Over time, we see great performances that seem great at the time. Further down the line, they start to disappear from the national eye.
Kenneth Murray’s 28 tackles last year against Army. Or D’Eriq King’s 551 total yards and 7 touchdowns against #21 USF last year.
They come and go, while others create legacies. One of our players this week had a performance so significant, it’ll leave a mark on the program.
A program that is having the most success it has had in decades to start 2019.
Michigan’s Defense
So far in this season, Michigan has been a huge punching bag to CFB.
Whether it was almost losing to Army at home. Or losing by 3 touchdowns in Madison to Wisconsin. The line favored Michigan, but not a ton of national media had faith.
Although it wasn’t the most appealing game to some fans. It was a physically dominating defensive performance from Michigan.
For starters, Michigan was able to force 4 turnovers. Nate Stanley had not thrown an interception all year leading up to the game. Michigan picked him off twice in the first half alone.
The Michigan defense would end up with 3 catches from Stanley.
Iowa had an astounding one yard rushing on 30 carries. Michigan had a field day in the backfield with 13.5 TFL and 8 sacks.
It sure shows that even if UM’s offense can be inconsistent, the defense is as good as it’s ever been.
SMU WR James Proche
While most of the national audience was watching Ohio State-MSU, SMU’s undefeated record was on the line. Tulsa was in town and each team gave their everything.
It was a battle of 2 former P5 Texas QB’s in Shane Buchele (Texas) and Zach Smith (Tulsa).
SMU was down 30-9 heading into the 4th quarter. Until, the Mustangs roared back to force overtime.
James Proche already had a SCTop10 play with his first TD. In the 3rd overtime, he called game with a leaping TD in the back of the end zone.
Proche ended the game with 11 catches for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough for Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week.
Proche was also announced the AAC Offensive Player of the Week. Most importantly, it keep the Ponies undefeated at 6-0.
Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor
Although the opponent isn’t great, Johnathan Taylor showed why he’s elite. Kent State could end up being decent and making a bowl game.
Johnathan Taylor made sure his name would stay in people’s mouths come December.
It was in the simple work of 215 total yards and 5 total touchdowns.
The Heisman hopeful averaged just under a first down per carry at 9.8.
His 203 yard and 2 touchdown game against Michigan 2 weeks ago looks even more impressive.
Taylor will be a guy to keep an eye on as Wisconsin looks like a legit threat to match up with in the Big 10 title game.
Texas Tech’s Defense
This headline can be a bit deceiving. Texas Tech gave up 35 points to Oklahoma State. They gave up 509 total yards.
Texas Tech also forced 5 Spencer Sanders turnovers. The freshman has been playing great leading up to this game.
Texas Tech made sure his time in Lubbock wasn’t plentiful.
Oklahoma State only scored 7 points in the first half. Texas Tech picked off the talented youngster 3 times in the first half alone.
LB Jordyn Brooks ended up with 19 tackles and was recognized as PFF National Defensive Player of the Week.
This was a tough choice, so I’ll give a shoutout for the other performance. Tech QB Jett Duffey threw for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in this contest.
That was enough to give the Red Raiders a big home win.
There isn’t a specific tweet that solidifies the performance. However, this is a very interesting stat that is quite shocking.
Oregon State WR Isaiah Hodgins
Considering the team he plays on, Hodgins doesn’t get enough national recognition.
The Junior receiver is off to a great start with 632 yards and 9 touchdowns so far.
The problem is, he plays for Oregon State and not many people are tuning in. However, Oregon State got a rare conference win over lowly UCLA.
Hodgins was able to shine in that game, catching 10 passes for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns.
That included a 22 yard TD late in the 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach.
Hodgins is getting more recognition now and is graded as the #1 receiver through 6 weeks, according to PFF.
Hodgins ability to be elite gives Beavers fans hope for a few more wins.
Image Credit: https://www.si.com/college/2019/10/05/wisconsin-kent-state-jonathan-taylor-stats
