REVIEWING WEEK THREE OF THE 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON!

BY Rich Eldridge

To all college football fans and writers,
Last week, I made an honest mistake by saying Oklahoma was playing a road game against UCLA but that game is to played this upcoming SAT. Both teams had home games against their respective opponents last SAT. FORGIVE ME on that error. Also, I forgot to recognize a couple Ohio State players for their performance in that season-opening home win over Florida Atlantic. And yes, if Michigan State defeats Arizona State, MSU Head Coach Mark Dantonio will surpass HOF Head Coach Duffy Daugherty (1954-72) as the all-time winningest head coach in school history. I can’t wait for SAT. 

RICH’S WEEKLY HEISMAN TROPHY BALLOT

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU(Passed 31-39, 471 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in the Tigers’ 45-38 road win over Texas.His 471 passing yards are second-most for a single-game in school history.)

2. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue(279 all-purpose running yards in the Boilermakers’ 42-24 home win over Vanderbilt. Received 13 catches, 220 yards, and 1 TD of 34 yards. Also had a 70-yard catch. Returned 3 kickoffs for 51 yards, including a 24 yard kickoff return. His 220 receiving yards are third-most for a single-game in school history.)

3. J.K Dobbins, RB, Ohio State(Rushed 17 carries, 141 yards, and 2 TDs of 4 and 60 yards in the Buckeyes’ 42-0 home win over Cincinnati.)

RICH’S TOP TEN

1. Clemson

2. Alabama

3. Georgia

4. Oklahoma

(5)5. Ohio State

(6)6. LSU

(8)7. Michigan 

8. UCF

(10)9. Penn State (OTM)

10. Notre Dame (OTM)

OTHER TEAMS TO MENTION (OTM):Wisconsin, Florida, and Utah

RANKINGS ANALYSIS:

No surprise that the top three that the top three teams, who remain where they were ranked in the last two weeks are there. As expected, #1 Clemson had a 24-10 home win over Texas A&M and #2 Alabama had a 62-10 home win over New Mexico State… I moved Oklahoma and Ohio State up a spot after then-#4 Texas had a 45-38 home loss against LSU, who moved up from #8 to #6 following that road win over the Longhorns. The Sooners continue to get better.  Oklahoma will play a road game against UCLA (8 PM, FOX). The Buckeyes look impressive in their 42-0 home win over Cincinnati, who I thought had enough talent would get a score on two on the board. Ohio State will have a road game against Indiana (Noon, FOX)….#7 Michigan hangs on to have a 24-21 home win (1 OT) over Army, who was on a ten-game winning streak before arriving to “The Big House”. The Wolverines have lot of work-especially on offense- to do during their bye-week this week before a Sept. 21 road game against Wisconsin, who will also have a bye this week before having a home game against Michigan…UCF moves from #10 to #8 because of then-#9 Stanford’s 45-20 road loss against USC. I have no doubt-close or decisive- that the Golden Knights will defeat Stanford this SAT (3:30 PM, ESPN)…#9 Penn State will keep winning, including a home game against rival Pittsburgh this SAT (Noon, ABC), until sometime in October… Because of Texas and Stanford losing, I have to put Notre Dame at #10. The Fighting Irish will play New Mexico this SAT (2:30 PM, NBC). The Lobos are coached by past N-D Head Coach Bob Davie (1997-2000), who is currently hospitalized with a heart problem. The Irish better not look past New Mexico for their upcoming road game against Georgia next SAT…I have Wisconsin, Florida, and Utah among my OTMs because they will continue to get better and be as good as last season. Wisconsin has a bye week before a Sept. 21 home game against Michigan. If the Badgers beat the Wolverines, Wisconsin will definitely get back to having 10 wins. Florida will keep winning all the until going into October. Utah is expected to win the Pac-12 South Division and is on a good 2-0 start before handling tough challenges, such as a Sept.20 road game against USC. I can’t put the USC Trojans among my OTMs until the Trojans are undefeated going into October. We want to know how reborn USC is following disappointing 5-7 mark season from last season and more of how real that freshman QB Keldon Solvis is coming off last week’s 45-20 home win over rival Stanford….One team who has something more to prove is the winner of the Arizona State at Michigan State game (4 PM, FOX). It will take more than a 3-0 mark to be among my OTMs. The most intriguing matchup in that game will be RB Eno Benjamin and the ASU Sun Devils offense against DE Kenny Willekes and the MSU defense.


