The Week 11 College Football Team of the Week is here, as the college football schedule was in top form all week long. MACtion started the week while the Saturday slate finished a terrific week with a bang!
Week 11 College Football Team of the Week | First Team
It’s important to note that the PFN Week 11 College Football Team of the Week awards players based on their impact in their respective games and is not necessarily based on total statistical output.
The strength of competition is accounted for, as is the situation — both time of the game and score. These individual awards are also solely based on a player’s ability on Saturday and do not look into their future stock or NFL draft prospects.
Quarterback: Jordan Travis, Florida State
Anytime you throw more touchdowns than you do incompletions, you certainly deserve some national attention. That’s what Jordan Travis did for Florida State against Syracuse. Except, he wasn’t done there.
Travis rushed for a touchdown and hauled in a receiving touchdown, doing all of this just after the midway point of the third quarter before his night was done. He was immaculate on the night and would’ve certainly thrown for far more yards had the down and situation allowed, but he was gifted short fields all night long.
Travis finished the night 21-23, passing for 155 yards and three touchdowns, rushing in a 21-yard score and hauling in a five-yard touchdown reception. Travis led the most impressive quarterbacking performance this weekend against a talented Syracuse defense that was nationally ranked at one point.
Running Back: DeWayne McBride, UAB
Becoming the UAB all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, DeWayne McBride continued his historic 2022 season and historic career at the same time. With three rushing touchdowns, McBride now has 17 rushing scores on the season, a new UAB single-season record.
That also gives McBride 34 career rushing touchdowns as he’s set all-new career highs this year. His 120 yards on the ground gave him 3,217 rushing yards for his career, and McBride paced UAB to an early lead before helping their comeback efforts against North Texas.
Running Back: Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
It’s a good thing Minnesota has Mohamed Ibrahim because, without him, they’d be between a rock and a hard place. Ibrahim accounted for 178 of their 366 total yards of offense, as 302 of those total yards came on the ground.
Ibrahim scored three times and now has rushed for at least 100 yards in 19 straight games, including every game over his past three seasons, granted one of those spanned just one game before an injury.
Ibrahim is one of the nation’s top running backs solely because opposing defenses know the ball is going to be going to him, yet they can’t stop him. As the kids nowadays are saying, Mohamed Ibrahim is “him.”
Perhaps he’s actually just Mohamed IbraHIM.
Wide Receiver: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Fresno State
Back on Friday night, it was Jalen Moreno-Cropper’s 2022 emergence party now that his quarterback is officially back. With Jake Haener throwing the ball, Moreno-Cropper’s average depth of target has surely increased, as has his production.
He hauled in eight receptions for 164 yards and two scores, the latter of his touchdowns serving as the game-winning score. Moreno-Cropper hauled in touchdown receptions of 33 and 65 yards as he’s proven to be a threat at every level of the field.
Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
No football thrown to Marvin Harrison Jr. is uncatchable. Harrison Jr. continues to make his claim as the best receiver in all of football, as he finished with seven receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Yet, his best reception came on a standard first-down catch that looked routine. Only, Harrison Jr.’s routine is a highlight-reel catch from any other receiver. Along the sidelines, Harrison Jr. skied for a high football and showed off his ridiculous body control by maintaining possession of the football while sensing the out-of-bounds line with his outside leg and ultimately touching his inside foot down in bounds for an immaculate reception.
It was just another day in the office for Harrison Jr., who is cementing himself as the best receiver in football.
Wide Receiver: Josh Downs, North Carolina
A dominant first half led to an overall terrific performance from Josh Downs. With two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Downs had already caught seven passes for 91 yards and three touchdowns against Wake Forest.
Downs finished the evening with 11 receptions for 154 yards and three scores as he added to his impressive night in the second half. He won with quickness and elusiveness, separating from Wake Forest defenders left and right.
Wide Receiver: Kamryn Babb, Ohio State
This week, you’ll notice an extra wide receiver spot on our Team of the Week. That’s because Kamryn Babb’s moment for Ohio State warranted more mention and deserved the highest praise.
Battling back from four ACL surgeries — yes, you read that correctly, FOUR (4) ACLs — Babb finally returned to the field in dramatic fashion for the Buckeyes. A designed rollout from QB C.J. Stroud saw Babb streak open on a short out in the red zone for his first collegiate catch and first touchdown.
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The former four-star and top-100 recruit battled his way back from injury, stuck around in Columbus, and was rewarded with his very own celebration in the end zone. Of course, that was before he was mauled by teammates in the end zone, on the field, and on the sidelines, with most players crying tears of joy for his return to the end zone.
