RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT
1. Justin Smith, QB, Ohio State(378 total offensive yards and 3 TDs responsible for in the Buckeyes’ 42-35 home win over Indiana. Passed 18-30, 300 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs. Rushed 15 carries, 78 yards, and 1 TD from 9 yards out. Also had a 30-yard carry. His 76.9 pass completion percentage leads the nation.)
2.DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama(194 all-purpose running yards in the Crimson Tide’s 63-3 home win over Kentucky. Received 9 catches, 144 yards, and 2 TDs of 10 and 18 yards. Also had a 35-yard catch. Returned 2 punts for 50 yards, including a 41-yard punt return. His 33 career receiving TDs are a school and SEC record. His 65 catches are second in the SEC and fourth nationally.)
3. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati(395 total offensive yards and 4 TDs responsible for in the Bearcats’ 36-33 road win over UCF. Passed 21-32, 338 yards, and 2 TDs. Rushed 14 carries, 57 yards, and 2 TDs of 3 and 1 yard. Also had a 20-yard carry. His 66.7 pass completion percentage is second in the AAC.)
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. Texas A&M (OTM)
OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):
Coastal Carolina, Nevada, Florida, Tulsa, and Northwestern
RANKINGS ANALYSIS:As you can see, the top nine remain the same. Liberty, who was ranked #10, suffered a 15-14 road loss against N.C State. The Flames were on a 10-game winning streak (including an 8-0 start this season) before that road loss against the Wolfpack. Liberty will regroup for a home game against Massachusetts, who are winless with an 0-3 mark, this SAT (Noon)….As expected, #1 Alabama had a dominating 63-3 home win over Kentucky. The Crimson Tide were on a 7-3 lead by the end of the 1st quarter and really responded after realizing how slow and sluggish they were starting out and scored 60 unanswered points against the Wildcats. “Bama has a home-finale game against in-state rival Auburn this SAT (3:30 PM, CBS) ESPN College Gameday will BE THERE!…#2 Notre Dame is coming off a bye-week while preparing for a road game against North Carolina this FRI (3:30 PM, ABC). The DB corp will have their hands full against those UNC WRs. A lot of offensive fireworks will take place in that game…#3 Cincinnati survived a tough-as expected 36-33 road win over UCF. The UC Bearcats are on a current streak of 18 straight games with forcing a turnover. Cincy has a road game against Temple this SAT (4 PM ESPNU)…#4 Ohio State survived a tougher than expected 42-35 home win over Indiana, who came in this game with a 4-0 start and ranked #9 in the AP sportswriters’ poll and among my OTMs. At one point, the Buckeyes had a 42-21 lead against the Hoosiers and could’ve done a better job of capitalizing on that momentum they had. Ohio State will have a road game against Illinois this SAT (Noon, FS1)….#5 Oregon survived a tougher than expected 38-35 home win over UCLA. The Ducks could’ve done better than that in a home win over the Bruins. Oregon has a road game against their little brothers (Oregon State), who has upset on their mind, this FRI (7 PM, ESPN)… #6 Marshall is coming off another bye-week after their home game against Charlotte was postponed because of CO-VID19. The Thundering Herd will have another bye-week prior to a Dec.5 home game against Rice. Marshall is expected to win out before they play in the C-USA Championship Game…#7 BYU keeps winning in dominating fashion, including a 66-14 home win over North Alabama last SAT. The BYU Cougars won’t be playing a game for two straight weeks before a Dec.12 home game against San Diego State… #8 Clemson is coming off another bye-week after their road game against Florida State from last SAT was postponed a few hours prior to kickoff. Clemson will have a home-finale game against Pittsburgh this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN)…#9 Miami had their home game against Georgia Tech and will have another bye-week before a Dec.5 home game against North Carolina…Texas A&M moves up from my OTMs to #10 in my top ten. The Aggies are ranked #5 in the AP sportswriters’ poll and on a current four-game winning streak after that road loss against Alabama. Liberty’s road loss against N.C State made me have to move Texas A&M into my top ten. The Aggies are coming off an unexpected bye-week after a home game against Mississippi was postponed because of CO-VID19. Texas A&M will have a home game against LSU this SAT (7 PM, ESPN)…Coastal Carolina remains undefeated and among my OTMs after a 34-23 home win over Appalachian State, who are the defending four-time SBC Champions. A road win over Texas State this SAT(3 PM) will help the Chanticleers clinch the SBC East Division title and a berth in the SBC Championship Game…Nevada is another surprise team who is on 5-0 start. The Wolfpack had a tough as expected 26-21 home win over San Diego State. Nevada has a road game against Hawaii this SAT (11 PM)…I almost had to consider dropping Florida among my OTMs because of their performance in a 38-17 road win over Vanderbilt. I really thought the Gators were going to beat the Commodores by more than 30 points and QB Kyle Trask would have more than what he got (3 passing TDs) in that game. Florida Head Coach Dan Mullen wasn’t happy with the performances in this win and will take his Gators back to the drawing board for a lot more chalk talk. I know the Gators will win out their next games, including a home game against Kentucky this SAT (Noon, ESPN)… Tulsa keeps winning and winning. The Golden Hurricanes are coming off a 30-24 home win (2 OTs) over Tulane. Tulsa will have a road game against Houston this SAT (Noon, ESPNU)…Northwestern keeps surprising people with a 5-0 start, including a 17-7 road win over Wisconsin. The Wildcats will need to generate more offense to remain undefeated and make my top ten rankings. Northwestern will have a road game against Michigan State this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN2)…
GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS
Florida, Iowa State, N.C State, Oklahoma, and UTSA- Wins over respective opponents made them bowl eligible this season.
Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson- Received 7 catches, 169 yards, and 2 TDs (10 and 9) in the Buckeyes’ 42-35 home win over Indiana. Also had a 65-yard catch.
Ohio State RB Master Teague III- Rushed 26 carries, 169 yards, and 2 TDs (41 and 2-each scored in the 2nd quarter) in the Buckeyes’ home win over Indiana.
Ohio State LB Pete Werner- Produced 8 tackles (co-led team; 5 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Buckeyes’ home win over Indiana.
Indiana WR Ty Fryfoggle- Received 7 catches, 218 yards, and 3 TDs (63,33, and 56) in the Hoosiers’ road loss against Ohio State.
Indiana S Jamar Johnson- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL/sack, 2 INTs (57 yards, including a 33-yard INT return), and 1 PBU in the Hoosiers’ road loss against Ohio State.
Oregon S Jordan Happle- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 6 solo) and 1 INT (58-yard TD) in the Ducks’ 38-35 home win over UCLA.
Oregon S Verone McKinnley III- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 1 INT (9 yards), and 1 fumble recovery (35 yards) in the Ducks’ home win over UCLA.
Cincinnati LB Darrian Beavers- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 4 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks in the UC Bearcats’ 36-33 road win over UCF.
Alabama S Jordan Battle- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (45-yard TD), and 1 PBU in the Crimson Tide’s 63-3 home win over Kentucky.
LSU CB Jay Word- Made that game-winning blocked FG attempt (on 4th and 3 with 1:24 remaining) to seal the LSU Tigers’ 27-24 road win over Arkansas. Also produced 3 tackles (2 solo) and 1 PBU.
LSU P Zach Von Rosenberg- Had 7 punts with 48.9 yards per punt in the LSU Tigers’ road win over Arkansas. Had 5 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, including a 35-yard punt landing on the 4-yard line.
N.C State LB Vi Jones- Made that game-winning blocked FG attempt (on 4th and 5 with 1:18 remaining) to seal the Wolfpack’s 15-14 home win over undefeated Liberty. Also produced 4 tackles (1 solo) and 1 TFL/sack.
Minnesota LB Josh Aune- Made that game-winning INT (5 yards; on 1st and 25 with 0:44 remaining) to seal the Golden Gophers’ 34-31 home win over Purdue. Also produced 4 tackles (3 solo) and 1 QB hurry.
Minnesota CB Coney Durr- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Golden Gophers’ home win over Purdue.
Minnesota WR Chris Autman-Bell- Received 5 catches for 129 yards, including a 42-yard catch, in the Golden Gophers’ home win over Purdue.
Purdue QB Jack Plummer- Passed 35-42, 367 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in the Boilermakers’ road loss against Minnesota.
Purdue WR David Bell- Received 8 catches, 104 yards, and 2 TDs (47 and 9-each scored in the 3rd quarter) in the Boilermakers’ road loss against Minnesota.
Oregon State RB Jermar Jefferson- Rushed 18 carries, 196 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the OSU Beavers’ 31-27 home win over California.
Missouri S Martez Manuel- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 PBU in the Tigers’ 17-10 road win over South Carolina.
Michigan S Daxton Hill- Made that game-winning INT (in the endzone; on 4th and 9 in 3rd OT) to seal the U-M Wolverines’ 48-42 road win (3 OTs) over Rutgers. Also produced 8 tackles (6 solo) and 2 PBUs.