GAMEBALLS and HELMET STICKERS

LSU WR Justin Jefferson- Received 9 catches, 163 yards, and 3 TDs (6,21,and 61) in the Tigers’ 45-38 road win over Texas.

LSU LB Michael Divinity- Produced 10 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 1 QB hurry in the Tigers’ road win over Texas. 

Texas WR Devin Duvernay- Received 12 catches, 154 yards, and 2 TDs (44 and 15) in the Longhorns’ home loss against LSU.

Michigan DE Kwitty Paye- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 3rd OT in 2nd OT) to seal the Wolverines’ 24-21 home win over Army. Also produced 7 tackles (2 solo).

Michigan RB Zach Charbonnet- Rushed 33 carries, 100 yards, and 3 TDs (2,1, and 3) in the Wolverines’ home win over Army. Also had a 12-yard carry.

Army CB Elijah Riley- Produced 13 tackles (led team; 9 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the Black Knights’ road loss against Michigan.California PK Greg Thomas- Scored 8 points in the Cal Golden Bears’ 20-19 road win over Washington. Scored on all 2 FG and 2 XPK attempts. Scored a 17-yard FG (on 4th and Goal with 0:08 remaining) to eventually win this game.

California LB Evan Weaver- Produced 18 tackles (led team; 14 solo), 2 TFLs, and 1 forced fumble in the Golden Bears’ road win over Washington.

Colorado QB Steven Montez- Led the Buffaloes from a 17-0 deficit to a 34-31 comeback home win (1 OT) over rival Nebraska. Passed 28-41. 375 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT.

Colorado WR K.D Nixon- Received 6 catches, 148 yards, and 1 TD (96 yards) in the Buffaloes’ home win over Nebraska.

Colorado P Alex Kinney- Had 6 punts with 45.2 yards per punt in the Buffaloes’ home win over Nebraska. Had 5 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 39-yard landing on the 3-yard line.

Nebraska RB Maurice Washington- 195 all-purpose running yards in the Cornhuskers’ road loss against rival Colorado. Received 4 catches, 118 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards). Rushed 15 carries for 77 yards, including a 40-yard carry.

Minnesota S Antoine Winfield- Made that game-winning INT (2 yards, on 1st and 10 in that 2nd OT period) to seal the Golden Gophers’ 38-35 road win (2 OTs) over Fresno State. Also produced 4 tackles (all solo) and 1 TFL.

BYU PK Jake Oldroyd- Scored 11 points in the Cougars’ 29-26 road win (2 OTs) over Tennessee. Scored on all 3 FG and 2 XPK attempts. Scored a 33-yard FG (on 2nd and 10 with 0:01 remaining) to force OT.

BYU WR Micah Simon- Received 7 catches for 127 yards, including a 64-yard catch, in the Cougars’ road win over Tennessee. That 64-yard catch set-up a game-tying FG to force OT.

Clemson S Nolan Turner- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 2 PBUs in the Tigers’ 24-10 home win over Texas A&M.

USC QB Keldon Slovis- First career start. Passed 28-33, 377 yards, and 3 TDs in the Trojans’ 45-20 home win over Stanford.

USC CB Olaijah Griffin- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo) and 4 PBUs in the Trojans’ home win over Stanford.

Penn State QB Sean Clifford- Passed 16-22, 279 yards, and 4 TDs in the Nittany Lions’ 45-13 home win over Buffalo.

Penn State CB John Reid- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT (36-yard TD), 2 PBUs, and 1 QB hurry in the Nittany Lions’ home win over Buffalo.

Penn State P Blake Gillikin- Had 5 punts with 41.2 yards per punt in the Nittany Lions’ home win over Buffalo. Had 2 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 47-yard punt landing on the 4-yard line.

Michigan State DE Kenny Willekes- Produced 5 tackles (3 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 3 QB hurries in the MSU Spartans’ 51-17 home win over Western Michigan.

Michigan State WR Darrell Stewart- Received 10 catches, 185 yards, and 1 TD (42 yards) in the Spartans’ home win over Western Michigan.

