REVIEWING WEEK NINE OF THE 2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

Dear Readers,
First and foremost, I apologize for how long it took for me to finish working on this week’s edition. My computer was moving slow on me on TUES and WED. Also, I had a doctor’s appt on THURS. Five more weeks, I won’t have to see this doctor who was treating me for something this past summer. 
I did see the CFB playoff committee rankings. I don’t agree with the whole rankings. I don’t agree with MSU being ranked #3 and Oklahoma being ranked #8. I can’t wait for championship Saturday, which is less than four weeks away.

We are past the halfway-point of this 2021 season. Looking at this season, a lot can be said. The most surprising teams are Baylor, Houston, Michigan State, San Diego State, UTSA, and Wake Forest. The MSU Spartans have improved from having 2 wins from last season to an 8-0 start this season. The SDSU Aztecs are on their first 7-0 start since 1975 before that 30-13 home loss against Fresno State. Wake Forest and UTSA are reaching a lot of plateaus and milestones this season.  I thought Houston was going to have a third-straight losing season but now the UH Cougars are on a 7-1 start. The most disappointing teams are Clemson and USC. The Tigers were supposed to make a run for a seventh straight season of being apart of the college football playoffs. Now, it doesn’t look like Clemson will play in the ACC Championship Game. I really thought the Trojans would win the Pac-12 South Division but they lost a lot of games I didn’t think they were capable of losing, including  their first home loss against Oregon State since 1960. 
I forgot to finish this kind of paragraph from last week. I hope all people who have an official vote for national awards really took note of a lot of players such as UTSA RB Sincere McCormick, N.C State P Trenton Gill, Houston CB/RS Marcus Jones, Syracuse RB Sean Tucker, Washington PK Peyton Henry, and more to name for their performances in wins over their respective opponents. In my Weekly Heisman Trophy Ballot, I did consider Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams as one of them. After this bye week for the Sooners, the best will be yet to come.

I made a mistake last week. I thought UTSA had a road game against UTEP this past SAT but the Roadrunners had a bye-week before their road game against the Miners. I apologize for that error.
This past MON, TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson resigned from his job after a current 3-5 start, including a 1-4 mark in Big 12 play. I wish he announced that he would finish out the remainder of this season. Former Minnesota Head Coah Jerry Kill, who is a special assistant on staff, is taking over as the interim head coach.
Four more weeks before we crown conference champions and determine the bowl pairings. 

Take care!

sincerely,

RICH


RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT

1. Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State(Rushed 23 carries, 197 yards, and 5 TDs of 27,8,1,58, and 23 yards in the MSU Spartans’ 37-33 home win over Michigan. His 5 rushing TDs are the most by any back in this rivalry. His 1,194 rushing yards lead the Big Ten and second nationally.)

2. Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU(Rushed 29 carries, 266 yards, and 5 TDs in the BYU Cougars’ 66-49 home win over Virginia. His 5 rushing TDs tie a single-game school record. His 29 career rushing TDs are ninth-most in school history. His 16 rushing TDs lead the nation.)

3. Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse(Rushed 26 carries, 207 yards, and 1 TD of 51 yards in the Orange’s 21-6 homecoming win over Boston College. His 1,267 rushing yards lead the nation.)


RICH’S TOP TEN

1. Georgia 

2. Cincinnati

3. Oklahoma (4)

4. Alabama (5)

5. Oregon (6)

6. Ohio State (7)

7. Michigan State (9)

8. Wake Forest

9. Oklahoma State (OTM)

10. Michigan (3)

OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):Coastal Carolina, Notre Dame, UTSA, Baylor, and Houston

RANKINGS ANALYSIS:

