REVIEWING WEEK 13 OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

Dear Readers,
All conference championship games have been paired up.  This upcoming weekend is not the same without Oklahoma (Big 12) and Clemson (ACC) playing in a conference championship game. Here are my Championship Game predictions! Alabama (West) will defeat undefeated #1 Georgia (East) in the SEC Championship Game. Oklahoma State (1st place) will beat Baylor (2nd place)-in the Big 12 Championship Game-and somehow get a berth in the eighth-annual college football playoffs. Michigan (East) will defeat Iowa (West) in the Big Ten Championship Game. Cincinnati (1st place) will have a hard-fought home win over Houston (2nd place) in the AAC Championship Game. Oregon (North) will get even with Utah (South) in a rematch for the Pac-12 Championship. Wake Forest (Atlantic) will defeat Pittsburgh (Coastal) in the ACC Championship Game. San Diego State (West) will have a home win over Utah State (Mountain) in the MW Championship Game.
The only non-conference championship game taking place this weekend is USC at California because that game was postponed because of COVID-19 positive testing results. 

Looking at the national individual awards! I am glad Baylor S Jalen Pitre is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award because he has earned a game ball/helmet sticker in almost every game that his team wins and makes all kinds of plays for his defense.Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III should be able to walk away with the Doak Walker Award. I am glad Ohio State QB C.J Stroud is a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award but sadly not a finalist for the Maxwell Award. Pittsburgh WR Jordan Addison should be able to take home the Biletnikoff Award. Alabama LB Will Anderson should be able to win the Bednarik Award.
A lot of teams reached some milestones. Minnesota earned their first home win over rival Wisconsin since 2003. Wake Forest had a 41-10 road win over Boston College to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division title and marked their first 10-win season since 2006. Mississippi has never reached 10 wins in the regular season until defeating rival Miss. State this past THURS to have a 10-2 start. Michigan-under current Head Coach Jim Harbaugh- finally accomplishes what they set out do after hiring Harbaugh-BEAT OHIO STATE, win the Big Ten East Division title, and play in the Big Ten Championship Game.Pittsburgh had a 31-14 road win over rival Syracuse to have their first season with 10 wins since 2009.
Next week, we will finally crown conference champions and find out WHO’S IN (the playoffs that is) and all the bowl game pairings.  

Sincerely, RICH
RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT

1. Aidan Hutchinson,DE, Michigan(Produced 7 tackles, 3 TFLs/sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the U-M Wolverines’ 42-27 home-finale win over rival Ohio State. His 13 sacks are a single-season school record. His 13 sacks lead the Big Ten and tied third nationally with Coastal Carolina DT Josaiah Stewart)

2. Marcus Jones, CB/RS, Houston(Produced 2 tackles and 4 PBUs in the UH Cougars’ 45-17 road win over Connecticut. Returned 1 kickoff for 49 yards. Returned 2 punts for 30 yards, including a 21-yard punt return. His 360 punt return yards lead the AAC and second nationally.)

3. Will Anderson Jr, LB, Alabama(Produced 7 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 sack in the Crimson Tide’s road win over Auburn. His 30 TFLs are second-most for a single-season in school history. His 41 career TFLs are tied second-most-with LB Conellius Bennett, 1983-86-in a school history. His 30 TFLs lead the nation.)


RICH’S TOP TEN

1. Georgia

2. Cincinnati 

3. Alabama

4. Michigan (6)

5. Oklahoma State

6. Notre Dame (7)

7. Houston (8)

8, Iowa

9. Baylor

10. Mississippi (OTM)

OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):San Diego State, Louisiana, Oklahoma (9), Oregon, Ohio State (4), and BYU

RANKINGS ANALYSIS:

One more week before we determine the bowl pairings…No surprise that Georgia has another blowout win, such as a 45-0 road win over in-state rival Georgia Tech this past SAT, to remain ranked #1 in the nation. The Bulldogs need to play their best game against Alabama on both sides of the ball to win the SEC, remain ranked #1 in the nation, and earn a #1 seed in the eighth annual college football playoffs. The Georgia offense really has a lot of work to do in preparation for the SEC Championship Game this SAT (4 PM, CBS). I kept Alabama ranked #3 even after playing poorly to escape with a 22-20 road win over Auburn because I know the Crimson Tide will beat the ‘Dawgs.

