Dear Readers,
For a second straight week, I had to wait sometime after midnight to round out who to rank #3-10 in my top ten rankings.
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 Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr, Pittsburgh WR Jordan Addison, BYU RB Tyler Allgeier, and more to name.
I hope all people who have an official vote for national awards really took note of a lot of players such as Utah TE Brian Kuithe, Colorado LB Carson Wells, Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin LB Jack Sanborn, Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, and more to name for their performances in wins over their respective opponents.
So far, we have some pairings lined up for Championship weekend (Dec.3-4, 2021). #1 Georgia will play Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Pittsburgh clinched a berth (as the ACC Coastal Division Champions) in the ACC Championship Game. Louisiana will play Appalachian State in the SBC Championship Game.
Speaking of the AAC Championship Game, one more week to make a decision about. I don’t want to talk too much about this in my RANKINGS ANALYSIS section. We have one more week before Cincinnati plays Houston in the AAC Championship Game. So far, both teams are undefeated in AAC conference games. If the UC Bearcats and the UH Cougars win their respective games this weekend, both teams will be co-first-place teams in the AAC. But the big ? is where will the AAC Championship Game be played? THe AAC is a conference that has their conference championship game in which the first place team takes on the second place team. And in this case, the first place team will have another home game added to their schedule to play that second place team. Cincinnati will need to win their road game against East Carolina to be a co-first-place team and have home-field advantage in the AAC Championship Game. If the ECU Pirates upset the Bearcats, Cincy will be a second place team and will have to play a road game against Houston. Houston is done with their AAC conference schedule but will play a road game against Connecticut this SAT. I hope all this helps out to those who don’t know much about the AAC (aka “The American”).
Here is a list of finalists for college football awards, copy this link- https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/11/finalists-announced-for-espns-31th-annual-the-home-depot-college-football-awards/ -on your internet tool bar.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody, enjoy Black Friday, and BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
Sincerely, RICH
RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT
1. C.J Stroud, QB, Ohio State(Passed 32-35, 432 yards, 6 TDs in the Buckeyes’ 56-7 home-finale win over Michigan State. His 17 straight pass completions is a school record. His 6 passing TDs tie a single-game school record. His 3,468 passing yards are second-most for a single-season in school history. His 186.7 pass efficiency rating leads the Big Ten and second nationally.)
2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama(Passed 31-40, 559 yards, and 5 TDs in the Crimson Tide’s 42-35 home-finale win over Arkansas. His current streak of 208 consecutive pass attempts without an INT are second-most in school history. His 559 passing yards is a single-game school record. His 559 passing yards is a single-game school record and second-most in SEC history. His 38 passing TDs lead the SEC and tied second nationally with SMU QB Tanner Mordecai.)
3. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati(All-time winningest QB in school history with a 42-5 mark. 320 total offensive yards and 5 TDs responsible for in the UC Bearcats’ 48-14 home win over SMU. Passed 17-23, 274 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 3 carries, 46 yards, and 1 TD of 40 yards. Also scored a 5-yard receiving TD. His 81 career passing TDs is a school record and second-most in AAC history. His 8.7 passing yards per attempt lead the AAC.)
