How can you not love college football? Chaos reigns, and it might be the weirdest season we’ve had since 2007. We saw some career, clutch, and mind-blowing offensive and defensive performances from our College Football Players of the Week, and it feels like we’re just getting started with the fun for the 2021 season.
Week 6 College Football Players of the Week | Offense
If you like offense, Week 6 gave you what you were looking for with some barn burners.
Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams, Oklahoma: If you watched the Red River Showdown, you were treated to an instant classic. With Spencer Rattler struggling, Lincoln Riley turned to his future star. Williams played with a ton of confidence, as evident by several incredible throws, and he revived an offense that was struggling.
Williams finished with 212 yards passing with 2 touchdowns and 88 yards rushing, including an explosive 66-yard touchdown in one of his first drives. For those doubting he’d be the starter this year, now you know why those rumors started. The biggest question is if Rattler will hit the transfer portal if he loses the job.
Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky: Zappe did all he could to help Western Kentucky pull out a win over UTSA, but ultimately the Hilltoppers’ defense couldn’t get enough stops. The former Houston Baptist transfer has been balling all year, and he continued that trend this weekend. Zappe completed 38 passes for 523 yards and 5 touchdowns to lead Western Kentucky’s offense.
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: Ohio State’s been trying to rediscover itself after the loss to Oregon, and Stroud’s been doing his part to turn things around offensively. The Buckeyes made quick work of Maryland, thanks to their quarterback’s 406 yards and 5 touchdowns passing. If Stroud can find his confidence again, watch out.
Running Backs
Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma: While everyone talked about Eric Gray and his impact on the Oklahoma offense, Brooks found himself largely forgotten. He reminded everyone why he is one of the best backs in the country. He rushed 25 times for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his final rush ended in the game-winning score.
Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State: All Kenneth Walker III does is put up monster numbers for the Spartans, but that shouldn’t be a surprise. For how good he was at Wake Forest, it seemed like it was his time to shine when he transferred. Michigan State’s star finished with 232 yards and 1 touchdown against Rutgers this weekend.
Tyler Badie, Missouri: Arguably one of the most underrated players in college football, Badie’s been dynamic for the Tigers. His versatility remains his best weapon, but he relied on his legs to do the work against North Texas. Badie only rushed 17 times but turned it into 217 yards (12.8 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns.
Wide Receivers
Xavier Worthy, Texas: Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims produced some thrilling catches, but Worthy stole the show. Texas’ new star receiver caught 9 passes for 261 yards (29.0 yards per catch) with 2 touchdowns, making it easy to name him one of the College Football Players of the Week.
Jalen Nailor, Michigan State: While everyone gushes over Kenneth Walker (and for good reason), Nailor showed off his skill set on Saturday. Michigan State’s receiver caught only 5 passes but turned them into 221 yards (44.2 yards per catch) with 3 touchdowns. With teams keying on the Spartans’ rushing attack, this was a huge performance to give future opponents something to worry about when they face this offense.
Tyrese Chambers, FIU: You want efficiency? Chambers gave it to you. He averaged 67 yards on his 3 catches, good for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Panthers couldn’t pull off the upset of Charlotte, but at least their fans had something fun to watch. Sometimes, you don’t need to do much to be one of the College Football Players of the Week.
Tight Ends
Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina: Everyone else pales in comparison to Isaiah Likely at the tight end position. Coastal Carolina’s been dominating everyone, but Likely hasn’t been a massive factor in the offense leading up to this week. That changed quickly. The Chanticleers’ star averaged 29 yards per catch, over doubled his yards on the season, and scored 4 touchdowns. Just in case you were wondering if he could still play — he can.
Offensive Line
Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa: All Tyler Linderbaum has done with preseason All-American honors is ensure that no one thinks that it was a mistake. Nearly every play this season has resulted in Linderbaum planting a poor defender into the ground. If you don’t bring your best against him, you’re going to be sore the next day. Just ask Penn State. If you watch the film, you’ll know that he’s the only one that belongs here.
Week 6 College Football Players of the Week | Defense
Defense was hard to come by this weekend, but some guys did their part to help their teams.
Defensive Line
Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State: Sean Clifford’s injury played a huge role in the game, but Ebiketie and the defense did what they could to keep the Nittany Lions in the game. The former Temple transfer finished with 9 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack, but it wasn’t quite enough to help Penn State win a top-10 matchup with the Hawkeyes.
Siaki Ika, Baylor: The Bears dominated West Virginia from start to finish, but you won’t hear much about Ika’s role in the win. He’s been a dominant force for Baylor’s defense this year, but he does it outside of the box score. Granted, he produced 2 tackles for loss and 2 sacks on Saturday, but it’s his ability to take up multiple blocks that helps his team most.
Logan Hall, Houston: For those who don’t pay attention to the Group of Five, Houston’s defensive line is absolutely balling this year. Hall is just one of a talented group, but it was his week to shine. He finished the game with 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, and NFL teams are beginning to notice his play. Also, he’s 6’6″, 275 pounds, so that could be another reason why.
Linebackers
DeMarvion Overshown, Texas: If not for his performance, DeMarvion Overshown would be one of the College Football Players of the Week by having the most armbands worn in a game. The game didn’t go his way, but Overshown did his part to give Texas a chance. He produced 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack, but his presence played a big role as well.
KD Davis, North Texas: The Mean Green couldn’t pull off the upset of Missouri, but it wasn’t because of Davis. North Texas’ linebacker finished with 11 tackles (10 solo) and 4 tackles for loss. Outside of Davis, however, it was a long night for a defense that allowed Tyler Badie to rush for 217 yards and gave up 48 points.
Cornerbacks
Jermaine Waller, Virginia Tech: His team lost a heartbreaker to Notre Dame at home, but Jermaine Waller once again did his part to ensure they had a chance to win. His pick-six put the Hokies up late in the third quarter, but his team couldn’t come away with the win. After a disappointing 2020 season, Waller’s redeemed himself halfway through 2021.
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson/T.J. Carter, TCU: While the Horned Frogs’ offense relied on its rushing attack, the defense saw its secondary put in work as well. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson took an interception back for a touchdown, while Carter led the team in tackles and played well in coverage. Neither one produced the flashiest stat line, but they deserved to be a part of the College Football Players of the Week.
Safeties
Demani Richardson, Texas A&M: The Aggies gave up 38 points to Alabama, but they’re celebrating a major upset too. Richardson and the defense did their part to get momentum on their side, and they hung on in the second half to stun Alabama. His interception early in the second quarter stifled a Crimson Tide drive that appeared destined for a touchdown, which killed some of their momentum.
Rashad Torrence II, Florida: Yes, it was against Vanderbilt, but Torrence put up some big numbers. He produced a career-high 15 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in the Gators’ 42-0 win over the Commodores.