Whoever wins this game will definitely have the #1 seed in the playoffs and play in the Orange Bowl….Cincinnati remains ranked #2 after a 35-13 road win over upset-minded East Carolina to remain undefeated with their first 12-0 start since 2009. The UC Bearcats will come back home as a co-first place team against Houston (in the AAC Championship Game) this SAT (4 PM, ABC). The UH Cougars moved up from #8 to #7 after a 45-17 road win over Connecticut. Should Cincy emerge victorious and win their second straight AAC Championship, the Bearcats should be among the four teams in the college football playoff. That October road win over then-undefeated Notre Dame helps them provide an argument. If Houston beats Cincinnati to win the AAC Championship Game, one of those four playoff spots should remain wide open.

I have Houston ranked ahead of Iowa because I think the Cougars have a better chance to win their game more than Iowa does of winning the Big Ten Championship Game…Michigan moved up from #6 to #4 after a 42-27 home-finale win over Ohio State, who moved down from #4 to among my OTMs, to win the Big Ten East Division title and play Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game this SAT (8 PM, FOX).  Finally, Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has done what is at least set out to do, which is beat those Buckeyes and play in the Big Ten Championship Game Should the Wolverines win the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State deserves an at-large berth in a New Year’s Six major bowl game… Speaking of Iowa, the Hawkeyes remain on a current four-game winning streak, including a 28-21 comeback road win over rival Nebraska. The Hawkeyes overcame a 21-9 deficit to win this game and eventually win the Big Ten West Division title. This football team needed Minnesota to have a home win over Wisconsin to have a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game…Oklahoma State remains ranked #5 after a 37-33 comeback home-finale win over rival Oklahoma. The OSU Cowboys overcame a 33-24 deficit to have a first-place berth in the Big 12 Championship Game this SAT (Noon, ABC). The Sooners were eliminated from having a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game and a streak of winning six straight Big 12 Championships came to an end. Since Baylor and Oklahoma have two losses in Big 12 conference games and are in second place of that major conference, the Bears earned that second-place berth because of their road win over the Sooners two weeks ago. Baylor escaped with a 27-24 home-finale win over Texas Tech to eventually earn that Big 12 Championship Game berth…Notre Dame moved up from #7 to #6 after a 45-14 road win over Stanford. No surprise that the Fighting Irish had a blowout win over the Cardinal. Now, this football team is awaiting their fate and hoping that they have a spot in the college football playoffs. That 24-13 home loss against Cincinnati is what cost Notre Dame a berth in the Cotton or Orange Bowl, which is a semi-final playoff bowl game. With an 11-1 mark, the Irish will have a berth in a New Year’s Six major bowl game, which should be a berth in the Peach or the Fiesta Bowl….Mississippi is finally among my top ten after spending the last week among my OTMs. The Ole Miss Rebels moved up from my OTMs to #10 after a 31-21 road win over rival Miss. State this past THURS. Shockingly to me, this football team never reached 10 wins in the regular season and before a bowl game until this season. If there is a third team in the SEC that deserves an at-large berth in a New Year’s Six major bowl game, it is Mississippi… San Diego State is among my OTMs after a 27-16 home win over Boise State, who is year-in and out-the measuring stick of the MW, to remain on a current four-game winning streak. The SDSU Aztecs have a home-finale game against Utah State in the MW Championship Game this SAT (3 PM, FOX)…BYU is back among my OTMs after a 35-31 road win over USC to remain on a current four-game winning streak. The BYU Cougars are back to having 10-win seasons in consecutive years since 2006-09. This football team is waiting in the wings to find out who they will play in a bowl game… Oregon remains among my OTMs after a 38-29 home-finale win over rival Oregon State to clinch the Pac-12 North Division title and a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Ducks have a chance to three-peat as Pac-12 Champions in a neutral-site game (in Las Vegas, NV) in a rematch against Utah, who had a 38-7 home win over Oregon two weeks ago. The winner of this game will play a Big Ten team in the Rose Bowl…Louisiana remains among my OTMs after having a 21-16 home win over UL-Monroe. The Ragin’ Cajuns should’ve beaten those ULM Warhawks by way more than five points. This football team has a home game against Appalachian State in the SBC Championship Game this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN)…In case you are wondering about UTSA, the Roadrunners are no longer among my OTMs after a 45-23 road loss against North Texas. This football team finally slipped on a banana peel to be down and not out. UTSA has a home game against Western Kentucky in the C-USA Championship Game this FRI (7 PM, CBSSN). Regardless of what happens, we have to take our hats off to the Roadrunners because nobody thought they would be a team with 10 wins, including a 10-0 start, this season. If UTSA wins the C-USA Championship, I will have to place them among my OTMs…ENJOY THE GAMES THIS WEEKEND!!!!


