By Rich Eldridge
RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT
1. Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin(Rushed 23 carries, 203 yards, and 2 TDs of 1 and 72 in the Badgers’ 35-14 home win over Michigan. His 10 scoring TDs lead the nation.)
2. Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas(351 total offensive yards in the Longhorns’ 36-30 home win over Oklahoma State. Passed 20-28, 281 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 10 carries for 70 yards, including a 70-yard carry. His 15 passing TDs lead the Big 12 and 4th nationally.)
3. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU(Passed 25-34, 398 yards, and 6 TDs in the Tigers’ 66-38 road win over Vanderbilt. His 6 passing TDs are a new single-game school record. His 225.6 pass efficiency rating leads the SEC and 3rd nationally.)
RICH’S TOP TEN
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Oklahoma
5. Ohio State
6. LSU
7. Penn State
(9)8. Wisconsin (OTM)
9. Florida (not ranked or OTM)
10. Auburn (not ranked or OTM)
OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):Iowa, Boise State, and California
RANKINGS ANALYSIS:As you can see, the top six remain the same…. Penn State moved from #9 to #7 during their bye-week before a road game against Maryland this SAT (8 PM, FS1) because of then-undefeated #7 UCF having a 35-34 road loss against Pittsburgh and Michigan having a 35-14 road loss against Wisconsin, who moved from OTM to #8…#3 Georgia survived a tough as expected 23-17 home win over Notre Dame, who I had ranked #10 in my rankings. The Bulldogs have a bye-week before a road game against Tennessee on Oct.5…#4 Oklahoma is coming off a bye-week for a home game against Texas Tech this SAT…#5 Ohio State continues to be dominant following a 76-5 home win over Miami (OH). Sophomore QB Justin Fields continues to do a great job of picking up where previous starting QB Dwayne Haskings (2018 Big Ten MVP) left off after leaving early for the NFL Draft. The Buckeyes will have a true test as they have a road game against Nebraska this SAT (7:30 PM, ABC)…#8 Wisconsin moves up from an OTM to #8 because of their dominating 35-14 home win over Michigan. No matter how things go for the Badgers, I know Wisconsin will do better than an 8-5 mark from last season. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor will take on a great LB corp from Northwestern this SAT (Noon, ABC)…I have #9 Florida ranked ahead of #10 Auburn because I think the Gators will defeat the Tigers in an Oct.5 home game at “the swamp.” Florida has one of the best defenses in the SEC. Auburn QB Bo Nix will have to keep getting better. These Tigers and Gators better not look past their respective opponents this past SAT. Florida should have a breeze with a home game against Towson this SAT (4 PM, SECN) while Auburn has a home game against Miss. State this SAT (7 PM, ESPN)… I decided to put Iowa, Boise State, and California among my OTMs because I don’t see those teams losing anytime soon. I don’t have other undefeated teams such as Kansas State and SMU ranked or mentioned because i really think the jury is still out on those teams. I feel that the K-State Wildcats will lose their upcoming road game against Oklahoma State this SAT (7 PM). SMU is prone to lose soon, such as a road game this SAT (4 PM, ESPNU). If Kansas State defeats Oklahoma State for a third straight season, I will have to have the Wildcats among my OTMs. The Mustangs are on their first 4-0 start since 1984, including a 41-38 upset road win over TCU this past SAT….#6 LSU is coming off a 66-38 road win over Vanderbilt and will have a bye-week before an Oct.5 home game against Utah State.. #1 Clemson is coming off a 52-10 home win over Charlotte and will have a road game against North Carolina this SAT (3:30 PM, ABC)…#2 Alabama is coming off a 49-7 home win over Southern Miss and will have a home game against Mississippi this SAT (3:30 PM, CBS)….There are a lot of great one-loss teams, such as Texas, Notre Dame, UCF, Washington, USC, and Oregon, but we have a lot of current undefeated teams who need to lose before we start giving those one-loss teams a chance to be ranked or mentioned…
GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS
Georgia CB D.J Daniel- Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 8 with 0:48 remaining) to seal the Bulldogs’ 23-17 home win over Notre Dame. Also produced 5 tackles (2 solo) ad 1 TFL.
