Oregon RB CJ Verdell
23 carries, 257 yards, 3 Touchdowns, 4 receptions, 56 yards.
CJ Verdell had always been known as a back with a chance to be explosive. However, hasn’t shown it on a consistent basis (1 game over 100 yards).
He plowed through Washington State’s defense with a whopping 11 yards per carry. That means on his 23 carries, he averaged over a first down.
That is the definition of walking chains mover. #11 Oregon was on the verge of losing any hope for the Pac 12 at the CFP.
Even though things are looking bleak, Oregon found a way through their Sophomore running back.
On his 89 yard run, Verdell was able to show his breakaway speed.
There was also a reason why 3 of Oregon’s O-Lineman were named to the National All-PFF Team. Because of the humongous holes that Verdell got. Especially on this run.
Kansas WR Stephon Robinson Jr.
6 receptions, 186 yards, 2 touchdowns
Kansas looks to be showing flashes of a future. Coming off a heartbreaker in Austin, Kansas looked for revenge.
Carter Stanley continues to show he can make himself known around the Big 12. A big help to Stanley has been Stephon Robinson.
After a slow start, Robinson has broke out in the past 3 games. He has combined for 384 yards and all 6 of his touchdowns.
Those weren’t to slouches either, playing Oklahoma, Texas, and Tech during that stretch.
Albeit, it was a great throw from Stanley. It was also exceptional from Robinson to make a difficult catch and stay in bounds.
With the defender in the way, Robinson made the adjustment. The rest was with his legs.
Utah’s defense
0 points given up, 83 total yards.
The current #9 team in the entire country had a game to remember. California isn’t the greatest team and there wasn’t a special moment during the game.
However, from a statistical standpoint, Utah had the most dominating game of the year.
Utah suffocated the Bears to the tune of 2-11 on 3rd down and 1.1 yard per carry.
To put it all into perspective, Utah RB Zack Moss had more rushing yards on 17 plays than California had total yards on 43 plays.
Utah completely controlled the time of possession (38 to 22) and never gave California any chance of having success.
There could be slander behind the high ranking. That performance was the best statistical defensive performance against any team.
California isn’t a bad team either, which makes it even more impressive.
Tennessee WR Jajuan Jennings
7 receptions, 174 yards, 2 touchdowns
To the college football world, the name may sound familiar. No need to fear, let me refresh your memory with a flash to the past.
It was a much different time with Tennessee near the Top 10 and Joshua Dobbs at QB. Jennings was a Sophomore and Alvin Kamara was still there.
Flash to 3 years later and Jajuan Jennings put up a great performance against USC. Jennings has been through it all with the highs of being Top 10. To what has been the past 2 seasons for UT.
However, Jennings was a difference maker in this game. Jennings made 2 fantastic TD plays that was the ultimate factor in the win.
He would have a big catch and run in the 2nd Quarter from 48 yards out. He also caught a 19 TD from Guarantano, while getting absolutely drilled.
Even though, UT’s success has been little the last few years, watching Jennings play has always been a treat.
Connecticut RB Kevin Mensah
19 carries, 164 yards, 5 touchdowns.
Connecticut is among the worst teams in all of the FBS. However, the Huskies were able to get over 500 yards of offense and 56 points. In route to a 21 point road win over UMass.
A lot of that was on the shoulders of Kevin Mensah. The Junior out of Worcester, MA.
He powered for almost 9 yards a carry and found the end zone on 5 different occasions.
Mensah has been a light for the Huskies as he is averaging almost 5 yards a carry with 9 touchdowns on the season.
It’s sad seeing a program disappear from a competition standpoint. UConn will be making the move out of the AAC this year.
However, Kevin Mensah has been a bright spot and something to build around next year. As an Independent.
Image Credit: https://www.rockytoptalk.com/2018/6/2/17420210/tennessee-vols-football-greatest-games-georgia-2016-jauan-jennings