GAME BALLS and HELMET STICKERS

Ball State, Florida, Maryland, Memphis, North Texas, Old Dominion, Tulsa,and Virginia Tech- Wins over respective opponents made them bowl eligible this season.

Oklahoma State LB Malcolm Rodriguez- Produced 11 tackles (led team;5 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 PBU in the OSU Cowboys’ 37-33 home-finale win over rival Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State LB Devin Harper- Produced 10 tackles (7 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 4 QB hurries in the Cowboys’ home win over Oklahoma. 

Alabama WR John Metchie III- Received 13 catches for 150 yards, including a 27-yard catch, in the Crimson Tide’s 24-22 road win over rival Auburn. Scored a 2-point conversion (in 3rd OT) to eventually win this game. 

Alabama QB Bryce Young- Passed 25-51, 317 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT in the Crimson Tide’s road win over Auburn. Engineered a 12 play and 97-yard drive to eventually force OT. His 226 straight pass attempts without an INT, which is second-longest in school history, ended during this game.

The Alabama defense- Produced 14 TFLs (including 6 sacks) in the Crimson Tide’s road win over Auburn. 

The Auburn defense- Produced 11 TFLs (including 7 sacks), 8 passes defended (including 7 PBUs), and 8 QB hurries in the Tigers’ home-finale loss against rival Alabama.

Auburn CB Roger McCreary- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo) and 4 PBUs in the TIgers’ home loss against Alabama.

Auburn LB Zakoby McClain- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the TIgers’ home loss against Alabama.

Baylor RB Trestan Ebner- 220 all-purpose running yards in the Bears’ 27-24 road win over Texas Tech. Received 4 catches, 118 yards, and 1 TD (61 yards). Returned 4 kickoffs for 64 yards, including a 26-yard kickoff return. Rushed 12 carries for 38 yards, including a 12-yard carry.

Baylor LB Terrel Bernard- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 4 solo), 2 TFLs. and 1 PBU in the Bears’ road win over Texas Tech.

Texas Tech WR Travis Koontz- Received 5 catches, 117 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Red Raiders’ home-finale loss against Baylor.

Texas Tech LB Colin Schooler- Produced 10 tackles (6 solo), 2 PBUs, and 2 QB hurries in the Red Raiders’ home loss against Baylor.

N. C State CB Derrek Pitts Jr- Made that game-winning INT (on last play) to seal the Wolfpack’s 34-30 comeback home-finale win over North Carolina. Also produced 5 tackles (4 solo).

N.C State DE Daniel Joseph- Produced 10 tackles (led team; 4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 QB hurries in the Wolfpack’s home win over North Carolina.

N.C State WR Emeka Emezie- Received 5 catches, 112 yards, and 2 TDs (64 and 24-each scored in the 4th quarter) in the Wolfpack’s home win over North Carolina. His 229 career receptions is a school record.

Michigan RB Hasan Haskins-Rushed 29 carries, 169 yards, and 5 TDs (1,13,1,2,and 4) in the U-M Wolverines’ 42-27 home-finale win over rival Ohio State. Also had a 27-yard carry. His 5 rushing TDs tie a single-game school record. His 18 rushing TDs are tied second-most (with two other RBs) for a single-season in school history. 

Michigan RB Blake Corrum- Rushed 6 carries for 87 yards, including a 55-yard carry, in the Wolverines’ home win over Ohio State.

Georgia TE Brock Bowers- Received 3 catches, 100 yards, and 2 TDs (77 and 9) in the Bulldogs’ 45-0 road win over in-state rival Georgia Tech.

Iowa CB Jermari Harris- Made that game-winning INT (on 2nd and 10 with 0:43 remaining) to seal the Hawkeyes’ 28-21 comeback road win over rival Nebraska. Also produced 2 tackles (1 solo).

Iowa LB Jack Campbell- Produced 16 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 QB hurry in the Hawkeyes’ road win over Nebraska.