RICH’S TOP TEN
1. Georgia
2. Cincinnati
3. Alabama
4. Ohio State (5)
5. Oklahoma State (6)
6. Michigan (8)
7. Notre Dame (9)
8. Houston (OTM)
9. Oklahoma (10)
10.Iowa (OTM)
OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTMs):San Diego State, Louisiana, Oregon (4), Baylor, and Mississippi
RANKINGS ANALYSIS:
I had to really consider switching teams around between Ohio State and Alabama after SAT was over based on those team’s performance in games this past SAT….Ohio State moved up from #5 to #4 after a 56-7 home-finale win over Michigan State. When the Buckeyes saw weaknesses that the Spartans had on both sides of the ball, they exploited them, such as Michigan State having one of the worst pass defenses in the country. Christmas came early for the Buckeyes as Oregon, who beat them early this season, finally lost a second game of this season to help this football team move up in the top five. Now this football team has that long-awaited showdown against rival Michigan, which hasn’t been played in two seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic last season…No surprise that #1 Georgia had another blowout win this past SAT, which was a 56-7 home-finale win over Charleston Southern. The Bulldogs are living proof of that saying “defense wins championships.” This football team has an easy road game against in-state rival Georgia Tech prior to the SEC Championship Game against Alabama… Speaking of Alabama, the Crimson Tide remains ranked #3 after a tougher than expected 42-35 home-finale win over Arkansas to clinch the SEC West Division title. This football team has a road game against in-state rival Auburn, which should be extra easy to beat because the Tigers lost several key players to injury, including All-SEC PK Anders Carlson….Cincinnati remains ranked #3 after a 48-14 home-finale win over SMU. The UC Bearcats scored all 48 points before the Mustangs finally got a score on the board. This football team has a road game against East Carolina this FRI (3:30 PM, ABC) before their AAC Championship Game against Houston. Cincy better not look past these ECU Pirates, who are 7-4 after six straight losing seasons (2015-20)…Speaking of Houston, the UH Cougars moved up from my OTMs to #8 after a 31-13 home-finale win over Memphis. This football team finally ended a five-game losing streak against the Tigers. Houston will play a road game against Connecticut this SAT (Noon, CBSSN) before their AAC Championship Game against undefeated Cincinnati…Notre Dame moved up from #9 to #7 after their 55-0 home-finale win over Georgia Tech. No surprise that the Fighting Irish had a blowout win over the Yellow Jackets, which extended their current streak of five straight seasons with 10 wins (2017-present), which is a school record. This football team has a road game against rival Stanford this SAT (8 PM, FOX). The Irish will beat the Cardinal-just a matter of who covers the spread. Notre Dame has a case in having an at-large spot in those New Year’s Six major bowl games…Another game I am looking forward to is the Oklahoma at Oklahoma State game, which takes place this SAT (7:30 PM, ABC). A lot of scenarios are in place. The OSU Cowboys moved up from #6 to #5 after a 23-0 road win over Texas Tech. The Sooners moved up from #10 to #9 after a tough as expected 28-21 home-finale win over Iowa State. Regardless of what happens this SAT, Okie State clinched a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game because of their win over Baylor, who is among my OTMS, last month. The Bears have two Big 12 conference losses, including that road loss against the Cowboys, but had a home win over Oklahoma two weeks ago. For Baylor to play Oklahoma State in a rematch for the Big 12 Championship, the Bears need to get a home win over Texas Tech this SAT (Noon, FS1) and hope for the Cowboys beat the Sooners later on this SAT…Iowa is back among my OTMs after a 33-13 home-finale win over Illinois. The Hawkeyes have high hopes to win the Big Ten West Division title and play the winner of the Ohio State at Michigan game. This football team needs to get a road win over Nebraska this FRI (1:30 PM, BTN) and Minnesota get a home win over Wisconsin to make all that possible…San Diego State is among my OTMs after a tougher than expected 28-20 road win over UNLV. The SDSU Aztecs are on a current three-game winning streak after a disappointing 30-20 home loss against Fresno State. This football team needs a home-finale win over Boise State this FRI (Noon, CBS) to win the MW West Division title and clinch a berth in the MW Championship Game. A loss against the Broncos would pit Fresno State against Air Force, Boise State, or Boise State in the MW Championship Game…Oregon moved down #4 to among my OTMs after a disappointing 38-7 road loss against Utah. All weaknesses from that road loss against Stanford have caught up to these Ducks. Now, this football team needs to have a home-finale win over rival Oregon State to win the Pac-12 North Division title and play Utah (in a rematch) for the Pac-12 Championship… Louisiana keeps winning and winning. The Ragin’ Cajuns are among my OTMs for a second straight week after a 42-14 road win over Liberty. The Louisiana defense stepped up big against what Liberty QB Malik Willis had in store for them. This football team has a home-finale game against UL-Monroe before playing Appalachian State in the SBC Championship Game. A home win over the ULM Warhawks will help them clinch home-field advantage in the SBC Championship Game….Mississippi is among my OTMs after a 31-17 home-finale win over Vanderbilt, which was the last home game for star QB Matt Corral, who is leaving school early for the 2022 NFL Draft. The Ole Miss Rebels need a road win over rival Miss. State this FRI (7:30 PM, ESPN) to possibly keep all hopes alive to play in a New Year’s Six major bowl game…After SAT is over, we will know the pairings for the conference championship games.
GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS
Louisville, Miami (OH), Missouri, Kent State, Miami, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Toledo, Washington State, and Wyoming- Winsover respective opponents made them bowl eligible this season.
Alabama WR Jameson Williams- Received 8 catches, 190 yards, and 3 TDs (79,32, and 40) in the Crimson Tide’s 42-35 home-finale win over Arkansas.
Alabama LB Henry To’o To’o- Produced 13 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks in the Crimson Tide’s home win over Arkansas.
Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr- Produced 11 tackles (7 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 QB hurries in the Crimson Tide’s home win over Arkansas.
Arkansas WR Treylon Burks- Received 8 catches, 179 yards, and 2 TDs (15 and 65) in the Razorbacks’ road loss against Alabama.
The Oklahoma defense- Held Iowa State RB Breece Hall to 58 rushing yards in 19 carries (including a 1-yard rushing TD) in the Sooners’ 28-21 home-finale win over Iowa State. Also produced 11 TFLs (including 7 sacks) and 4 forced fumbles.
Oklahoma S Patrick Fields- Made that game-winning INT (on 4th and 10 with 0:15 remaining) to seal the Sooners’ home win over Iowa State. Also produced 6 tackles (2 solo) and 1 TFL.
Oklahoma DT Jalen Redmond- Produced 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 fumble recovery (42-yard TD), and 4 QB hurries in the Sooners’ home win over Iowa State.
Oklahoma CB Key Lawrence- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 2 forced fumbles in the Sooners’ home win over Iowa State.
Pittsburgh WR Jordan Addison- Received 14 catches, 202 yards, and 4 TDs (11, 18, 43, and 62) in the Pitt Panthers’ 48-38 home-finale win over Virginia. Scored that 62-yard receiving TD (on 3rd and 5 with 2:10 remaining) to win this game. His 4 receiving TDs ties a single-game school record (with two other WRs).
Pittsburgh DE Deslin Alexandre- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the Panthers’ home win over Virginia.
Utah TE Brian Kuithe- Received 5 catches for 118 yards, including a 49-yard catch, in the Utes’ 38-7 home win over Oregon.
Utah S Cole Bishop- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team;5 solo), 1 TFL, 2 PBUs, and 1 blocked FG attempt in the Utes’ home win over Oregon.
Cincinnati WR Tre Tucker- Received 7 catches for 114 yards, including a 39-yard catch, in the UC Bearcats’ 48-14 home win over SMU.
Cincinnati DT Curtis Blackwell- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 2 QB hurries in the Bearcats’ home win over SMU.
Ohio State WR Chris Olave- Received 7 catches, 140 yards, and 2 TDs (23 and 43-each scored in the 1st quarter) in the Buckeyes’ 56-7 home-finale win over Michigan State.
The Ohio State defense- Held Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III to 25 rushing yards in 6 carries in the Buckeyes’ home win over Michigan State. Also produced 9 TFLs (including 2 sacks).
Ohio State S Kourt Williams- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team; 5 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 PBU in the Buckeyes’ home win over Michigan State.
Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen- Rushed 22 carries, 228 yards, and 3 TDs (71,3, and 53) in the UW Badgers’ 35-28 home-finale win over Nebraska.
Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson- Received 8 catches for 92 yards, including a 35-yard catch, in the Badgers’ home win over Nebraska.
Wisconsin S Scott Nelson- Produced 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Badgers’ home win over Nebraska.
Wisconsin LB Jack Sanborn- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 QB hurries in the Badgers’ home win over Nebraska.
Nebraska WR Samori Toure- Received 7 catches, 113 yards, and 1 TD (from 4 yards out) in the Badgers’ home win over Nebraska. Also had a 42-yard catch.