Georgia S J.R Reed- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT, and 3 PBUs in the Bulldogs’ home win over Notre Dame.
Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet- Received 9 catches, 108 yards, and 1 TD (from 1 yard out) in the Fighting Irish’s road loss against Georgia. Also had a 31-yard catch.
Texas DB Chris Adimora- Made that game-winning onside kick recovery (with 1:34 remaining) to seal the Longhorns’ 36-30 home win over Oklahoma State. Also produced 1 solo tackle and 1 PBU.
Texas LB Joseph Ossai- Produced 8 tackles (5 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Longhorns’ home win over Oklahoma State.
Texas S Brandon Jones- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 PBUs in the Longhorns’ home win over Oklahoma State.
USC QB Matt Fink- Came off the bench after starting QB Kedon Slovis got injured and had to leave this game. Passed 21-30, 351 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in the Trojans’ 30-23 home win over Utah.
USC WR Michael Pittman- Received 10 catches, 232 yards, and 1 TD (77 yards) in the Trojans’ home win over Utah.
USC NB Greg Johnson- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the Trojans’ home win over Utah.
Pittsburgh CB Dane Jackson- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo) and 1 PBU in the Pitt Panthers’ 35-34 comeback home win over UCF. Made that game-winning solo tackle (on last play) to win this game.
Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett- Received 1 catch for a 3-yard TD (passed by WR Aaron Matthews on 4th and 2 with 0:56 remaining) in the Panthers’ home win over UCF. Passed 25-47, 224 yards, and 1 TD. Rushed 12 carries for 61 yards, including a 17-yard carry.
UCF WR Gabriel Davis- Received 10 catches, 151 yards, and 2 TDs (10 and 28) in the Golden Knights’ road loss against Pittsburgh. Also had a 65-yard catch.
Auburn DT Derrick Brown- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 PBUs in the TIgers’ 28-20 road win over Texas A&M.
California LB Evan Weaver- Produced 22 tackles (led team; 11 solo) and 2 QB hurries in the Cal Golden Bears’ 28-20 road win over Mississippi. Made that game-winning solo tackle (on last play) to win this game.
California QB Chase Garbers- Passed 23-35, 357yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in the Golden Bears’ road win over Mississippi.
UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson- Led the Bruins from a 49-17 deficit to a 63-60 comeback road win over Washington State. 564 total offensive yards and 7 TDs responsible for. Passed 25-38, 507 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 11 carries, 57 yards, and 2 TDs (1 and 3). Also had an 18-yard carry.
UCLA WR Demetric Felton- 263 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Bruins’ road win over Washington State. Received 7 catches,150 yards, and 2 TDs (94 and 15). Returned 1 kickoff for a 100-yard TD.
UCLA LB Josh Woods- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 1st and 10 with 0:59 remaining) to seal the Bruins’ road win over Washington State. Also produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (6 yards).
Washington State QB Antony Gordon- Passed 41-61, 570 yards, 9 TDs, and 2 INTs in the Cougars’ home loss against UCLA.
Washington State WR Easop Winston- Received 10 catches, 114 yards, and 4 TDs (4, 28, 3, and 33) in the Cougars’ home loss against UCLA.
Washington State RB Max Borghi- 203 all-purpose running yards in the Cougars’ home loss against UCLA. Rushed 15 carries for 123 yards, including a 56-yard carry. Received 2 catches, 80 yards, and 1 TD (65 yards).
SMU LB Delan Robinson- Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 3 with 0:55 remaining) to seal the Mustangs’ 41-38 upset road win over TCU. Also produced 8 tackles (7 solo) and 1 TFL/sack.
TCU RB Darius Anderson- Rushed 19 carries, 161 yards, and 2 TDs (14 and 3) in the Horn Frogs’ home loss against SMU. Also had a 77-yard carry.