Iowa RB Tyler Goodson- Rushed 23 carries for 156 yards, including a 55-yard carry, in the Hawkeyes’ home win over Nebraska. His 2,501 career rushing yards are tenth-most in school history.

Nebraska LB Luke Reimer- Produced 8 tackles (led team;7 solo), 1 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 QB hurry in the Cornhuskers’ home-finale win over Iowa.

Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III- Rushed 30 carries, 138 yards, and 1 TD (from 2 yards out) in the MSU Spartans’ 30-27 home-finale win over Penn State.Also had a 35-yard carry. His 1,636 rushing yards are fourth-most for a single-season in school history. 

Michigan State LB Cal Haladay- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble in the Spartans’ home win over Penn State.

Michigan State DE Drew Beesley- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 PBU in the Spartans’ home win over Penn State.

Penn State WR Jahan Dotson- Received 8 catches, 137 yards, and 2 TDs (27 and 30) in the Nittany Lions’ road loss against Michigan State. 

LSU WR Jaray Jenkins- Received 8 catches, 169 yards, and 2 TDs (45 and 28) in the LSU Tigers 27-24 home-finale win over Texas A&M.

LSU LB Damone Clark- Produced 10 tackles (led team;7 solo),3 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the Tigers’ home win over Texas A&M.

LSU DE B.J Ojulari- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 QB hurries in the Tigers’ home win over Texas A&M.

Texas A&M S Demani Richardson- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 PBUs in the Aggies’ road loss against LSU.

Florida LB Brenton Cox Jr- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 4 TFLs/sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Gators’ 24-21 road win over in-state rival Florida State.

Texas RB Roschon Johnson- Rushed 31 carries, 179 yards, and 1 TD (from 9 yards out on 1st series) in the Longhorns’ 22-17 season-finale home win over Kansas State. Also had a 24-yard carry.

Virginia Tech S Tae Daley- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 1 INT (14 yards), and 2 PBUs in the Hokies’ 29-24 road win over in-state rival Virginia.

Virginia Tech RB Raheem Blankenshear- Rushed 18 carries, 169 yards, and 1 TD (18 yards) in the Hokies’ road win over Virginia.

BYU CB Kaleb Hayes- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo) and 3 PBUs in the BYU Cougars’ 35-31 road win over USC.

BYU LB Max Tooley- Produced 13 tackles (led team; 9 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Cougars’ road win over USC

USC PK Parker Lewis- Scored 11 points in the Trojans’ home-finale loss against BYU. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 37-yard FG) and 2 XPK attempts.

West Virginia RB Leddie Brown- Rushed 19 carries, 157 yards, and 1 TD (44 yards) in the Mountaineers’ 34-28 road win over Kansas.

West Virginia LB Josh Chandler- Semedo- Produced 8 tackles (led team;all solo), 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Mountaineers’ road win over Kansas.

Mississippi WR Dontario Drumond- Received 13 catches for 133 yards, including a 34-yard catch, in the Ole Miss Rebels’ 31-21 road win over Miss. State.

Mississippi LB Chance Campbell- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 3 solo), 1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Rebels’ road win over Miss. State.

Mississippi S Jake Springer- Produced 10 tackles (5 solo) and 2 PBUs in the Rebels’ road win over Miss. State.

The Minnesota defense- Held the Wisconsin offense to 233 total yards (including holding Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen to 47 rushing yards in 14 carries) in the Golden Gophers’ 23-13 home-finale win over rival Wisconsin.

Minnesota PK Matthew Trickett- Scored 11 points in the Golden Gophers’ home win over Wisconsin. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 36-yard FG) and 2 XPK attempts. 

Utah RB Tavion Thomas- Rushed 25 carries, 142 yards, and 1 TD (12 yards) in the Utes’ 28-13 home-finale win over rival Colorado. Also had a 21-yard carry.

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah- Produced 9 tackles, 1 TFL/sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Utes’ 28-13 home-finale win over rival Colorado. His 22 TFLs are third-most for a single-season in school history. His 43 career TFLs are fourth-most in school history. 

The Pittsburgh defense- Held Syracuse RB Sean Tucker to 29 rushing yards in 13 carries in the Pitt Panthers’ 31-14 road win over rival Syracuse. Also produced 10 TFLs.

Pittsburgh LB Phil Campell- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 QB hurries in the Panthers’ road win over Syracuse.