Missouri RB Tyler Baddie- Rushed 27 carries, 148 yards, and 1 TD (13 yards) in the Tigers’ 24-23 home-finale win over Florida. Scored that 13-yard rushing TD (on 1st and 10 in 1st OT) to eventually win this game. Also had a 28-yard carry.
Missori LB Blaze Alldredge- Produced 8 tackles (7 solo), 2 TFLs,and 2 QB hurries in the Tigers’ home win over Florida.
The Florida State defense- Produced 11 TFLs (including 4 sacks) in the Seminoles’ 26-23 road win over Boston College.
Florida State S Akeem Dent- Made that game-winning INT (on 4th and 9 with 1:42 remaining) to seal the Seminoles’ road win over Boston College. Also produced 3 tackles (1 solo).
Florida State DE Keir Thomas- Produced 7 tackles (all solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 6 QB hurries in the Seminoles’ road win over Boston College.
TCU RB Kendre Miller- Rushed 12 carries, 112 yards, and 1 TD (56 yards) in the Horn Frogs’ 31-28 home-finale win over Kansas.
TCU WR Derius Davis- 158 all-purpose running yards in the Horn Frogs’ home win over Kansas. Received 6 catches for 103 yards, including a 49-yard catch. Rushed 3 carries, 52 yards, and 1 TD (43 yards).
TCU CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson- Produced 6 tackles (all solo) and 2 PBUs in the Horn Frogs’ home win over Kansas.
Kansas S Kenny Logan Jr- Produced 15 tackles (led team;8 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in the Jayhawks’ road loss against TCU.
Colorado LB Carson Wells- Produced 7 tackles (all solo), 3 TFLs,2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 PBUs, and 2 QB hurries in the Buffaloes’ 20-17 home-finale win over Washington. Made that PBU and QB hurry (same play; on 4th and 5 with 1:16 remaining) to win this game.
Baylor DE Gabe Hall- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the Bears’ 20-10 road win over Kansas State.
Miami DT Jared Harrison-Hunte- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Hurricanes’ 38-26 home-finale win over Virginia Tech.
Mississippi LB Chance Campbell- Produced 8 tackles (co-led team;3 solo), 1 TFL and 3 QB hurries in the Ole Miss Rebels’ 31-17 home-finale win over Vanderbilt.
Oregon State RB B.J Baylor- Rushed 20 carries for 150 yards, including a 24-yard carry, in the OSU Beavers’ 24-10 home-finale win over Arizona State.
LSU WR Malik Nabers- Received 4 catches, 143 yards, and 1 TD (67 yards) in the Tigers’ 27-14 home win over UL-Monroe.
LSU LB Damone Clark- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team;4 solo), 1 TFL, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Tigers’ home win over UL-Monroe.
Purdue WR Milton Wright- Received 8 catches, 213 yards, and 3 TDs (53,17, and 45) in the Boilermakers’ 32-14 neutral-site win (in Chicago, IL) over Northwestern.
Purdue LB Jaylan Alexander- Produced 11 tackles (led team;10 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Boilermakers’ neutral-site win over Northwestern.
Purdue DE George Karlaftis- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs,1 sack, and 1 blocked FG attempt in the Boilermakers’ neutral-site win over Northwestern.
Purdue PK Mitchell Fineran- Scored 14 points in the Boilermakers’ neutral-stie win over Northwestern. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 38-yard FG) and 2 XPK attempts. Scored on 4 straight FGs after missing on his 1st FG attempt.
Iowa RB Tyler Goodson- Rushed 27 carries for 132 yards, including a 23-yard carry, in the Hawkeyes’ 33-13 home-finale win over Illinois.
Iowa RS/WR Charlie Jones- Returned 3 kickoffs, 144 yards, and 1 TD (100 yards) in the Hawkeyes’ home win over Illinois.
Iowa LB Seth Benson- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo) and 2 PBUs in the Hawkeyes’ home win over Illinois.
Clemson RB Kobe Pace- Rushed 24 carries, 191 yards, and 2 TDs (8 and 2) in the Tigers’ 48-27 home-finale win over Wake Forest. Also had a 39-yard carry.
