First, I have to issue an apology. Last week, I had John Rhys Plumlee as a candidate to watch. Of course he plays for a Power Five team (I even mentioned that in the article!) but I just cannot shake UCF as a Group of Five darling. That’s all on me folks for stealing a spot away from a Group of Five player. At least I mentioned Ashton Jeanty in the same paragraph and he had another strong performance. However, Boise State lost, putting a dent in his candidacy.
As for this week’s article, there were so many more worthy names to choose from. In the end, a select few stood out, but that doesn’t mean anyone in the honorable mentions or someone outside the Colt Brennan Award Tracker’s radar won’t swoop in after the action in Week 3.
Top 5 Performances of Week 2
– Gage Larvadain had a monster day for Miami (OH) against UMass. He recorded eight receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-28 Redhawks win, including this 99-yard score:
After two productive seasons at Southeastern, which includes a Southland Conference Freshman of the Year award, Larvadain looks primed to take over at the FBS level and become a #MACtion star.
– The FCS makes an appearance as Idaho beat Nevada 33-6, thanks in part to Gevani McCoy. He was a crisp 15-of-21 for 313 yards and two touchdowns. It must have felt extra special for McCoy and the Vandals after two closely contested games against FBS teams last season that unfortunately ended in losses. A game against California this upcoming Saturday could bolster McCoy’s chances at taking home both the Walter Payton Award and the Colt Brennan Award in one fell swoop.
– Speaking of the FCS, Fresno State found itself in a double overtime nailbiter against Eastern Washington. The Bulldogs prevailed 34-31, keeping Mikey Keene’s and Erik Brooks’ Brennan campaigns intact. While the Eagles defense got to Keene a few times, he stood strong as he threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns. One score was to Brooks, who had another good day with eight receptions for 95 yards. Eastern Washington is always a tough test, so despite a near FCS loss, this win is only a positive for Keene and Brooks’ Brennan chances.
– Rice and Houston played a thriller as the Owls took an early 28-0 lead and then hung on to survive a Cougars comeback in a 43-41 double overtime win. The catalyst was JT Daniels, who completed 28 of 42 passes for 401 yards and three touchdowns. After one of the stranger college careers ever, he seems to have found a solid home in his fourth and final stop. As the team enters conference play, Daniels could soon enter Brennan conversations.
Honorable mentions: CJ Montes, James Conway, Seth Henigan, Isaiah Alston, Grayson McCall, Rasheen Ali, Nate Noel
Top 5 Players to Watch this Week
– Austin Reed and the Hilltoppers face the monumental task of traveling to Columbus to take on No. 6 Ohio State. However, the Buckeyes have looked a bit shaky and Malachi Corley is set to return from injury for Western Kentucky. If there was a chance to not only take a big lead in the Brennan Award race but also potentially become a Heisman candidate, this game would be it for Reed.
– Mikey Keene and Erik Brooks are set to lead Fresno State in its road game against Arizona State. The Sun Devils have several players who will give the Bulldogs trouble, but overall Fresno State is the better team. That being said, a win on the road against a Pac-12 opponent coupled with strong individual performances will launch this duo into the stratosphere.
– San José State travels to the Glass Bowl to face Toledo in a game featuring two award hopefuls at the quarterback positions. Chevan Cordeiro and Dequan Finn have had moments of brilliance for their respective teams. Cordeiro bounced back after a rough showing against Oregon State while Finn had Illinois on the ropes two games back and was seconds away from potentially being the top Brennan candidate this season. This game could end up deciding the award.
Top 5 Performers This Season
5. Pofele Ashlock WR – Hawai’i
4. Brayden Schager QB – Hawai’i
3. Mikey Keene QB – Fresno State
2. Erik Brooks WR – Fresno State
1. Austin Reed QB – Western Kentucky
About the author
I’m a Washington Huskies fan who is still amazed but not surprised that we didn’t have more success under Chris Petersen (I blame Jake Browning). Sports are my life. I know nothing else. I graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Communication. I’ve been a part of a newspaper since 8th grade, including my college’s official newspaper where I was co-copy editor.