Arkansas LB Hayden Henry- Produced 10 tackles (7 solo), 1 TFL, 1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Razorbacks’ 34-17 home-finale win over Missouri.

Arkansas WR Treylon Burks- Received 7 catches, 129 yards, and 1 TD (52 yards) in the Razorbacks’ 34-17 home win over Missouri. His 1,104 receiving yards are third-most for a single-season in school history. His 10 career games with 100 receiving yards are second-most in school history. 

Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce- Received 8 catches, 136 yards, and 1 TD (28 yards) in the UC Bearcats’ 35-13 road win over East Carolina. Also had a 53-yard catch. 

Cincinnati DT Jabari Taylor- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble in the Bearcats’ road win over East Carolina. 

Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa- Passed 21-30, 312 yards, and 3 TDs in the Terrapins’ 40-16 road win over Rutgers. Also scored a 10-yard rushing TD.

Maryland RB Tayon Fleet-Davis- Rushed 18 carries, 152 yards, and 2 TDs (13 and 2-each scored in the 4th quarter) in the Terrapins’ road win over Rutgers. Also had a 43-yard carry. 

Washington State NB Arman Marsh- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo) and 2 INTs (44 yards, including a 28-yard INT return) in the WSU Cougars’ 40-13 road win over rival Washington.

Washington State PK Dean Janikowski- Scored 16 points in the Cougars’ road win over Washington.Kicked 4-5 FGs (including a 41-yard FG) and scored on all 4 XPK attempts.

Arizona State CB Jack Jones- Produced 6 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (87-yard TD), and 1 forced fumble in the ASU Sun Devils’ 38-15 home-finale win over rival Arizona.

Tennessee NB Theo Jackson- Produced 4 tackles (all assisted), 1 INT (55-yard TD on 1st series), 1 PBU, and 2 QB hurries in the Volunteers’ 45-21 home-finale win over in-state rival Vanderbilt.

Tennessee CB Warren Burrell- Produced 8 tackles (6 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Volunteers’ home win over Vanderbilt.

UCLA TE Greg Dulcich- Received 6 catches, 86 yards, and 1 TD (29 yards) in the Bruins’ 42-14 home-finale win over California.

Clemson CB Andrew Booth Jr- Produced 1 solo tackle, 2 INTs, and 1 PBU in the Tigers’ 30-0 road win over in-state rival South Carolina.

Clemson PK B.T Potter- Scored 12 points in the Tigers’ road win over South Carolina. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 49-yard FG) and 3 XPK attempts.

Wake Forest DE Rondell Bothroyd- Produced 7 tackles (led team; all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Demon Deacons’ 41-10 road win over Boston College.

Wake Forest DE Luiji Vilain- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 2 QB hurries in the Demon Deacons’ road win over Boston College. 

Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer- Received 9 catches for 105 yards, including a 34-yard catch, in the Fighting Irish’s road win over Stanford.

Notre Dame CB Cam Hart- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 PBU in the Fighting Irish’s road win over Stanford.

Notre Dame DE Justin Ademilila- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo),1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries in the Fighting Irish’s road win over Stanford..

Kentucky QB Will Levis- 262 total offensive yards in the UK Wildcats’ 52-21 road win over Louisville. Rushed 14 carries, 113 yards, and 4 TDs (29,7,5, and 1). Passed 14-18 and 149 yards.

Illinois LB Tarique Barnes- Produced 8 tackles (co-led team; 5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack,1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Fighting Illini’s 47-14 season-finale home win over rival Northwestern. 

Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell- Passed 26-31, 278 yards, and 4 TDs in the Boilermakers’ 44-7 home-finale win over rival Indiana.

Iowa State RB Breece Hall- 281 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Cyclones’ 48-14 home-finale win over TCU. His current streak of scoring 24 straight games with scoring a rushing TD is  a school, Big 12, and NCAA Division I FBS record. His 3,941 yards and 20 career games with 100 yards are second-most among these career rushing categories in school history. 

Iowa State LB Mike Rose- Produced 6 tackles (co-led team;4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Cyclones’ home win over TCU.

Iowa State S Greg Eisworth- Produced 6 tackles (co-led team; 3 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT in the Cyclones’ home win over TCU. 

UCF DE Tre’Mon Morris- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs, and 1 sack in the Golden Knights’ 17-13 home-finale win over rival South Florida. Made that TFL/sack (on last play) to win this game.