The Clemson defense- Produced 10 TFLs (including 7 sacks) and 12 passes defended (including 10 PBUs) in the Tigers’ home win over Wake Forest.
Oklahoma State DE Brock Martin- Produced 4 tackles (1 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the OSU Cowboys’ 23-0 road win over Texas Tech,.
Oklahoma State WR Tay Martin- Received 7 catches for 130 yards, including a 38-yard catch, in the Cowboys’ road win over Texas Tech.
N.C State LB Drake Jackson- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 INT in the Wolfpack’s 41-17 home win over Syracuse.
N.C State QB Devin Leary- Passed 17-24, 303 yards, and 2 TDs in the Wolfpack’s home win over Syracuse. Currently on a streak of five straight games with 300 passing yards.
Washington State RB Max Borghi- Rushed 16 carries, 139 yards, and 2 TDs (26 and 2) in the WSU Cougars’ 44-18 home-finale win over Arizona. Also had a 43-yard carry. His 39 career scoring TDs are second-most in school history.
Washington State WR Calvin Jackson Jr- Received 4 catches, 133 yards, and 2 TDs (43 and 78) in the Cougars’ home win over Arizona.
Washington State LB Jahad Woods- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Cougars’ home win over Arizona. His 36 career TFLs are seventh-most in school history.
Penn State DE Arnold Ebiketie- Produced 5 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 QB hurries in the Nittany Lions’ 28-0 home-finale win over Rutgers.
Penn State P/PK Jordan Stout- Had 8 punts with 42.9 yards per punt in the Nittany Lions’ home win over Rutgers. Had 6 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 38-yard punt landing on the 3-yard line.
UCLA QB Dorian Thompson- 395 total offensive yards and 6 TDs responsible for in the Bruins’ 62-33 road win over rival USC. Passed 16-22, 349 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs. Rushed 11 carries, 46 yards, and 2 TDs (4 and 14). His 8,456 career total offensive yards are fourth-most in school history.
UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet- Rushed 28 carries, 167 yards, and 1 TD (from 4 yards out) in the Bruins’ road win over USC. Also had a 27-yard carry.
UCLA RB Kazmeir Allen- 278 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Bruins’ road win over USC. Received 3 catches, 115 yards, and 2 TDs (45 and 58). Returned 4 kickoffs, 163 yards, and 1 TD (100 yards).
UCLA S Quentin Lake- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 INT (15 yards), and 1 PBU in the Bruins’ road win over USC.
California RB Christopher Brooks- Rushed 13 carries for 131 yards, including a 75-yard carry, in the Cal Golden Bears’ 41-11 road win over rival Stanford.
California WR Trevon Clark- Received 3 catches, 135 yards, and 1 TD (84 yards) in the Golden Bears’ road win over Stanford.
California CB LuMagia Hearns- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 1 INT, and 4 PBUs in the Golden Bears’ road win over Stanford.
Michigan WR Donovan Edwards- Received 10 catches, 170 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 77 yards) in the U-M Wolverines’ 59-18 road win over Maryland.
Michigan RS/WR A.J Henning- Returned 2 kickoffs, 112 yards, and 1 TD (81 yards) in the Wolverines’ road win over Maryland.
Louisville QB Micale Cunningham- 527 total offensive yards and 7 TDs responsible for in the Cardinals’ 62-22 road win over Duke. Passed 18-25, 303 yards, and 5 TDs. Rushed 11 carries, 224 yards, and 2 TDs (44 and 72). Second QB in NCAA history with 300 passing yards and 200 rushing yards in a similar game. His 527 total offensive yards are fourth-most in a single-game in school history. His 36 career TDs responsible for are third-most for a single-season in school history.
Louisville S Qwynnterrio Cole- Produced 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Cardinals’ road win over Duke.
Tennessee WR/RS Velus Jones Jr- Transfer from USC. 246 all-purpose running yards in the Volunteers’ 60-14 home win over South Alabama. Received 6 catches for 103 yards, including a 41-yard catch. Returned 1 kickoff return for a 96-yard TD. Returned 3 punts for 47 yards, including a 33-yard punt return.