Michigan QB Cade McNamara- Came off the bench to replace starting QB Joe Milton. Passed 27-36, 260 yards, and 4 TDs. Also scored a 4-yard rushing TD (in 2nd OT) to force a 3rd OT period.
Georgia QB J.T Daniels- Passed 28-38, 401 yards, and 4 TDs in the Bulldogs’ 31-24 home win over Miss. State.
Georgia WR Jermaine Burton- Received 8 catches, 197 yards, and 2 TDs (18 and 48) in the Bulldogs’ home win over Miss. State. Also had a 49-yard catch.
Northwestern LB Blake Gallagher- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the Wildcats’ 17-7 home win over Wisconsin.
Northwestern LB Paddy Fisher- Produced 13 tackles (8 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Wildcats’ home win over Wisconsin.
Northwestern P Derek Adams- Had 10 punts with 37.9 yards per punt in the Wildcats’ home win over Wisconsin. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 42-yard punt landing on the 17-yard line.
Auburn PK Anders Carlson- Scored 12 points in the Tigers’ 30-17 home win over Tennessee. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 50-yard FG) and 3 XPK attempts.
Auburn S Smoke Monday- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (100-yard TD), and 1 QB hurry in the Tigers’ home win over Tennessee.
USC P Ben Griffiths- Had 4 punts with 43.8 yards per punt in the Trojans’ 33-17 road win over Utah. Had 3 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, including a 45-yard punt landing on the 15-yard line.
USC S Talanoa Hufanga- Produced 10 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Trojans’ road win over Utah.
The Oklahoma defense- Held the Oklahoma State defense to 246 total yards in the Sooners’ 41-13 home win over in-state rival Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma LB Nik Bonito- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Sooners’ home win over Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler- Passed 17-24, 301 yards, and 4 TDs. Also scored a 9-yard rushing TD.
Iowa DE Zach VanValkenburg- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 fumble recoveries in the Hawkeyes’ 41-21 road win over Penn State.
Washington LB Zion Tupuola-Fetui- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 PBU in the Huskies’ 44-27 home win over Arizona.
Illinois RB Mike Epstein- Rushed 13 carries, 113 yards, and 1 TD (from 1 yard out) in the Fighting Illini’s 41-23 road win over Nebraska.
Illinois LB Jake Hansen- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 INT (8 yards), and 1 fumble recovery in the Fighting Illini’s road win over Nebraska.
Pittsburgh WR D.J Turner- Received 15 catches, 184 yards, and 1 TD (64 yards) in the Pitt Panthers’ 47-14 home-finale win over Virginia Tech.
Pittsburgh PK Alex Kessman- Scored 17 points in the Panthers’ home win over Virginia Tech. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 53-yard FG) and 5 XPK attempts.
Iowa State RB Breece Hall- Rushed 15 carries, 135 yards, and 2 TDs (33 and 21-each scored in the 2nd quarter) in the Cyclones’ 45-0 home win over Kansas State.
Iowa State LB Mike Rose- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT (2 yards), and 1 QB hurry in the Cyclones’ home win over Kansas State.
Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong- 455 total offensive yards in the Cavaliers’ 55-15 home win over Abilene Christian. Passed 16-23, 383 yards, and 4 TDs. Rushed 6 carries for 52 yards, including a 33-yard carry.
BYU RB Tyler Allgeier- Rushed 13 carries, 141 yards, and 2 TDs (each from 2 yards out) in the BYU Cougars’ 66-14 home win over North Alabama. Also had a 39-yard carry.
BYU S Malik Moore- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Cougars’ home win over North Alabama.
Nevada WR/RS Romeo Doubs- 194 all-purpose running yards in the Wolfpack’s 26-21 home win over San Diego State. Received 5 catches, 133 yards, and 1 TD (50 yards). Also had a 59-yard catch.
Nevada DE Kameron Toomer- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery in the Wolfpack’s home win over San Diego State.
Nevada PK Brandon Talton- Scored 14 points in the Wolfpack’s home win over San Diego State. Kicked 4-5 FG (including a 33-yard FG) and scored on all 2 XPK attempts.
Tulsa LB Zaven Collins- Made that game-winning INT (96-yard TD; on 3rd and Goal in 2nd OT) to seal the Golden Hurricanes’ 30-24 home win (2 OTs) over Tulane. Also produced 15 tackles (led team; 8 solo).
Tulsa WR Juan Carlos Santana- Received 8 catches, 138 yards, and 1 TD (37 yards) in the Golden Hurricanes’ home win over Tulane.