Coastal Carolina RB Shermari Jones- Rushed 23 carries, 211 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the CCU Chanticleers’ 27-21 road win over South Alabama.

Coastal Carolina LB Silas Kelly- Made that game-winning TFL/sack (on 4th and 4 in 1st OT) to seal the Chanticleers’ road win over South Alabama. Also produced 8 tackles (2 solo) and 1 INT.

Coastal Carolina DE Josaiah Stewart-  Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and 2 QB hurries in the Chanticleers’ road win over South Alabama.

South Alabama WR Jalen Tolbert- Received 10 catches, 191 yards, and 1 TD (57 yards) in the USA Jaguars’ home-finale loss against Coastal Carolina. 

Louisiana DE Andre Jones- Produced 8 tackles (2 solo), 1 fumble recovery, and 2 QB hurries in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 21-16 home win over UL-Monroe.

Louisiana LB Chauncey Manac- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ home win over UL-Monroe.

Rice S Gabe Taylor- Made that game-winning INT (7 yards; on 2nd and 10 with 0:12 remaining) to seal the Owls’ 35-31 home-finale win over La Tech. Also produced 5 tackles (4 solo) and 1 PBU.

Kent State RB Xaiveer Williams- Rushed 13 carries, 168 yards, and 2 TDs (79 and 50) in the Golden Flashes’ 48-47 home-finale win over Miami (OH). 

Kent State WR Keshunn Abram- Received 7 catches, 138 yards, and 1 TD (70 yards in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Miami (OH).

Kent State CB Montre Miller- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 INT, and 3 PBUs in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Miami (OH). 

San Diego State WR Jesse Matthews- Received 9 catches, 133 yards, and 1 TD (29 yards) in the SDSU Aztecs’ 27-16 home win over Boise State.

San Diego State LB Segun Olubi- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Aztecs’ home win over Boise State.

San Diego State DT Jonah Tavai- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 2 QB hurries in the Aztecs’ home win over Boise State.

San Diego State CB Dallas Branch- Produced 1 solo tackle, 1 INT, and 2 PBUs in the Aztecs’ home win over Boise State.

San Diego State S Patrick McMorris- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo) and 2 INTs (20 yards, including a 19-yard INT return) in the Aztecs’ home win over Boise State.

MTSU LB DQ Thomas- Produced 10 tackles (7 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Blue Raiders’ 27-17 road win over Florida Atlantic.

MTSU DE Jordan Ferguson- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (71-yard TD;on 1st and 10 with 1:39 remaining) to seal the Blue Raiders’ road win over Florida Atlantic. Also produced 9 tackles (3 solo) and 2 TFLs.

Bowling Green OK Nate Needham- Scored 13 points in the Falcons’ 21-10 season-finale home win over Ohio. Kicked 4-5 FGs (including a 43-yard FG) and 1 XPK. 

Bowling Green S Trent Sims- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (51 yards), and 1 PBU in the Falcons’ home win over Ohio. 

Bowling Green DE Karl Brooks- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Falcons’ home win over Ohio.

Army CB Jabari Moore- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 1 INT (19 yards), and 1 PBU in the Black Knights’ 31-16 road win over Liberty. 

Army P Zach Harding- Had 4 punts with 47.5 yards per punt in the Black Knights’ road win over Liberty. Had all punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 54-yard punt landing on the 1-yard line. 

Western Michigan QB Kaleb Eleby- Passed 21-26, 338 yards, and 5 TDs in the WMU Broncos’ 42-21 road win over Northern Illinois.

Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore- Received 12 catches, 206 yards, and 4 TDs (50,6,29, and 12) in the Broncos’ road win over Northern Illinois. His 206 receiving yards are eighth-most in a single-game in school history.

Western Michigan S A.J Thomas- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Broncos’ road win over Northern Illinois.

Ball State LB Jaylin Thomas- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 1 INT (18 yards), and 1 PBU in the Cardinals’ 20-3 home-finale win over Buffalo.

New Mexico State RB Juwaun Price- Rushed 24 carries, 156 yards, and 4 TDs (5,9,24, and 26) in the NMSU Aggies’ 44-27 home-finale win over Massachusetts. 

New Mexico State QB Jonah Johnson- Passed 26-32, 420 yards, and 2 TDs in the Aggies’ home win over Massachusetts. 

Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols- 233 all-purpose running yards in the CMU Chippewas’ 31-10 home-finale win over Eastern Michigan. Rushed 44 carries, 194 yards, and 1 TD (33 yards). Received 2 catches for 39 yards, including a 26-yard catch. His 1,710 rushing yards are second-most for a single-season in school history and tenth-most in MAC history.  

Southern Miss CB Lakevias Daniel- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 2 PBUs in the USM Golden Eagles’ 37-17 season-finale home win over FIU.

Appalachian State WR Thomas Hennigan- Received 3 catches, 111 yards, and 1 TD (68 yards) in the App State Mountaineers’ 27-3 home-finale win over Georgia Southern.

Appalachian State DE Demetrius Taylor- Produced 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery (3 yards), and 1 PBU in the Mountaineers’ home win over Georgia Southern.

Appalhcian State LB Brendan Harrington-Produced 5 tackes (3 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, and 1 QB hurry.

Old Dominion WR Ali Jennings- Received 9 catches, 252 yards, and 3 TDs (46,34, and 36) in the ODU Monarchs’ 56-34 home-finale win over Charlotte.

Old Dominion LB Jordan Young- Produced 11 tackles (all assisted), 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 QB hurry in the Monarchs’ home win over Charlotte.

Houston WR Jake Herslow- Received 5 catches, 111 yards, and 1 TD (49 yards) in the UH Cougars’ 45-17 road win over Connecticut.

Houston QB Clayton Tune- Passed 21-30, 301 yards, and 4 TDs in the Cougars’ road win over Connecticut. 

Utah State QB Logan Bonner- Passed 16-23, 306 yards, and 5 TDs in the USU Aggies’ 35-10 road win over New Mexico State.

Utah State WR Deven Wright- Received 4 catches, 150 yards, and 2 TDs (27 and 76) in the Aggies road win over New Mexico State. His 1,543 receiving yards is a single-season school record and fifth-most in MW history.

Utah State LB Nick Heninger- Produced 10 tackles (co-led team;3 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the Aggies’ road win over New Mexico State. 

North Texas RB Ikaika Ragsdale- Rushed 20 carries, 146 yards, and 2 TDs (15 and 10) in the Mean Green’s 45-23 home-finale win over Charlotte.

North Texas LB Grayson Murphy- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Mean Green’s home win over Charlotte.

Georgia State LB Jamil Muhammad- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 INT (72-yard TD) in the Panthers’ 37-10 home-finale win over Troy. 

Fresno State QB Jake Haener- Passed 27-36, 343 yards, and 4 TDs in the Bulldogs’ 40-9 road win over San Jose State.

Fresno State CB DaRon Bland- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Bulldogs’ road win over San Jose State.

Fresno State DE David Perales- Produced 4 tackes (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Bulldogs’ road win over San Jose State.

Western Kentucky DE DeAngelo Malone- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the WKU Hilltoppers’ 53-21 road win over Marshall. His 32 career sacks is a school record.

Western Kentucky PK Brayden Narveson- Scored 17 points in the Hilltoppers’ road win over Marshall. Kicked 4-5 FGs (including a 53-yard FG) and scored on all 5 XPK attempts.

Western Kentucky WR Daewood Davis- Received 3 catches, 105 yards, and 2 TDs (47 and 50) in the Hilltoppers’ road win over Marshall.

Toledo RB Bryant Koback- Rushed 15 carries, 135 yards, and 2 TDs (2 and 44) in the Rockets 49-14 home-finale win over Akron. His 45 career rushing TDs are second-most in school history.

Toledo DE Jamal Hines- Produced 7 tackles (led team; 2 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 QB hurry in the Rockets’ home win over Akron.

Nevada QB Carson Strong- Passed 17-22, 288 yards, and 4 TDs in the Wolfpack’s 52-10 road win over Colorado State. His 36 passing TDs is a single-season school record and tied fourth-most (with Hawaii QB Cole Mc Donald, 2018) in MW history. His 9,368 career passing yards are third-most in school history and seventh-most in MW history.

Nevada S Jordan Lee- Produced 13 tackles (led team;8 solo) and 2 fumble recoveries in the Wolfpack’s road win over Colorado State.

Nevada DE Danel Grzesiak- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Wolfpack’s road win over Colorado State.