Tennessee DE/LB Roman Harrison- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team;5 solo), 1 TFL, 2 PBUs, and 1 blocked FG attempt in the Volunteers’ home win over South Alabama.
Kentucky QB Will Levis- Passed 21-31, 419 yards, and 1 INT in the UK Wildcats’ 56-16 home-finale win over New Mexico State.
Kentucky WR Wan’Dale Robinson- Received 8 catches for 181 yards, including a 79-yard catch, in the Wildcats’ home win over New Mexico State.
Miss. State QB Will Rogers- Passed 28-34, 391 yards, and 5 TDs in the MSU Bulldogs’ 55-10 home win over Tennessee State. His 435 completions, 4,113 yards, 34 TDs, and 10 games with 300 passing yards are single-season school records among these passing categories. His 12 career games with 300 passing yards is a school record.
Texas A&M LB Aaron Hansford- Produced 8 tackles (led team;4 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery (17-yard TD) in the Aggies’ 52-3 home-finale win over Prairie View A&M.
Notre Dame CB Clarence Lewis- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Fighting Irish’s 55-0 home-finale win over Georgia Tech
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer- Received 3 catches, 86 yards, and 1 TD (52 yards) in the Fighting Irish’s home win over Georgia Tech.
UTSA QB Frank Harris- Passed 25-36, 323 yards, and 3 TDs in the Roadrunners’ 34-31 comeback home-finale win over UAB. Had a 1-yard passing TD (received by TE Oscar Cardenas; on 3rd and Goal with 0:03 remaining) to win this game. His 23 passing TDs is a single-season school record. His 439 completions, 660 attempts, 4,745 yards, and 38 TDs are third-most among these career passing categories in school history.
Air Force RB DeAndre Hughes- Scored 14 points in the AFA Falcons’ 41-39 road win (3 OTs) over Nevada. Rushed 23 carries, 221 yards, and 2 TDs (10 and 9). Also had a 52-yard carry.
The Air Force offensive line- Helped this offense have 476 rushing yards in the Falcons’ road win over Nevada. Also held the Nevada defense to 1 TFL.
Air Force LB Vance Sanford- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Falcons’ road win over Nevada.
Nevada WR Romeo Doubs- Received 11 catches, 159 yards, and 2 TDs (61 and 19) in the Wolfpack’s home-finale loss against Air Force.
Eastern Michigan DT Michael Smith Jr- Made that game-winning INT (on 2nd and 9 with 2:24) to seal the EMU Eagles’ 22-21 home-finale win over Western Michigan. Also produced 3 tackles (1 solo).
Eastern Michigan PK Chad Ryland- Scored 16 points in the Eagles’ home win over Western Michigan. Scored on all 5 FG attempts (including 2 FGs from 31 yards out) and 1 XPK attempt. Scored a 20-yard FG (on 4th and Goal with 3:55 remaining) to eventually win this game. Currently on a streak of scoring 15 straight FG attempts. His 5 FGs scored is a single-game school record. His 297 career scoring points are second-most in school history.
Eastern Michigan RB Jawon Hamilton- Rushed 19 carries for 187 yards, including a 68-yard carry, in the Eagles’ home win over Western Michigan.
Western Michigan DE Ali Fayad- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 PBU in the WMU Broncos’ road loss against Eastern Michigan.
Western Michigan Skyy Moore- Received 12 catches, 181 yards, and 1 TD (74 yards) in the Broncos’ road loss against Eastern Michigan.
East Carolina PK Owen Daffer- Scored 12 points in the ECU Pirates’ 38-35 road win over Navy. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 54-yard FG) and 3 XPK attempts. Scored that 54-yard FG (on last play) to win this game.
East Carolina QB Holton Ahlers- 453 total offensive yards in the Pirates’ road win over Navy. Passed 27-32, 408 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 7 carries for 48 yards, including a 13-yard carry. His 793 career pass completions are second-most in school history and third-most in AAC history.
East Carolina WR/RS Tyler Snead- 183 all-purpose running yards in the Pirates’ road win over Navy. Received 5 catches, 137 yards, and 2 TDs (40 and 28).