Wisconsin LBs Zack Baun and Jack Sanorn- Each produced 7 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Badgers’ 35-14 home win over Michigan.
Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio- Became the all-time winningest head coach in school history following the Spartans’ 31-10 road win over Northwestern.
Michigan State LB Joe Bachie- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 13 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT (19 yards), 2 PBUs, and 1 QB hurry in the Spartans’ road win over Northwestern.
Michigan State P Jake Hartburger- Had 6 punts with 47 yards per punt in the Spartans’ road win over Northwestern. Had 2 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 53-yard punt landing on the 5-yard line.
Washington CB Elijah Molden- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 forced fumbles, and 4 PBUs in the Huskies’ 45-19 road win over BYU.
Florida LB Amari Burney- Produced 5 tackles (led team; all solo), 1 INT, and 1 fumble recovery in the Gators’ 34-3 home win over Tennessee.
Florida DE Jonathan Greenard- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 PBUs in the Gators’ home win over Tennessee.
LSU WR J’Marr Chase- Received 10 catches, 229 yards, and 4 TDs (64,25,51, and 16) in the Tigers’ 66-38 road win over Vanderbilt.
LSU LB Jacob Phillips- Produced 10 tackles (led team; 6 solo) and 3 TFLs in the Tigers’ road win over Vanderbilt.
LSU CB Derek Stingley- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 1 INT, and 3 PBUs in the Tigers’ road win over Vanderbilt.
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III- Received 4 catches, 148 yards, and 2 TDs (45 and 74-each scored in the 1st quarter) in the Crimson Tide’s 49-7 home win over Southern Miss.
Clemson S K’Von Wallace- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT (66-yard TD), and 2 PBUs in the Tigers’ 52-10 home win over Charlotte.
Ohio State QB Justin Fields- Passed 14-21, 223 yards, and 4 TDs in the Buckeyes’ 76-5 home win over Miami (OH). Also scored 2 rushing TDs (7 and 6- each scored in the 2nd quarter).
Ohio State DE Chase Young- Produced 3 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 QB hurry in the Buckeyes’ home win over Miami (OH).
Colorado LB Alex Tchangam- Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 16 with 1:39 remaining) to seal the Buffaloes’ 34-31 road win over Arizona State. Also produced 2 tackles (all solo).
Colorado QB Steven Montez- Passed 23-30, 337 yards, and 3 TDs in the Buffaloes’ road win over Arizona State.
Colorado WR Tony Brown- Received 9 catches, 150 yards, and 3 TDs (29,31, and 20) in the Buffaloes’ road win over Arizona State.
Miami CB Al Blades, Jr- Made that game-winning INT (on 2nd and 10 with 0:06 remaining) in the Hurricanes’ 17-12 home win over Central Michigan. Also produced 3 assisted tackles, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry.
Miami LB Shaq Quarterman- Produced 14 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in the Hurricanes’ home win over Central Michigan.
Baylor LB Clay Johnston- Produced 13 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 PBU in the Bears’ 21-13 road win over Rice.
Nebraska S Marquel Dismuke- Produced 7 tackles (led team; 6 solo) and 3 PBUs in the Cornhsukers’ 42-38 road win over Illinois. Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 10 with 1:41 remaining) to win this game.
Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez- 445 total offensive yards in the Cornhuskers’ road win over Illinois.Passed 22-34, 327 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 18 carries for 118 yards, including a 44-yard carry.
Illinois S Tony Adams- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 12 solo),1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Cornhuskers’ road win over Illinois.
Virginia LB Charles Snowden- Produced 15 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks in the Cavaliers’ 28-17 home win over Old Dominion.
Florida State QB Alex Hornibrook- Came off the bench to lead the Seminoles to a 35-24 home win over Louisville. Passed 15-20, 255 yards, and 2 TDs.
Florida State DT Marvin Wilson- Produced 10 tackles (led team; 3 solo), 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery in the Seminoles’ home win over Louisville.