We are coming off another hellacious weekend and Halloween weekends are no exception for any college football season. A lot of tricks and treats were delivered…No surprise that Georgia had another dominating win, including a 27-3 neutral-site win (in Jacksonville, FL) over rival Florida. With that win over the Gators, the Bulldogs have clinched the SEC West Division title and a berth in the SEC Championship Game. This football team has two more SEC games left, including a home game against Missouri this SAT (Noon,ESPN)…Alabama is coming off a bye week to get ready for a home game against LSU this SAT (7 PM, ESPN)….Michigan moved down from #3 to #10 after a 37-33 road loss against in-state rival Michigan State, who moved up from #9 to #7. The U-M Wolverines outplayed the MSU Spartans by over 150 total yards but Michigan State had to come up with some magic and tricks up their sleeves in crucial situations. There was a questionable call ruled against Michigan and should’ve stood in that play and overturned in favor of Michigan State. For example, on one of the plays, that Michigan State QB fumbled the ball on a sack and a Michigan defender recovered and one of the referees saw differently or something. The Big Ten realized that they messed up on that call. This loss helped five teams to move up a spot in my top ten rankings. Michigan State will have a road game against Purdue this SAT (3:30 PM, ABC)… Oklahoma moved up from #4 to #3 after a 52-21 home win over Texas Tech. The Sooners have a bye-week before a Nov.13 road game against Baylor, who are now among my OTMs after a 31-24 home win over Texas….Oregon moved up from #6 to #5 after a 52-29 home win over Colorado. It looks like the Ducks’ offense found an extra RB. I wish they had him available during that road game against Stanford, which is their only blemish on their record this season. Oregon has a road game against upset-minded Washington this SAT (7:30 PM, ABC)….Ohio State moved up from #7 to #6 after a 33-24 home win over Penn State. Some people were surprised that the Nittany Lions played the Buckeyes tough and some weren’t. Those who thought Ohio State would cover the spread were fooled by those two losses (in consecutive games) that were decided by a FG. Ohio State has a road game against Nebraska this SAT (Noon, FOX)…Wake Forest remains ranked #8 in my top ten rankings and keep reaching new heights that have never been reached in school history. The Demon Deacons’ 45-7 home win over rival Duke. This football team is on their first-ever 8-0 start in school history and made their first-ever top ten appearance in the major polls…Oklahoma State moved up from my OTMs to back into the top ten ranked at #9. The OSU Cowboys responded after a tough 24-21 road loss against Iowa State to having a 55-3 homecoming win over Kansas, including a 38-0 lead at halftime. This football team has another challenging road game against West Virginia this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN)…Coastal Carolina is back to winning after a 35-28 home win over Troy. The CCU Chanticleers could sneak back into my top rankings anytime soon. This football team has a road game against Georgia Southern this SAT (6 PM, ESPN+)… Notre Dame is on a current three-game winning streak since that home loss against Cincinnati. The Fighting Irish are coming off a 44-34 home win over North Carolina. This football team has a home game against Navy this SAT (3:30 PM, NBC)… UTSA is one of the most surprising teams. Like Wake Forest, the undefeated Roadrunners are reaching a lot of firsts in school history. This football team has a road game against UTEP this SAT (10:15 PM, ESPN2). The winner of that game should likely win the C-USA West Division title and play in the C-USA Championship Game…Baylor is the most surprising team in the Big 12. The Bears are on a current three-game winning streak after a 24-14 road loss against Oklahoma State. This football team better not look past a road game against TCU this SAT (3:30 PM, FOX) for their Nov.13 home game against undefeated Oklahoma….Houston is continuing to make strides and surprise everyone. The UH Cougars keep winning after that season-opening neutral-site loss (at NRG Stadium in downtown Houston, TX) to Texas Tech. This football team is coming off a dramatic 44-37 home win over then-undefeated SMU, who were among my OTMs in the last three weeks. Houston better keep winning to earn a second place berth in the AAC Championship Game. The Cougars have a road game against South Florida this SAT (ESPNU). ENJOY THE GAMES THIS WEEKEND!!!!

GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS

Appalachian State, Auburn, Minnesota N.C State, Nevada, and Utah State- Winsover respective opponents made them bowl eligible this season.

Michigan State CB Charles Brantley- Made that game-winning INT (7 yards; on 1st and 10 with 1:00 remaining) to seal the MSU Spartans’ 37-33 home win over rival Michigan. Also produced 4 tackles (all solo).

Michigan State DE Jacub Panasiuk- Produced 2 tackles (all assisted), 1 fumble recovery, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Spartans’ home win over Michigan.

Michigan WR Andrel Anthony- Received 6 catches, 155 yards, and 2 TDs (93 and 17) in the U-M Wolverines’ road loss against Michigan State. Never received a catch prior to this game. 

Michigan PK Jake Moody- Scored 15 points in the Wolverines’ road loss against Michigan State. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 38-yard FG) and 3 XPK attempts. 

Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke- Passed 32-42,426 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in the Hurricanes’ 38-34 road win over Pittsburgh.

