches, 175 yards, and 1 TD (39 yards) in the Red Raiders’ home win over Iowa State.
Texas Tech LB Collin Schooler- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT (11 yards) in the Red Raiders’ home win over Iowa. State.
Missouri RB Tyler Badie- Rushed 34 carries, 209 yards, and 1 TD (19 yards) in the Tigers’ 31-28 home win over South Carolina. Also had a 30-yard carry. His four games with 200 rushing yards is a single-season school record.
Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire- Produced 6 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack,1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 QB hurries in the Tigers’ home win over South Carolina.
Iowa DE Joe Evans- Made that game-winning TFL/sack and forced fumble (on same play) to seal the Hawkeyes’ 27-22 home win over Minnesota. Also produced 4 tackles (all solo).
Iowa DE Zach Van Valkenburg- Produced 10 tackles (7 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Hawkeyes’ home win over Minnesota.
Arizona State RB Rachad White- 227 all-purpose running yards in the ASU Sun Devlis’ 35-30 road win over Washington. Rushed 32 carries, 184 yards, and 2 TDs (5 and 10). Also had a 27-yard carry. Received 5 catches for 53 yards, including an 18-yard carry.
Mississippi RB Jerrion Ealy- 186 all-purpose running yards in the Ole Miss Rebels’ 29-19 home win over Texas A&M. Rushed 24 carries for 152 yards, including a 53-yard carry. Received 4 catches for 34 yards, including a 21-yard catch.
Mississippi CB Deane Leonard- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 5 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Rebels’ home win over Texas A&M.
Cincinnati RB Ryan Montgomery- Rushed 6 carries, 72 yards, and 2 TDs (12 and 55) in the UC Bearcats’ 45-28 road win over South Florida.
Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner- Produced 1 solo tackle, 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (3 yards), and 1 QB hurry in the Bearcats’ road win over South Florida.
Miss. State- Overcame a 28-3 deficit and scored 40 unanswered points in the MSU Bulldogs’ 43-34 road win over Auburn.
Miss. State QB Will Rogers- Passed 44-55, 415 yards, and 6 TDs in the Bulldogs’ road win over Auburn. Currently on a streak of eight straight games with 300 passing yards, which is the longest active streak in the nation. His 6 passing TDs is a single-game school record. His 407 pass completions is a single-season school record. His 11 career games with 300 passing yards is a school record.
Utah S Cole Bishop- Produced 8 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 PBU in the Utes’ 38-29 road win over Arizona.
Florida QB Emory Jones- 550 total offensive yards and 7 TDs responsible for in the Gators’ 70-52 home win over Samford. Passed 28-34, 464 yards, and 6 TDs. Rushed 10 carries, 86 yards, and 1 TD (31 yards).
Florida WR Kemore Gamble- Received 6 catches, 122 yards, and 2 TDs (7 and 18) in the Gators’ home win over Samford. Also had a 46-yard carry.
Kansas State LB Cody Fletcher- Produced 7 tackles (led team; all solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT in the K-State Wildcats’ 34-17 home win over West Virginia.
Kansas State S Russ Yeast- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (3 yards), 1 forced fumble, and 3 PBUs in the Wildcats’ home win over West Virginia.
Michigan State WR Jayden Reed- Received 8 catches, 114 yards, and 2 TDs (29 and 3) in the MSU Spartans’ 40-21 home win over Maryland.
Michigan State LB Noah Harvey- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 INT (35 yards), and 1 PBU in the Spartans’ home win over Maryland.
Notre Dame LB Bo Bauer- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 PBU in the Fighting Irish’s 28-3 road win over Virginia.
Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen- Rushed 25 carries, 173 yards, and 3 TDs (2,3,and 33) in the UW Badgers’ 35-7 home win over Northwestern. Currently on a streak of six straight games with 100 rushing yards.
Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal- Produced 14 tackles (led team;9 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Badgers’ home win over Northwestern.