Babb’s moment was a highlight of all highlights, showing dedication and perseverance, depicting exactly all the good this sport has to offer.
Tight End: Payne Durham, Purdue
In an upset bid for the ages, Purdue was paced by their tight end Payne Durham on offense as they upset the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday. Apparently, no one told Durham that Illinois had the nation’s top-ranked pass defense because he hauled in seven receptions for 70 yards and two scores against them.
Durham snuck out of the formation at will and used his sound receiving skills to find holes in the coverages that Illinois presented. He also served as a lead blocked for Purdue’s 142 rushing yards and was dominant in doing so.
Flex: Bert Emanuel Jr., Central Michigan
Rewind the clocks back to Wednesday night to remember when Bert Emanuel Jr. ran for nearly 300 yards in a comeback victory. What makes Emanuel’s performance so special is that he played the equivalent of a single half yet put up a dominant outing both on the field and in the box score.
Emanuel reached 293 rushing yards and three scores, playing the majority of his snaps in relief during the second half. He scored three rushing touchdowns, one from the one-yard line and the other two from distance, as he had 75-yard and 87-yard touchdown runs in a 17-point come-from-behind victory.
Emanuel was tough to bring down and flashed elite ability with his legs against Buffalo.
Offensive Tackle: Bryce Effner, Penn State
The Penn State rushing attack averaged 5.9 yards per carry on intended run plays and was led by their right side on the offensive line. Bryce Effner was integral in the Nittany Lions’ success on Saturday against Maryland, dictating the line of scrimmage and reaching the second level with ease.
Effner was credited with multiple key blocks on both touchdown runs from Nicholas Singleton, and he was great in pass protection all the same. Combo-blocking with Sal Wormley, the right side was dominant for PSU.
Guard: Christian Haynes, UConn
Reaching bowl eligibility for the first time in nearly a decade, UConn came from behind against Liberty to reach six wins. In victory, they were led by their offense, especially Christian Haynes on the offensive line.
The Huskies ran for 208 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt on the ground. Haynes was seen sealing out lanes on touchdown runs and planting defenders downfield on big gains from Robert Burns and Victor Rosa.
Center: Kingsley Eguakun, Florida
The highlight of the day for the Florida Gators’ offense came when Trevor Etienne rumbled for 83 yards and a touchdown. That wouldn’t have been possible without Kingsley Eguakun reaching and ultimately sealing his defender with precision and power.
Eguakun was terrific all night long, dominating at the line of scrimmage for Florida. He combined to keep a clean pocket and pave holes in the run game with great success.
Guard: Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Both guards for Ohio State had an excellent afternoon against Indiana. Donovan Jackon’s light shined just a bit brighter — and earlier — for the Buckeyes, earning the top honors here. Jackson was great in pass protection, keeping C.J. Stroud clean from pressure all day long, but his efforts on the ground get him here.
Jackson had multiple reps of first-level seal blocks and second-level reach blocks as he was able to spring multiple long runs to his play side.
Offensive Tackle: Grant Stephens, Washington State
The Washington State Cougars reached bowl eligibility thanks largely to Nakia Watson’s three rushing touchdowns, but the offensive line dictated the game against Arizona State. Grant Stephens was the headliner in the victory as he moved incredibly well across the formation and made several highlight-reel plays.
On the majority of positive run plays, Stephens was at the heart of it all, bulldozing his defenders back or kicking out roaming linebackers to free up big lanes.
EDGE: Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
There has been no hotter player in the country over the past two weeks than Harold Perkins Jr., and the true freshman gave a glimpse of just how special his college career might be once it’s said and done on Saturday.
Perkins was a heat-seeking missile to the football against Arkansas, showcasing elite athleticism, speed, discipline, and instincts in a four-sack performance. He whipped through the defensive line at times or simply dominated his blockers to get to Arkansas QB Malik Hornsby on seemingly every drive.
However, it was a sack to the boundary that made the biggest highlight. Perkins was engaged over the middle when Hornsby broke contain to his left. Ripping away from his blocker, Perkins chased down Hornsby (a decorated high school sprint champion) for one of his sacks that showcased the best closing speed we’ve seen from an LSU defender in years.
The true freshman is a star.
Defensive Line: Byron Young, Alabama
Rushing from a variety of positions, limiting Byron Young‘s impact to just EDGE or just defensive interior would not do his big day justice. Against Ole Miss, Young led the Alabama Crimson Tide in total tackles and tackles for loss.