N.C State CB Chris Ingram- Made that game-winning INT (on 3rd and 5 with 3:43 remaining) to seal the Wolfpack’s 34-23 home win over Ball State. Also produced 9 tackles (all solo), and 2 PBUs.
Oregon NB Jevon Holland- Produced 8 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (3 yards), and 1 PBU in the Ducks’ 21-6 road win over Stanford.
Miss. State S Jaquarius Landrews- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo) and 4 PBUs in the MSU Bulldogs’ 28-13 home win over Kentucky.
Boston College S Mike Palmer- Made that game-winning INT (on 3rd and 10 with 4:26 remaining) to seal the B.C Eagles’ 30-16 road win over Rutgers. Also produced 8 tackles (6 solo).
Syracuse QB Tommy DeVito- 372 total offensive yards and 5 TDs responsible for in the Orange’s 52-33 home win over Western Michigan. Passed 27-35, 287 yards,and 4 TDs. Rushed 9 carries, 85 yards, and 1 TD (36 yards).
Syracuse WR Trishton Jackson- Received 6 catches, 141 yards, and 2 TDs (59 and 36-each scored in the 3rd quarter) in the Orange’s home win over Western Michigan.
Syracuse S Antwan Cordy- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 forced fumble, and 2 PBUs in the Orange’s home win over Western Michigan.
Syracuse DE Alton Robinson- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 5 QB hurries in the Orange’s home win over Western Michigan.
Missouri S Joshuah Bledoe- Produced 5 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Tigers’ 34-14 home win over South Carolina.
Missouri PK/P Tucker McCann- Scored 13 points in the TIgers’ home win over South Carolina. Kicked 3-4 FGs (including a 47-yard FG) and scored on all 4 XPK attempts. Had 5 punts wit 40 yards per punt. Had 4 punts inside the 20-yard line, including a 52-yard punt landing on the 3-yard line.
Indiana LB Cam Jones- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (44-yard TD), and 1 PBU in the Hoosiers’ 38-3 home win over Connecticut.
Wake Forest QB Jamie Newman- Passed 27-35, 351 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT in the Demon Deacons’ 49-7 home win over Elon. His 5 passing TDs ties a single-game school record.
Wake Forest WR Scotty Washington- Received 9 catches, 141 yards, and 2 TDs (4 and 31) in the Demon Deacons’ home win over Elon. Also had a 41-yard catch.
Iowa State QB Brock Purdy- 510 total offensive yards and 6 TDs responsible for in the Cyclones’ 72-20 home win over UL-Monroe. Passed 21-27, 435 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 9 carries, 75 yards, and 3 TDs (7,7, and 13). Also had a 25-yard carry. First QB in school and Big 12 history to pass 400 yards and 3 TDs and score 3 rushing TDs in a similar game.
Appalachian State LB Akeem Davis- Made that game-winning blocked FG attempt (on last play) to seal the Mountaineers’ 34-31 road win over North Carolina. Also produced 8 tackles (5 solo), 1 INT, and 1 QB hurry.
Tulsa CB Reggie Robinson II- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 3rd and Goal with 0:50 remaining) to seal the Golden Hurricanes’ 24-21 home win over Wyoming. Also produced 1 solo tackle and 1 PBU.
San Jose State DB Bobby Brown II- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo) and 2 INTs (including a 32-yard INT return) in the Spartans’ 31-24 upset road win over Arkansas. Made that game-winning INT (on 1st and 10 with 1:04 remaining) to win this game.
Tulane WR Jalen McClesky- Received 4 catches, 120 yards, and 2 TDs (38 and 53) in the Green Wave’s 38-31 comeback home win over Houston. Scored that 53-yard receiving TD (on 1st and 10 with 0:03 remaining) to win this game.
Toledo RB Bryant Koback- 336 all-purpose running yards and scored 4 TDs in the 41-35 road win over Colorado State. Rushed 19 carries, 228 yards, and 3 TDs (37,75, and 47). Received 1 catch for 8 yards.