Wisconsin LB Jack Sanborn- Produced 10 tackles (6 solo) and 3 TFLs in the Badgers’ home win over Northwestern.
Boston College CB Josh DeBerry- Produced 10 tackles (led team;5 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in the BC Eagles’ 41-30 road win over Georgia Tech.
Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez Jr- Rushed 16 carries, 114 yards, and 1 TD (from 5 yards out) in the UK Wildcats’ 34-17 road win over Vanderbilt. His 2,392 career rushing yards are ninth-most in school history.
Clemson PK B.T Potter- Scored 13 points in the Tigers’ 44-7 home win over Connecticut. Scored on all 3 FG (including 2 FGs from 49 yards out) and 4 XPK attempts.
Clemson DE Myles Murphy- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Tigers’ home win over Connecticut.
Louisville RB Jalen Mitchell- Rushed 15 carries fore 102 yards, including a 39-yard carry, in the Cardinals’ 41-3 home win over Syracuse.
Louisville QB Micale Cunningham- Passed 13-18, 209 yards, and 4 TDs in the Cardinals’ home win over Syracuse. Also scored a 6-yard rushing TD.
Virginia Tech LB Dax Hollifield- Produced 12 tackles (led team;7 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 PBU in the Hokies’ 48-17 home-finale win over Duke.
The Oklahoma State offensive line- Helped this offense have 682 total yards (including 447 rushing yards) in the OSU Cowboys’ 63-17 home win over TCU.
Oklahoma State RB Dominic Richardson- Rushed 12 carries, 134 yards, and 2 TDs (2 and 20) in the Cowboys’ home win over TCU.
Oklahoma State LB Malcolm Rodriguez- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Cowboys’ home win over TCU.
San Diego State S Patrick McMorris- Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 2 with 0:42 remaining) to seal the SDSU Aztecs’ 23-21 homecoming win over Nevada. Also produced 4 tackles (3 solo).
San Diego State DE Cameron Thomas- Produced 10 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks,1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Aztecs’ home win over Nevada.
San Diego State RB Greg Bell- Rushed 16 carries for 104 yards, including a 50-yard carry, in the Aztecs’ home win over Nevada.
Nevada WR Romeo Doubs- Received 9 catches, 127 yards, and 2 TDs (5 and 54) in the Wolfpack’s road loss against San Diego State.
Georgia State QB Quavian White- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 1 INT (36 yards), and 2 PBUs in the Panthers’ 42-40 upset road win over Coastal Carolina.
Northern Illinois PK John Richardson- Scored 12 points in the NIU Huskies’ 30-29 home win over Ball State. Scored on all 3 FG (including 2 FGs from 38 yards out) and 3 XPK attempts. Scored a 32-yard FG (on last play) to win this game.
North Texas DT Dion Novil- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Mean Green’s 20-17 home win over UTEP.
Arkansas State DE Joe Ozougwu- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 QB hurries in the Red Wolves’ 27-24 road loss against UL-Monroe.
UAB S Grayson Cash- Made that game-winning INT (5 yards; on 3rd and 5 with 1:31 remaining) to seal the Blazers’ 21-14 road win over Marshall. Also produced 6 tackles (5 solo) and 2 PBUs.
Western Michigan S A.J Thomas- Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 25) to seal the WMU Broncos’ 45-40 home-finale win over Akron. Also produced 5 tackles (all solo).
Western Michigan RB/RS Sean Tyler-288 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Broncos’ home win over Akron. Rushed 16 carries, 147 yards, and 1 TD (38 yards). Returned 3 kickoffs, 116 yards, and 1 TD (96 yards). Received 2 catches, 25 yards, and 1 TD (from 4 yards out). Also had a 21-yard catch.
Tulsa LB Justin Wright- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 10 solo), and 1 TFL in the Golden Hurricanes’ 20-13 road win over Tulane.