Miami S Kamren Kitchens- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the Hurricanes’ road win over Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett- Passed 39-55, 519 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs. His 519 passing yards is a single-game school record. His 11,492 yards and 84 TDs responsible for are school records among these career total offensive categories. 

The Baylor defenseHeld Texas RB Bijan Robinson to 43 rushing yards in 17 carries (including 1-yard TD) in the Bears’ 31-24 home win over Texas. Also produced 8 passes defended (including 7 PBUs). 

Baylor CB Kalon Barnes- Produced 5 tackles (all solo) and 2 PBUs in the Bears’ 31-24 home win over Texas. Made that game-winning PBU (on 4th and 10 with 1:40 remaining) to win this game.

Baylor S Jalen Pitre- Produced 2 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery (10 yards), and 1 PBU in the Bears’ home win over Texas.

Baylor LB Dillon Doyle- Produced 12 tackles (led team; 9 solo), 1TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Bears’ home win over Texas.

Texas WR Xaiver Worthy- Received 4 catches, 115 yards, and 1 TD (63 yards) in the Longhorns’ road loss against Baylor. 

Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson- Rushed 28 carries, 152 yards, and 1 TD (from 1 yard out) in the Buckeyes’ 33-24 home win over rival Penn State. Also had a 68-yard carry.

Ohio State PK Noah Ruggle- Scored 15 points in the Buckeyes’ home win over Penn State. Scored on all 4 FG (including a 35-yard FG) and 3 XPK attempts.

Ohio State DT Jerron Cage- Produced 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery (57-yard TD) in the Buckeyes’ home win over Penn State.

Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams- 261 all-purpose running yards in the Fighting Irish’s 44-34 home win over North Carolina. Rushed 22 carries, 199 yards, and 1 TD (career-long 91 yards). Returned 1 punt for 47 yards.

Georgia RB Zamir White- Rushed 14 carries, 105 yards, and 1 TD (42 yards) in the Bulldogs’ 34-7 neutral-site win (in Jacksonville, FL) over rival Florida. Currently on a streak of six straight games with scoring a rushing TD.

Georgia LB Nakobe Dean- Produced 7 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (50-yard TD), 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Bulldogs’ neutral-site win over Florida.

Georgia LB Nolan Smith- Produced 4 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 QB hurries in the Bulldogs’ neutral-site win over Florida.

Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams- Passed 23-30, 402 yards, and 6 TDs in the Sooners’ 52-21 home win over Texas Tech. His 6 passing TDs are second-most in a single-game in school history.

Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims- Received 4 catches, 135 yards, and 2 TDs (67 and 43) in the Sooners’ home win over Texas Tech.

Oklahoma DE Isaiah Thomas- Produced 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 PBUs in the Sooners’ home win over Texas Tech.

Maryland WR Carlos Carriere- Received 8 catches, 134 yards, and 2 TDs (14 and 45) in the Terrapins’ 38-35 homecoming win over Indiana.

Maryland CB Tarheeb Still- Produced 3 tackles (all solo),1 TFL/sack, and 1 PBU in the Terrapins’ home win over Indiana.

Purdue LB Jalen Graham- Produced 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 INTs (including a 45-yard TD), and 1 PBU in the Boilermakers’ 28-23 road win over Nebraska.

Rutgers CB Kessawn Abraham- Made that game-winning TFL (on 4th and 1 with 1:08 remaining) to seal the Scarlet Knights’ 20-14 road win over Illinois. Also produced 4 tackles (all solo) and 1 PBU.

Rutgers LB Olakunle Fatukasi- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 5 solo),1 TFL, and 1 QB hurry in the Scarlet Knights’ road win over Illinois.

Rutgers P Adam Hayes- Had 6 punts with 47 yards per punt in the Scarlet Knights’ road win over Illinois. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 50-yard punt landing on the 1-yard line.

West Virginia WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton- Received 6 catches, 106 yards, and 2 TDs (20 and 23) in the Mountaineers’ 38-31 home win over Iowa State.

West Virginia DT Dante Stills- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Mountaineers’ home win over Iowa State.

Iowa State RB Breece Hall- Rushed 24 carries, 167 yards, and 1 TD (70 yards) in the Cyclones’ road loss against West Virginia. 