Navy RB Carlinos Acie- Rushed 6 carries, 155 yards, and 1 TD (90 yards) in the Midshipmen’s home-finale loss against East Carolina.
Hawaii WR Zion Bowens- Received 6 catches, 172 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 93 yards) in the Rainbows’ Warriors’ 50-45 home-finale win over Colorado State.
Hawaii LB Darius Muasau- Produced 13 tackles (led team; 12 solo), 2 TFLs/sacs, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 PBU in the Rainbow Warriors’ home win over Colorado State.
Old Dominion DT Devin Brandt-Epps- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 3rd and 2 with 0:23 remaining) to seal the ODU Monarchs’ 24-17 road win over MTSU. Also produced 1 QB hurry.
Old Dominion S R’Tarriun Johnson- Produced 9 tackles (co-led team;6 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Monarchs’ road win over MTSU.
San Diego State P/PK Matt Araiza- Had 6 punts with 47.5 yards per punt in the SDSU Aztecs’ 28-20 road win over UNLV. Had 5 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 44-yard punt landing on the 1-yard line. Scored on all 4 XPK attempts.
Georgia State LB Jontray Hunter- Produced 8 tackles (led team;4 solo) and 1 PBU in the Panthers’ 28-20 home win over Arkansas State.
Georgia State S Antavious Lane- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (18 yards), 1 forced fumble, and 2 PBUs in the Panthers’ home win over Arkansas State.
UTEP QB Gavin Hardison- Passed 23-35, 366 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT in the Miners’ 38-28 home-finale win over Rice.
UTEP RB Ronald Awatt- Rushed 9 carries for 119 yards, including a 74-yard carry, in the Miners’ home win over Rice.
UTEP WR Jacob Cowing- Received 11 catches, 170 yards, and 1 TD (from 7 yards out) in the Miners’ home win over Rice. Also had a 32-yard catch.
UTEP LB Tyrice Knight- Produced 9 tackles (led team;4 solo),1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Miners’ home win over Rice.
Toledo RB Bryant Koback- Rushed 21 carries, 203 yards, and 4 TDs (8,4,55, and 13) in the Rockets’ 35-23 road win over Ohio. His 43 career rushing TDs are third-most in school history.
Toledo S Tycen Anderson- Produced 10 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 forced fumble in the Rockets’ road win over Ohio. Toledo CB Samiel Womack- Produced 1 solo tackle and 3 PBUs in the Rockets’ road win over Ohio. His 15 PBUs tie a single-season school record (with CB Demond Marrow). His 40 career PBUs is a school record.
Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall- First game back after missing two games because of a shoulder injury. 372 total offensive yards in the CCU Chanticleers’ 35-21 home-finale win over Texas State. Passed 22-28, 319 yards, and 5 TDs. Rushed 12 carries for 53 yards, including a 13-yard carry. His 5 passing TDs is a single-game school record.
Houston CB Marcus Jones- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 INTs, and 3 PBUs in the UH Cougars’ 31-13 home-finale win over Memphis.
BYU RB Tyler Allgeier- Rushed 25 carries, 136 yards, and 1 TD (from 1 yard out) in the BYU Cougars’ 34-17 road win over Georgia Southern. Also had a 24-yard carry. His 1,298 rushing yards are sixth-most for a single-season in school history. His 31 career rushing TDs are sixth-most in school history.
BYU LB Ben Bywater- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 3 solo) and 2 TFLs in the Cougars’ road win over Georgia Southern.
Army RB Tyrell Robinson- Rushed 9 carries, 137 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 87 yards) in the Black Knights’ 33-17 home-finale win over Massachusetts.
Army LB Andre Carter- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in the Black Knights’ home win over Massachusetts.
Southern Miss LB Hayes Maples- Produced 8 tackles (co-led team;7 solo), 1 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 PBU in the USM Golden Eagles’ 35-19 road win over La Tech.
Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols- Rushed 32 carries, 219 yards, and 3 TDs (2,66, and 1) in the CMU Chippewas’ 37-17 road win over Ball State. His 1,516 rushing yards are third-most for a single-season in school history.