Tulsa P Lachlan Wilson- Had 8 punts with 40.8 yards per punt in the Golden Hurricanes’ road win over Tulane. Had 4 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 29-yard punt landing on the 5-yard line.
Tulane LB Nick Anderson- Produced 9 tackles (co-led team;6 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 fumble recovery (2 yards) in the Green Wave’s home loss against Tulsa.
Georgia Southern WR Derwin Burgess Jr- Received 5 catches, 134 yards, and 1 TD (48 yards) in the Eagles’ 38-30 road win over Texas State.
La Tech RB Marcus Williams Jr- Rushed 29 carries, 131 yards, and 4 TDs (2,8,6, and 25) in the Bulldogs’ 42-32 road win over Charlotte.
La Tech LB Tyler Grubbs- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Bulldogs’ road win over Charlotte.
Louisiana LB Ferrod Gardner- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 35-21 road win over Troy.
Air Force CB Tre Bugg III- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 1 INT, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the AFA Falcons’ 35-21 road win over in-state rival Colorado State.
Old Dominion RB Blake Watson- Rushed 23 carries, 163 yards, and 1 TD (12 yards) in the Monarchs’ 30-16 home win over Florida Atlantic.
UNLV RB Charles Williams- Rushed 38 carries, 266 yards, and 3 TDs (5,77, and 47) in the Rebels’ 27-13 home win over Hawaii.
Western Kentucky QB Bailey Zappe- Passed 34-42, 482 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT in the WKU Hilltoppers’ 42-21 road win over Rice.
Western Kentucky WR Mitchell Tinsley- Received 10 catches, 198 yards, and 2 TDs (65 and 9) in the Hilltoppers’ road win over Rice.
Western Kentucky DT Darius Shipp- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Hilltoppers’ road win over Rice.
Miami (OH) WR Jalen Walker- Received 7 catches, 136 yards, and 1 TD (39 yards) in the Redhawks’ 45-18 home win over Buffalo.
Miami (OH) QB Brett Gabbert- Passed 21-28, 351 yards, and 4 TDs in the Redhawks’ home win over Buffalo.
Miami (OH) CB Matthew Salopek- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 9 solo), 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Redhawks’ home win over Buffalo.
Appalachian State LB Trey Cobb- Produced 6 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 INTs (110 yards, including a 100-yard TD) in the App State Mountaineers’ 31-7 home win over South Alabama.
Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols- Rushed 43 carries, 215 yards, and 4 TDs (1,1,12,and 1) in the CMU Chippewas’ 54-30 home win over Kent State. Also had a 23-yard carry.
Central Michigan CB Donte Kent- Produced 7 tackles (all solo) and 4 PBUs in the Chippewas’ home win over Kent State.
Fresno State QB Jake Haener- Passed 24-31, 300 yards, and 3 TDs in the Bulldogs’ 34-7 home-finale win over New Mexico. His seven games with 300 passing yards are third-most for a single-season in school history. His 11 career games with 300 passing yards are third-most in school history.
Fresno State PK Cesar Silva- Scored 10 points in the Bulldogs’ home win over New Mexico. Scored on all 2 FG (including a 51-yard FG) and 4 XPK attempts.
Houston RB Alton McCaskill- Rushed 21 carries, 129 yards, and 2 TDs (3 and 34) in the UH Cougars’ 37-8 road win over Temple.
SMU DE Turner Coxe- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Mustangs’ 55-28 home win over UCF.
Utah State WR Deven Thompkins- Received 5 catches for 127 yards, including a 53-yard catch, in the USU Aggies’ 48-17 road win over San Jose State.
Utah State LB Ajani Carter- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT (45 yards), and 1 PBU in the Aggies’ road win over San Jose State.
Toledo DE Jamal Hines- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks in the Rockets’ 49-17 road win over Bowling Green.
MTSU S Reed Blankenship- Produced 9 tackles (led team;5 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Blue Raiders’ 50-10 home win over FIU.