Colorado State RB Marvin Kinsey,Jr- Rushed 23 carries, 246 yards, and 2 TDs (74 and 14) in the Rams’ home loss against Toledo.
New Mexico WR Jordan Kress- Received 3 catches, 122 yards, and 2 TDs (55 and 20) in the Lobos’ 55-52 home win over New Mexico State.
Utah State LB Shaq Bond- Produced 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (48-yard TD), and 1 PBU in the Aggies’ 23-17 road win over San Diego State.
San Diego State CB Darren Hall- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 1 TFL, and 3 PBUs in the Aztecs’ home loss against Utah State.
Texas State PK Joshua Rowland- Scored 13 points in the Bobcats’ 37-34 home win (3 OTs) over Georgia State. Kicked 3-4 FGs and scored on all 4 XPK attempts. Scored a 35-yard FG to win this game in the 3rd OT.
Texas State LB Bryan London II- Produced 22 tackles (led team; 10 solo), and 1 TFL/sack in the Bobcats’ home win over Georgia State.
Texas State CB Jarron Morris- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 1 INT, and 3 PBUs in the Bobcats’ home win over Georgia State.
Boise State NB Kekaula Kaniho- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT (50 yards), and 1 PBU in the Broncos’ 30-19 home win over Air Force.
La Tech CB Amik Robertson- Returned 1 kickoff for a 30-yard TD (with 0:46 remaining) to seal the Bulldogs’ 43-31 home win over FIU. Also produced 6 tackles (co-led team; 4 solo) and 3 PBUs.
La Tech RB Justin Henderson- Rushed 15 carries, 141 yards, and 3 TDs (29,6, and 6) in the Bulldogs’ home win over FIU.
East Carolina PK Jake Verity- Scored 13 points in the ECU Pirates’ 19-7 home win over William & Mary. Kicked 4-5 FGs (including a 45-yard FG).
Nevada QB Cristian Solano- 282 total offensive yards in Wolfpack’s 37-21 road win over UTEP. Passed 13-19, 182 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Rushed 10 carries for 100 yards, including a 47-yard carry.
Louisiana RB Elijah Mitchell- Rushed 17 carries, 143 yards, and 3 TDs (each from 2 yard out) in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 45-25 road win over Ohio. Also had a 22-yard carry.
Buffalo LB Tim Terry,Jr- Produced 7 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 PBU in the Bulls’ 38-22 home win over Temple.
Arkansas State WR Omar Bayless- Received 3 catches, 141 yards, and 1 TD (89 yards) in the Red Wolves’ 41-28 home win over Southern Illinois.
Fresno State LB Justin Rice- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL, and 3 PBUs in the Bulldogs’ 34-20 road win over Sacramento State.
Hawaii QB Cole McDonald- Passed 25-32, 300 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in the Rainbows’ 35-16 home win over Central Arkansas.
Kent State RB Joachim Bangda- Rushed 7 carries, 114 yards, and 1 TD (72 yards) in the Golden Flashes’ 52-20 home win over Bowling Green.
Kent State QB Dustin Crum- 375 total offensive yards in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Bowling Green. Passed 26-31, 310 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 9 carries for 65 yards, including a 35-yard carry.
Florida Atlantic WR Deangelo Antoine- Received 11 catches, 173 yards, and 4 TDs (37,17, 28, and 57) in the Owls’ 42-7 home win over Wagner.
Liberty QB Stephen Calvert- Passed 10-16, 319 yards, and 2 TDs in the Flames’ 62-27 home win over Hampton.
Liberty RB Brandon Robinson- Rushed 7 carries, 105 yards, and 2 TDs (2 and 75) in the Flames’ home win over Hampton.
Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden- Received 4 catches, 181 yards, and 2 TDs (73 and 29) in the Flames’ home win over Hampton.
North Texas RB Tre Siggers- Rushed 14 carries, 143 yards, and 2 TDs (1 and 25) in the Mean Green’s 45-3 home win over UTSA. Also had a 53-yard carry.