Ohio State CB Shun Wade- Produced 1 solo tackle, 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 PBUs in the Buckeyes’ 42-0 home win over Cincinnati.Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy- Received 8 catches, 103 yards, and 3 TDs (21,23, and 19) in the Crimson Tide’s 62-10 home win over New Mexico State.

Georgia CB Mark Webb- Produced 6 tackles (all solo), 1 TFL,1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Bulldogs’ 63-17 home win over Murray State. Maryland RB Javon Leake- Rushed 7 carries, 107 yards, and 2 TDs (7 and 64) in the Terrapins’ 63-20 home win over Syracuse.

Maryland LB Keandre Jones- Produced 8 tackles (7 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Terrapins’ home win over Syracuse.

Florida QB Felipe Franks- Passed 25-27, 270 yards, and 2 TDs in the Gators’ 45-0 home win over UT-Martin.

Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson- Rushed 6 carries, 104 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Sooners’ 70-14 home win over South Dakota.

Oklahoma NB Brendan Radley-Hiles- Produced 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT (30-yard TD), and 1 fumble recovery in the Sooners’ home win over South Dakota.

Wisconsin WR Quintez Cephus- Received 6 catches, 130 yards, and 2 TDs (36 and 46-each scored in the 2nd quarter) in the Badgers’ 61-0 home win over Central Michigan.Oregon QB Justin Herbert- Passed 19-26, 310 yards, and 5 TDs in the Ducks’ 77-6 home win over Nevada.

Oregon WR Jacob Breeland- Received 4 catches, 112 yards, and 1 TD (66 yards) in the Ducks’ home win over Nevada.

Oregon DE D.J Johnson- Produced 7 tackles (led team; all solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in the Ducks’ home win over Nevada.Florida State RB Cam Akers- 248 all-purpose running yards and scored 3 TDs in the Seminoles’ 45-44 home win over Florida State. Rushed 36 carries, 193 yards, and 2 TDs (9 and 4). Scored that 4-yard rushing TD (on 3rd and 1 in 1st OT) to eventually win this game. Also had a 24-yard carry. Received 5 catches, 55 yards, and 1 TD (44 yards). 

Georgia Tech LB Charlie Thomas- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Yellow Jackets’ 14-10 home win over South Florida.

North Carolina LB Tomon Fox- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Tar Heels’ 28-25 home win over Miami.

Hawaii WR JoJo Ward- Received 10 catches, 189 yards, and 4 TDs (29,35,5, and 29) in the Rainbows’ 31-28 home win over Oregon State. Also had a 43-yard catch.

Pittsburgh WR/RS Maurice Ffrench- Received 10 catches, 138 yards, and 1 TD (74 yards) in the Pitt Panthers’ 20-10 home win over Ohio. Also returned 7 punts for 25 yards, including a 18-yard punt return.

The Pittsburgh defense- Held the Ohio offense to 212 total yards (including 177 passing yards) in the Panthers’ home win over Ohio. Also produced 10 TFLs (including 6 sacks) and 5 PBUs.

Pittsburgh P Kirk Christodoulu- Had 4 punts with 45.2 yards per punt in the Panthers’ home win over Ohio. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 36-yard punt landing on the 6-yard line.

Arizona State S Cam Phillips- Produced 6 tackles (all solo), 1 INT, and 1 forced fumble in the Sun Devils’ 19-7 home win over Sacramento State.

Arizona State P Michael Turk- Had 5 punts with 47.6 yards per punt in the Sun Devils’ home win over Sacramento State. Had 3 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including 2 punts landing on the 8-yard line. 

Mississippi WR Elijah Moore- Received 7 catches, 130 yards, and 2 TDs (2 and 46) in the Ole Miss Rebels’ 31-17 home win over Arkansas.

Utah DE Bradlee Anae- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the Utes’ 35-17 home win over Northern Illinois.

Utah P Ben Lennon- Had 4 punts with 45.2 yards per punt in the Utes’ home win over Northern Illinois. Each punt landed inside the 20-yard line, including a 45-yard punt landing on the 9-yard line. 

Purdue QB Elijah Sindelar- Passed 34-52, 509 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT in the Boilermakers’ 42-24 home win over Vanderbilt. Also scored a 1-yard rushing TD.