Iowa State LB Jake Hummel- Produced 8 tackles (led team; 5 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (24-yard TD), and 2 PBUs in the Cyclones’ road loss against West Virginia.

USC RB Keaontay Ingram- Rushed 27 carries, 204 yards, and 1 TD (from 3 yards out) in the Trojans’ 41-34 homecoming win over Arizona. Also had a 45-yard carry.

Washington NB Brendan Radley-Hiles- Made that game-winning INT (5 yards; on 1st and 10 with 0:06 remaining) in the Huskies’ 20-13 road win over Stanford. Also produced 3 tackles (all solo) and 1 QB hurry.

Washington LB Carson Bruener- Produced 16 tackles (led team;11 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Huskies’ road win over Stanford.

Washington PK Peyton Henry- Scored 12 points in the Huskies’ road win over Stanford. Scored on all 4 FG attempts, including a 37-yard FG. His 50 career FGs scored are fifth-most in school history.

Missouri RB Tyler Badie- Rusherd 31 carries, 254 yards, and 2 TDs (13 and 15) in the Tigers’ 37-28 road win over Vanderbilt.

Missouri S Martez Manuel- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo),1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Tigers’ road win over Vanderbilt.

Missouri PK Harrison Mevis- Scored 13 points in the Tigers’ road win over Vanderbilt. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 52-yard FG and 4 XPK attempts. Currently on a streak of 19 straight FG attempts.

Clemson RB Will Shipley- Rushed 25 carries, 128 yards, and 2 TDs (2 and 21) in the Tigers’ 30-20 home win over rival Florida State.

Clemson DE Myles Murphy- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo),3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 blocked XPK attempt in the Tigers’ home win over Florida State.

Virginia Tech WR Tre Tucker- Received 7 catches, 187 yards, and 1 TD (69 yards) in the Hokies’ 26-17 road win over Georgia Tech.

Virginia Tech PK John Parker Romo- Scored 14 points in the Hokies’ road win over Georgia Tech. Kicked 4-5 FGs (including a 43-yard FG) and scored on all 2 XPK attempts.

Virginia Tech LB Alan Tisdale- Produced 12 tackles (led team;8 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in the Hokies’ road win over Georgia Tech.

Auburn RB Tank Bigsby- Rushed 23 carries, 140 yards, and 1 TD (from 1 yard out) in the Tigers’ 31-20 home win over Mississippi. Also had a 26-yard carry.

Auburn QB Bo Nix- 306 total offensive yards and 3 TDs responsible for in the TIgers’ home win over Mississippi. Passed 22-30,276 yards, and 1 TD. Rushed 8 carries, 30 yards, and 2 TDs (11 and 7). His 7,5611 career total offensive yards are second-most in school history.

Auburn LB Zackoby McClain- Produced 14 tackles (led team;10 solo) and 2 TFLs/sacks in the Tigers’ home win over Mississippi.

The Miss. State defense- Held the Kentucky offense to 216 total yards (including 150 passing yards) in the MSU Bulldogs’ 31-17 home win over Kentucky.

Miss. State QB Will Rogers- Passed 36-39, 344 yards, and 1 TD in the Bulldogs’ home win over Kentucky. His 92.3 pass completion percentage is a single-game school and SEC record. His 327 pass completions is a single-season school record.

Syracuse CB Garrett Williams- Produced 7 tackles (led team; 6 solo), 2 TFLs,and 2 PBUs in the Orange’s 21-6 homecoming win over Boston College.

Syracuse DE Kingsley Jonathan- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo) and 3 TFLs/sacks in the Orange’s home win over Boston College.

Cincinnati DE Malik Vann- Produced 6 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the UC Bearcats’ 31-12 road win over Tulane.

Washington State WR Calvin Jackson Jr- Received 8 catches, 139 yards, and 1 TD (45 yards) in the WSU Cougars’ 34-21 upset road win over Arizona State.

Washington State DE Ron Stone Jr- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery in the Cougars’ road win over Arizona State.

California QB Chase Garbers- 320 total offensive yards and 4 TDs responsible for in the Cal Golden Bears’ 39-25 home win over Oregon State. Passed 17-26,262 yards, and 3 TDs. Rushed 10 carries, 58 yards, and 1 TD (from 2 yards out). Also had a 22-yard carry.