Young was a pass-rushing menace to the Rebels all night long, recording two sacks and two more hurries as he was consistently around the football. He pressured Jaxson Dart on seemingly every pass-rushing rep and was even in on multiple plays in run defense.
A true clogger of rushing lanes, Young had an impressive day against Ole Miss.
Defensive Interior: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
A man on a mission, Calijah Kancey ripped through the Virginia offensive line to the tune of three sacks on Saturday. Pittsburgh dominated from the opening whistle on the defensive side of the ball as the Panthers’ defensive line disrupted UVA all day long.
Kancey’s most impressive rep was on a double-reverse flea flicker attempt that did not fool the big man in the middle. He squeezed through a small gap in the offensive line with his quick first step and then powered his way through to QB Brennan Armstrong with strength.
It was a dominant day in the middle for Kancey, just as it was a dominant day for Pitt overall.
Defensive Interior: Bryan Bresee, Clemson
There were few players as dominant as Bryan Bresee on Saturday. Bresee was a one-man wrecking crew for Clemson against Louisville, keeping a variety of offensive schemes in check.
Against Malik Cunningham in the first half, Bresee was quick to win inside while maintaining vision of Cunningham’s scrambling ability. After Cunningham was injured on the last play of the first half, Bresee’s game plan changed as he pinned his ears back to get after backup QB Brock Domann.
It all led to Bresee’s 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack that told just a fraction of his overall impact as he changed the game for Clemson.
Linebacker: Jackson Mitchell, UConn
Another week and another Jackson Mitchell highlight for the ages. The star linebacker for the UConn Huskies was up to his usual tricks, grabbing a fumble and returning it for a touchdown in the first quarter.
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Mitchell recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and nine total tackles as he patrolled the short, underneath areas all game long. He was held relatively in check, and yet his impact was felt as much as any other linebacker this week.
Linebacker: Carlton Martial, Troy
The new record holder for most career total tackles was crowned on Saturday when Troy LB Cartlon Martial single-handedly stopped an Army. Finishing with a whopping 22 total tackles, Martial passed Luke Kuechley’s all-time mark early in the game as he entered the contest just a handful shy of the all-time record.
Martial was integral in the Trojans’ bid to stop the Army triple-option attack as he consistently made the right read and was in perfect position at the second level.
Linebacker: Quae Drake, UL-Monroe
UL-Monroe needed just one offensive score to topple Georgia State, as Quae Drake did the majority of the scoring for them. After returning a blocked punt for a score, it was Drake’s brilliant play in coverage that became the game-winning with just a few minutes remaining.
Drake peeled off in coverage of the underneath zone and kept great eye discipline on Georgia State QB Darren Grainger before jumping a hitch route and returning it 34 yards for a touchdown.
The pick-six gave UL-Monroe their first lead of the game and finished as the game-winner.
Cornerback: Latavious Brini, Arkansas
The Arkansas pass defense was on another level, stymying LSU’s new-found potent aerial assault. Latavious Brini had quite a game, intercepting a pass early and recovering a fumble as well.
The Razorbacks held Jayden Daniels to just 85 yards through the air, and Brini was huge in that. Playing mostly from the nickel, Brini had the freedom to stick with slot receivers or running backs out of the backfield. He was stingy in coverage and utilized his great football instincts to be in the right spot at the right time.
His two takeaways went a long way at keeping this game within reach all day long.
Cornerback: Cooper DeJean, Iowa
It was Cooper DeJean who propelled Iowa to victory, ending the Wisconsin two-minute drill and returning it for a touchdown himself in the first half. His 32-yard interception returned for a touchdown gave the Hawkeyes an 11-point lead and ultimately became the game-winner.
DeJean was terrific all game as well, finishing with 10 total tackles and flashing all-around brilliance. He was tough in run defense on the edge and incredibly sticky in coverage against a variety of Wisconsin pass-catchers.
Cornerback: M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh
On the very first play from scrimmage, M.J. Devonshire read UVA QB Brennan Armstrong like a book, stepping in front of a late-throw out route before scampering up the sideline for a 29-yard pick-six. Devonshire’s touchdown was the first of the day across the country and started the thorough beatdown Pittsburgh put on Virginia.
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When it was all said and done, Devonshire was all but avoided the rest of the way out, and the Pittsburgh defense dominated. They limited Armstrong to just 152 yards through the air and had two pick-sixes on the day.