Purdue CB Dedrick Mackey- Produced 9 tackles (7 solo), 1 INT (8 yards), and 1 PBU in the Boilermakers’ home win over Vanderbilt.

Kentucky S Jordan Griffin- Produced 1 solo tackle, 1 TFL/sack, 1 INT (15 yards), and 2 PBUs in the Wildcats’ 38-17 home win over Eastern Michigan. 

Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette- Received 4 catches, 113 yards, and 2 TDs (58 and 23) in the Wolverines’ 30-0 home win over Rutgers.

UCF Aaron Robinson- Produced 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 PBUs in the Golden Knights’ 48-14 road win over Florida Atlantic.

Missouri LB Nick Bolton- Produced 7 tackles (co-led team; 3 solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 INTs (38 yards, including a 20-yard INT return) in the Tigers’ 38-7 home win over West Virginia.

Missouri P/PK Tucker McCann- Had 5 punts with 35.4 yards per punt in the Tigers’ home win over West Virginia. Had 4 punts land inside the 20-yard line, including a 39-yard punt landing on the 9-yard line. 

Virginia WR/RS Joe Reed- 158 all-purpose running yards and scored 2 TDs in the Cavaliers’ 52-17 home win over William and Mary. Received 4 catches, 58 yards, and 1 TD (40 yards). Returned 1 kickoff for a 100-yard TD.

Virginia CB Nick Grant- Produced 4 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT (85-yard TD) in the Cavaliers’ home win over William and Mary. 

N.C State DE Xaiver Lyas- Produced 4 tackles (3 solo), 3 TFLs/sacks, and 1 forced fumble in the 35-17 home win over Western Carolina.

Arizona RB Gary Brightwell- Rushed 5 carries, 141 yards, and 1 TD (94 yards) in the Wildcats’ 65-41 home win over Northern Arizona.

Boise State S Kekoa Nawahine- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 1 forced fumble in the Broncos’ 14-7 home win over Marshall. 

La Tech LB Connor Taylor- Produced 11 tackles (led team; 8 solo), 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hurry in the Bulldogs’ 20-14 home win over Grambling. 

Coastal Carolina RB C.J Marble- 168 all-purpose running yards and scored 2 TDs in the Chanticleers’ 12-7 road win over Kansas. Rushed 24 carries, 148 yards, and 1 TD (from 8 yard out). Also had a 27-yard carry. Received 1 catch for a 20-yard TD.

Kent State LB Matt Bahr- Made that game-winning fumble recovery (on 2nd and 10 in 1st OT) to set an eventual game-winning FG in the Golden Flashes’ 26-23 home win (1 OT) over Kennesaw State.

Kent State PK Matthew Trickett- Scored 14 points in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Kennesaw State. Scored on all 4 FG and 2 XPK attempts. Scored a 38-yard FG (with 0:10 remaining) to force OT. Scored a 43-yard FG tro win this game.

Kent State WR Isaiah McKoy- Received 7 catches, 125 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Kennesaw State.

Kent State CB Keith Sherald, Jr- Produced 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, and 3 PBUs in the Golden Flashes’ home win over Kennesaw State.

San Diego State CB Luq Barcoo- Produced 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, and 2 PBUs in the Aztecs’ 23-14 road win over UCLA.

UAB DT Garrett Marino- Produced 5 tackles (all assisted), 2 TFLs/sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU, and  2 QB hurries in the Blazers’ 31-20 road win over Akron.

Wake Forest RB Kenneth Walker II- Rushed 9 carries, 125 yards, and 1 TD (96 yards) in the Demon Deacons’ 41-21 road win over Rice.

Wake Forest DE Carlos Basham, Jr- Produced 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU, and 1 QB hurry in the Demon Deacons’ road win over Rice.

Duke QB Quentin Harris- 428 total offensive yards and 5 TDs responsible for in the Blue Devils’ 45-13 home win over North Carolina A&T.

Duke S Dylan Singleton- Produced 9 tackles (7 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 fumble recovery in the Blue Devils’ home win over North Carolina A&T.

Oklahoma State WR Tylan Wallace- Received 5 catches, 180 yards, and 3 TDs (69,4, and 75) in the OSU Cowboys’ 56-14 home win over McNeese State. 