California S Elijah Hooks- Produced 8 tackles (led team;7 solo), 1 INT, and 1 PBU in the Golden Bears’ home win over Oregon State.

California LB Marquez Bimage- Produced 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the Golden Bears’ home win over Oregon State.

California CB Isaiah Young- Produced 1 solo tackle and 4 PBUs in the Golden Bears’ home win over Oregon State.

N.C State QB Devin Leary- Passed 25-36, 317 yards, and 4 TDs in the Wolfpack’s 28-13 homecoming win over Louisville. 

N.C State LB Drake Thomas- Produced 15 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 PBU in the Wolfpack’s home win over Louisville.

N.C State P Trenton Gill- Had 6 punts with 45.7 yards per punt in the Wolfpack’s home win over Louisville. Had 5 land inside the 20-yard line, including a 40-yard punt landing on the 9-yard line. 

Kansas State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah- Produced 8 tackles (all solo), 4 TFLs/sacks, and 2 forced fumble in the K-State Wildcats’ 31-12 homecoming win over TCU. 

Kansas State LB Daniel Green- Produced 9 tackles (led team;7 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 fumble recovery in the Wildcats’ home win over TCU.

Utah RB Tavion Thomas- Rushed 24 carries, 160 yards, and 4 TDs (10,8,10, and 24) in the Utes’ 44-24 home win over UCLA.

Utah LB Nephi Sewell- Produced 14 tackles (led team; 9 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT (13 yards) in the Utes’ home win over UCLA.

The Wisconsin defense- Held the Iowa offense to 156 total yards (including 132 passing yards) in the UW Badgers’ 27-7 homecoming win over rival Iowa.

Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 4 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 QB hurry in the Badgers’ home win over Iowa.

Wisconsin LB Nick Herbig- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo),2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Badgers’ home win over Iowa.

Wisconsin P Andy Vujnovich- Had 6 punts with 40.5 yards per punt in the Badgers’ home win over Iowa. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 44-yard punt landing on the 9-yard line.

Oregon RB Byron Cardwell- Rushed 7 carries, 127 yards, and 1 TD (34 yards) in the Ducks’ 52-29 home win over Colorado.

Minnesota LB Mariano Sori-Marin- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 10 solo) and 1 forced fumble in the Golden Gophers’ 41-14 road win over Northwestern.  

Houston CB/RS Marcus Jones- 177 all-purpose running yards in the UH Cougars’ 44-37 home win over rival SMU. Returned 3 kickoffs, 145 yards, and 1 TD (100 yards). Scored that 100-yard kickoff return for a TD (with 0:17 remaining) to eventually win this game. Returned 2 punts for 32 yards, including a 17-yard punt return. His 624 career punt return yards are second-most in school history. Also produced 6 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT.

Houston WR Nathaniel Dell- Produced 9 catches, 165 yards, and 3 TDs (7,48,and 17) in the Cougars’ home win over SMU. Also had a 52-yard catch.

Houston PK Dalton Witherspoon- Scored 14 points in the Cougars’ home win over SMU. Scored on all 3 FG (including a 50-yard FG) and 5 XPK attempts. His 43 career FGs scored are eighth-most in school history.

Houston QB Clayton Tune- Passed 27-37, 412 yards, and 4 TDs in the Cougars’ home win over SMU. His 496 completions and 6,215 yards are eighth-most in school history among these career passing categories. 

Coastal Carolina WR Jaivon Heiligh- Received 5 catches, 116 yards, and 1 TD (66 yards) in the CCU Chanticleers’ 35-28 home win over Troy.

Coastal Carolina DE Jeffrey Gunter- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 1st and 10 with 0:18 remaining) to seal the Chanticleers’ home win over Troy. Also produced 4 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry.

Navy LB Johnny Hodges- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble in the Midshipmen’s 20-17 road win over Tulsa.

Florida Atlantic CB Romain Mungin- Produced 8 tackles (7 solo), 1 INT, and 2 PBUs in the FAU Owls’ 28-25 home win over UTEP.

Florida Atlantic CB Zyon Gilbert- Produced 3 tackles and 4 PBUs in the Owls’ home win over UTEP.

San Jose State DE Viliami Fehoko- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the SJSU Spartans’ 27-21 home win over Wyoming. 

Georgia State LB Jhi’Shaen Taylor- Made that game-winning TFL/sack to seal the Panthers’ 21-14 road win over Georgia Southern. Also produced 8 tackles (3 solo) and 1 QB hurry.