Central Michigan WR Kalil Pimpleton- Received 7 catches, 144 yards, and 1 TD (50 yards) in the Chippewas’ road win over Ball State.
Central Michigan S Devonni Reed- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (6 yards), and 1 PBU in the Chippewas’ road win over Ball State.
Miami (OH) WR Jack Sorenson- Received 4 catches, 111 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 83 yards) in the Redhawks’ 34-7 home-finale win over Bowling Green. His 2,874 career receiving yards are fourth-most in school history.
Miami (OH) CB Matthew Salopek- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 fumble recovery, and 1 PBU in the Redhawks’ home win over Bowling Green.
Lousiana LB Chauncey Manac- Produced 6 tackles (co-led team;5 solo), and 4 TFLs/sacks in the Rajin’ Cajuns’ 42-14 road win over Liberty.
Louisiana CB Mekhi Garner- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Rajun’ Cajuns’ road win over Liberty.
Wyoming RB Titus Swen- Rushed 15 carries, 169 yards, and 2 TDs (43 and 98-each scored in the 3rd quarter) in the Cowboys’ 44-17 road win over Utah State.
Wyoming WR Isaiah Neyor- Received 4 catches, 125 yards, and 1 TD (40 yards) in the Cowboys’ road win over Utah State.
Wyoming CB C.J Coldon- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 1 fumble recovery, and 1 PBU in the Cowboys’ road win over Utah State.
Wyoming DT Cole Godbout- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 3 PBUs, and 1 QB hurry in the Cowboys’ road win over Utah State.
Tulane RB Tyjae Spears- Rushed 13 carries, 111 yards, and 2 TDs (69 and 6) in the Green Wave’s 45-14 home-finale win over South Florida.
Tulane S Macon Clark- Produced 6 tackles (all solo),1 TFL, and 1 INT (33 yards) in the Green Wave’s home win over South Florida.
UCF RB Johnny Richardson- 197 all-purpose running yards and scored 2 TDs in the Golden Knights’ 49-17 home win over Connecticut. Rushed 14 carries, 147 yards, and 1 TD (from 9 yards out). Also had a 38-yard carry. Received 1 catch for a 17-yard TD. Returned 1 kickoff for 23 yards.
UCF WR Brandon Johnson- Received 7 catches, 125 yards, and 1 TD (49 yards) in the Golden Knights’ home win over Connecticut.
Appalachian State LB T.D Roof- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 INT (10 yards) in the App State Mountaineers’ 45-7 road win over Troy.
Western Kentucky WR Mitchell Tinsley- Received 9 catches, 164 yards, and 2 TDs (8 and 27) in the WKU Hilltoppers’ 52-17 home-finale win over Florida Atlantic.
Western Kentucky CB Beanie Bishop- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team;6 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Hilltoppers’ home win over Florida Atlantic.
Tulsa WR Josh Johnson- Received 9 catches, 159 yards, and 1 TD (from 8 yards out) in the Golden Hurricanes’ 44-10 home-finale win over Temple.
Boise State WR Khalil Shakir- Received 7 catches, 116 yards, and 1 TD (56 yards) in the Broncos’ 37-0 home-finale win over New Mexico.
Boise State S J.L Skinner- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 fumble recovery in the Broncos’ home win over New Mexico.
Boise State PK Jonah Dalmas- Scored 13 points in the Broncos’ home win over New Mexico. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 46-yard FG and 4 XPK attempts. His current streak of scoring 17 straight FG attempts is the longest active streak in the nation. His 25 FGs scored ties a single-season school record (with PK Tyler LaRussa) and ties second-most (with two other PKs) in MW history.
North Texas RB DeAndre Torrey- Rushed 18 carries, 109 yards, and 2 TDs (50 and 1) in the Mean Green’s 49-7 road win over FIU. His 10 career games with 100 rushing yards are eighth-most in school history.
North Texas LB Gabriel Murphy- Produced 7 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Mean Green’s road win over FIU.
Kent State DT C.J West- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo) and 3 TFLs/sacks in the Golden Flashes’ 38-0 road win over Akron.