Washington State QB Anthony Gordon- Passed 31-39, 464 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in the Cougars’ 59-17 home win over Northern Colorado.

Baylor WR Denzel Mims- Received 7 catches, 101 yards, and 3 TDs (9,30, and 26) in the Bears’ 63-14 home win over UTSA.

Kansas State RB James Gilbert- Rushed 8 carries, 103 yards, and 2 TDs (17 and 5) in the K-State Wildcats’ 52-0 home win over Bowling Green.

Kansas State LB Daniel Green- Produced 4 tackles (co-led team; all solo), 1 TFL/sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 PBU in the Wildcats’ home win over Bowling Green.

South Carolina RB Kevin Harris- Rushed 16 carries, 147 yards, and 3 TDs (1,45, and 75) in the Gamecocks’ 72-10 home win over Charleston Southern.

South Carolina QB Ryan Hillinski- First career start. Passed 24-30, 282 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT in the Gamecocks’ home win over Charleston Southern. Also scored a 4-yard rushing TD.

South Carolina WR Bryan Edwards- Received 5 catches, 112 yards, and 2 TDs (10 and 60-each scored in the 2nd quarter) in the Gamecocks’ home win over Charleston Southern. 

Memphis QB Brady White- Passed 17-21, 337 yards, and 2 TDs in the Tigers’ 55-24 home win over Southern.

Georgia State QB Dan Ellington- 448 total offensive yards in the Panthers’ 48-42 home win over Furman. Passed 29-37, 362 yards, and 5 TDs. Rushed 15 carries for 86 yards, including a 16-yard carry.

Georgia Southern RB Matt LaRoche- Rushed 9 carries, 154 yards, and 1 TD (11 yards) in the Eagles’ 26-18 home win over Maine. Also had a 75-yard carry.

Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans- Rushed 19 carries, 234 yards, and 3 TDs (87, 58, and 68) in the Mountaineers’ 56-41 home win over Charlotte. 

MTSU S Reed Blankenship- Produced 9 tackles (led team; 7 solo), 2 INTs, 1 PBU, and 1 blocked XPK attempt in the Blue Raiders’ 45-26 home win over Tennessee State.

MTSU RB Chaton Mobley- Rushed 9 carries, 104 yards, and 2 TDs (1 and 38) in the Blue Raiders’ home win over Tennessee State.

SMU RB Xaiver Jones- Rushed 16 carries, 127 yards, and 3 TDs (24,10, and 51) in the Mustangs’ 49-27 home win over North Texas.

SMU LB Patrick Nelson- Produced 7 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs/sacks, and 1 INT (19 yards) in the Mustangs’ home win over North Texas.

South Alabama RB/RS Tra Minter- 275 all-purpose running yards in the Jaguars’ 37-14 home win over Jackson State. Rushed 16 carries, 189 yards, and 2 TDs (49 and 4). Received 4 catches for 33 yards, including a 13-yard catch. Returned 2 kickoffs for 52 yards, including a 31-yard kickoff return.

Louisiana RB Trey Ragas- Rushed 9 carries, 129 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 35-14 home win over Liberty.

Colorado State WR Dante Wright- Received 7 catches, 111 yards, and 1 TD (75 yards) in the Rams’ 38-13 home win over Western Illinois.

Colorado State DE Jan Phillip-Bombeck- Produced 6 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in the Rams’ home win over Western Illinois. 

Arkansas State WR Omar Bayles- Received 6 catches, 149 yards, and 1 TD (71 yards) in the Red Wolves’ 43-17 road win over UNLV.

Utah State RB Jaylen Warren- Rushed 9 carries, 105 yards, and 2 TDs (28 and 54) in the Aggies’ 62-7 home win over Stony Brook.

Ball State QB Drew Plitt- Passed 32-40, 439 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 INT in the Cardinals’ 57-29 home win over Fordham.

East Carolina PK Jake Verity- Scored 12 points in the ECU Pirates’ 48-9 home win over Gardner-Webb. Scored on all 2 FG (including a 28-yard FG) and 6 XPK attempts.

East Carolina DE Kendal Futrell- Produced 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL/sack, and 3 QB hurries in the Pirates’ home win over Gardner-Webb.