Army LB Andre Carter- Produced 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (3 yards), 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked XPK attempt in the Black Knights’ 28-27 home-finale win over Georgia Southern.
MTSU S Reed Blankenship- Made that onside kick recovery (with 0:28 remaining) to seal the Blue Raiders’ 20-17 home win over Troy.
MTSU LB DQ Thomas- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Blue Raiders’ home win over Troy.
Ball State LB Christian Albright- Made that onside kick recovery (with 0:43 remaining) to seal the Cardinals’ 31-25 home win over Northern Illinois. Also produced 2 tackles (all assisted).
Boise State WR Khalil Shakir- Received 11 catches, 130 yards, and 2 TDs (38 and 3-each scored in the 2nd quarter) in the Broncos’ 40-32 road win over Hawaii.
Boise State CB Jalen Walker- Produced 8 tackles (led team; all solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Broncos’ road win over Hawaii.
Coastal Carolina CB D’ Jordan Strong- Made that game-winning INT (38-yard TD; on 4th and 20 with 1:20 remaining) to seal the CCU Chanticleers’ 34-23 home win over Appalachian State.
Coastal Carolina DE Jeffrey Gunter- Produced 8 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 QB hurry in the Chanticleers’ home win over Appalachian State.
Coastal Carolina WR Isaiah Likely- Received 3 catches, 118 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Chanticleers’ home win over Appalachian State.
Texas State QB Brady McBride- Passed 32-45, 443 yards, and 5 TDs in the Bobcats’ 47-45 comeback home win over Arkansas State.
Texas State DE Nico Ezidore- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 QB hurries in the Bobcats’ home win over Arkansas State.
UTSA LB Jamal Ligon- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Roadrunners’ 23-30 road win over Southern Miss.
Western Michigan WR D’Wayne Eskridge- Received 4 catches, 212 yards, and 3 TDs (33,72, and 85) in the WMU Broncos’ 52-44 road win over Central Michigan.
North Texas DT Dion Novil- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 5 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles in the Mean Green’s 27-17 home-finale win over Rice.
Toledo DE Jamal Hines- Produced 5 tackles (1 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 1 INT (20-yard TD) in the Rockets’ 45-28 road win over Eastern Michigan.
Western Kentucky RB Gaej Walker- Rushed 17 carries, 127 yards, and 1 TD (from 1 yard out) in the WKU Hilltoppers’ 38-21 home-finale win over FIU. Also had a 54-yard carry.
Western Kentucky LB Eli Brown- Produced 8 tackles (5 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 INT (22-yard TD), and 1 QB hurry in the Hilltoppers’ home win over FIU.
Western Kentucky P John Haggerty- Had 8 punts with 53.2 yards per punt in the Hilltoppers’ home win over FIU. Had 4 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 56-yard punt landing on the 10-yard line.
Georgia State WR Sam Pinckney- Received 5 catches for 176 yards, including a 65-yard catch, in the Panthers’ 31-14 road win over South Alabama.
Buffalo RB Jaret Patterson- Rushed 31 carries, 301 yards, and 4 TDs (17,4,15, and 57) in the Bulls’ 42-17 road win over Bowling Green. Also had a 67-yard carry.
Buffalo DE Macolm Koonce- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 PBU in the Bulls’ road win over Bowling Green.
Florida Atlantic P Matt Haybell- Had 5 punts with 42.6 yards per punt in the FAU Owls’ 24-2 home win over Massachusetts. Had 2 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 52-yard punt landing on the 7-yard line.
Air Force RB Brad Roberts- Rushed 28 carries,177 yards, and 3 TDs (5,12,and 44) in the AFA Falcons’ 28-0 home win over New Mexico.
Air Force LB Jonathan Youngblood- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 QB hurries in the Falcons’ home win over New Mexico.
East Carolina LB Bruce Bivens- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 INT in the ECU Pirates’ 28-3 road win over Temple.
Kent State QB Dustin Crum- Passed 22-25, 348 yards, and 3 TDs in the Golden Flashes’ 69-35 home win over Akron.
Kent State WR Isaiah McKoy- Received 6 catches, 140 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Akron.
Kent State S Dean Clark- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked punt in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Akron.
Memphis WR/RS Calvin Austin- 290 all-purpose running yards in the Tigers’ 56-14 home win over Stephen F Austin.
Memphis DE Joseph Dorceus- Produced 7 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 4 TFLs, and 1 sack in the Tigers’ home win over Stephen F Austin.
Memphis NB Rodney Owens- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT, and 2 PBUs in the Tigers’ home win over Stephen F Austin.