Safety: Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)
In a much-needed bounce-back victory for Miami, Kamren Kinchens stole the show. Leading the team in tackles, Kinchens also brought down three interceptions against Georgia Tech.
Making the day even more impressive, Kinchens returned a goal-line interception 99 yards for a touchdown. He played centerfield beautifully all game long, making all three plays on passes to the middle of the field.
In total, Kinchens stymied or stuffed three different scoring opportunities, and his turnovers led to 14 points.
Safety: Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State
As has been the case this year, when Oklahoma State needed a big play, they turned to Jason Taylor II. The big-play safety came up huge against Iowa State, assisting in multiple stops of the Cyclones.
Taylor also recorded an interception while finishing with seven total tackles. Patrolling the middle of the field brilliantly, Taylor came downhill with big hits and was terrific in coverage all day long.
Flex: Barrett Carter, Clemson
Becoming the first player to record a feat since the great Melvin Ingram, Barrett Carter was a force on Saturday. Per Clemson, Carter became the first player with 3.5 or more tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception in a game featuring two Power Five teams since Ingram did it for South Carolina against Arkansas in 2011.
That’s terrific company for Carter, who was all over the field against Louisville. Big No. 0 flew around for the Tigers and recorded eight total tackles to go with his two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and an interception.
Making his day all the more impressive, it felt like every time Clemson needed a big play on defense, it was Carter who propelled them and found a way to help will the Tigers to victory.
Kicker: Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana
Remember back on Thursday night when Louisiana K Kenneth Almendares went a perfect 8-for-8 on his kick attempts? His performance still served as the top performance from a kicker this week, as Almendares finished with 18 total points, outscoring Georgia Southern himself.
Almendares was a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points and had field goals of 27, 34, 40, 42, and 48, as he was automatic on the evening.
Punter: Oliver Straw, West Virginia
Keeping the Oklahoma Sooners offense on the heels and on the heels of their own goal line all night, Oliver Straw deserves as much credit for the West Virginia victory as anyone. Straw punted six times for 263 yards against Oklahoma, pinning the Sooners inside their own 20-yard line on four of those punts.
Straw did a great job flipping the field for WVU in their come-from-behind effort and allowed just one of his punts to be returned by OU for 10 yards.
Kick Returner: Jadon Thompson, Cincinnati
Providing a spark for Cincinnati on Friday night when they needed it, Jadon Thompson blazed up the field for a 100-yard kick return touchdown against ECU. Thompson finished the night with 146 return yards, but his mad dash in the touchdown certainly turned heads.
Essentially taking it from his teammate at the goal line, Thompson ran into a stonewall around the 20 but bounced off would-be tacklers before jetting to the opposite side of the field and out-running everyone on the field for the touchdown.
Punt Returner: Tory Horton, Colorado State
An electric return almost provided all the spark Colorado State needed to win the Bronce Boot from Wyoming, and Tory Horton was that spark. Horton’s 72-yard punt return was a thing of beauty as he crossed the field and ran away from would-be tacklers with top-tier speed.
Horton also had a moment or two in the receiving game, but his punt return touchdown served as the Rams’ only touchdown on the evening.
Week 11 College Football Team of the Week | Second Team
Offense
- QB: Drake Maye, North Carolina; C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
- RB: Tavion Thomas, Utah
- RB: Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
- WR: Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
- WR: Zay Flowers, Boston College
- WR: Jordan Kerley, SMU
- TE: Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
- FLEX: John Rhys Plumlee, UCF
- OT: Rashad Green, Tulane
- G: Sal Wormley, Penn State
- C: Alex Forsyth, Oregon
- G: Matthew Jones, Ohio State
- OT: Wanya Morris, Oklahoma
Defense
- EDGE: John Morgan II, Pittsburgh
- EDGE: Barryn Sorrell, Texas
- IDL: Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
- IDL: Jalen Carter, Georgia
- LB: Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
- LB: Jailin Walker, JMU
- LB: CJ Taylor, Vanderbilt
- DB: Marquis Williams, Pittsburgh
- DB: Craig Slocum Jr., Troy
- DB: Drake Cheatum, Kansas State
- DB: Trevian Thomas, Arkansas State
- DB: Kaleb Oliver, Western Kentucky
- FLEX: Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Special Teams
- K: Daniel Gutierrez, UNLV
- P: Mason Fletcher, Cincinnati
- KR: Jordan Byrd, San Diego State
- PR: Jaylen Hall, Western Kentucky