Georgia State LB Blake Carroll- Produced 8 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 INT (10 yards) in the Panthers’ road win over Georgia Southern.

Georgia State S Antavious Lane- Produced 11 tackles (led team;9 solo) and 2 PBUs in the Panthers’ 21-14 road win over rival Georgia Southern.

Boise State S Tyreque Jones- Produced 10 tackles (led team;6 solo), 1 TFL,and 2 PBUs in the Broncos’ 28-19 road win over Colorado State. 

Fresno State RB Jordan Mims- Rushed 29 carries, 186 yards, and 2 TDs (13 and 15) in the Bulldogs’ 30-20 road win over San Diego State. 

Fresno State WR Josh Kelly- Received 5 catches for 107 yards, including a 69-yard catch, in the Bulldogs’ road win over San Diego State.

Fresno State S Evan Williams- Produced 13 tackles (led team;10 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (36 yards), and 2 PBUs in the Bulldogs’ road win over San Diego State.

Bowling Green RB Terrion Stewart- Rushed 11 carries, 170 yards, and 2 TDs (77 and 20) in the Falcons’ 56-44 upset road win over Buffalo.

Bowling Green WR Christian Sims- Received 5 catches, 103 yards, and 2 TDs (81 and 6) in the Falcons’ road win over Buffalo.

Bowling Green CB Devin Taylor- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (34 yards), and 3 PBUs in the Falcons’ road win over Buffalo.

East Carolina CB Malik Flemming- Produced 3 tackles (all solo), 1 INT (31-yard TD), and 1 PBU in the ECU Pirates’ 29-14 home win over South Florida.

South Alabama CB Darrell Luter Jr- Produced 2 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL, and  2 INTs (including a 10-yard INT return) in the USA Jaguars’ 31-13 homecoming win over Arkansas.

Utah State WR Deven Thompkins- Received 7 catches for 176 yards, including a 45-yard catch, in the USU Aggies’ 51-31 home win over Hawaii.

Utah State DE Byron Vaughns- Transfer from Texas. Produced 4 tackles (all solo),3 TFLs,2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU.

MTSU LB DQ Thomas- Produced 10 tackles (led team;8 solo), 2 TFLs,1 INT (43-yard TD), and 2 QB hurries in the Blue Raiders’ 35-10 homecoming win over Southern Miss.

MTSU DE Jordan Ferguson- Produced 8 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs,2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Blue Raiders’ home win over Southern Miss.

Nevada QB Carson Strong- Passed 37-49, 417 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in the Wolfpack’s 51-20 home win over UNLV.

The Nevada defense- Held the UNLV offense to 10 rushing yards in the Wolfpack’s home win over UNLV.

Nevada S JoJuan Claiborne- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team; 6 solo), and 1 PBU in the Wolfpack’s home win over UNLV.

Nevada S Tyson Williams- Produced 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT (49-yard TD), and 2 PBUs in the Wolfpack’s home win over UNLV.

Appalachian State LB Trey Cobb- Produced 12 tackles (led team;6 solo), 1 INT, and 1 fumble recovery in the App State Mountaineers’ 59-28 homecoming win over UL-Monroe.

Marshall RB Rasheen Ali- Rushed 26 carries, 133 yards, and 2 TDs (6 and 2) in the Thundering Herd’s 38-0 homecoming win over FIU. Also had a 26-yard carry.

Marshall LB Abraham Beauplan- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 QB hurry in the Thundering Herd’s home win over FIU.

Louisiana QB Levi Lewis- Passed 22-32,228 yards, and 3 TDs in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 45-0 homecoming win over Texas State. His 65 career passing TDs is a school record. 

Louisiana S Percy Butler- Produced 6 tackles (3 solo),1 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ home win over Texas State.

Louisiana PK Nate Snyder- Scored 13 points in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ home win over Texas State.  Kicked 3-4 FGs (including a 45-yard FG) and scored on all 4 XPK attempts. Scored on 3 straight FGs after missing on 1st FG attempt.  

Liberty QB Malik Willis- Passed 19-27, 307 yards, and 4 TDs in the Flames’ 62-17 home win over Massachusetts.

Liberty DE Aakil Washington- Produced 4 tackles (all solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Flames’ home win over Massachusetts.