The On3 players of the week from Week 2
Here are the On3 players of the week for Week 2 of the season.
Each week, we will pick a player of the week in each Power 5 conference as well as an overall Group of 5 player of the week. Everything being equal, more weight is given to big performances against “good” opponents.
ACC
QB Brennan Armstrong, Virginia
The buzz: Armstrong threw for 405 yards and five TDs as the Cavs romped past Illinois 42-14. The yardage total is third-most in school history and the five TDs is tied for second-most. Armstrong threw a TD pass in each quarter for the Cavs. Armstrong was 27-of-36 on the day and was the Cavs’ second-leading rusher with 31 yards. The 27 completions were the most ever by Armstrong, who is in his fourth season and his second as the starter.
Big Ten
LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
The buzz: Iowa managed just 173 total yards, yet cruised to an easier-than-the-score-would-indicate 27-17 victory at Iowa State. That’s because the Hawkeyes’ defense stymied the Cyclones’ offense and forced four turnovers. One of those turnovers was a fumble by Iowa State star RB Breece Hall that Campbell returned 6 yards for a TD. The score gave Iowa a 21-10 lead with 5:08 left in the third quarter and effectively ended any doubt about the outcome. Campbell led the Hawkeyes with eight tackles and added a half-sack, and his play at middle linebacker was a huge reason Iowa State rushed for just 87 yards.
Big 12
RB Zach Evans, TCU
The buzz: Evans was a five-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle, and his recruitment was an interesting one, to say the least. In Saturday’s narrow win over California, Evans had the best day of his young career; he rushed for 190 yards and a TD on 22 carries to help the Horned Frogs prevail 34-32. He also had one reception for 14 yards. It was the third 100-yard game of his career, and they have come in TCU’s past five games. The 22 carries were a career-high; his previous high was 12.
Pac-12
RB C.J. Verdell, Oregon
The buzz: Verdell and the Ducks ran wild on Ohio State, punishing the Buckeyes to the tune of 269 rushing yards. Oregon’s offensive line whipped Ohio State’s touted defensive line, and Verdell (and backup TB Troy Dye and QB Anthony Brown) took advantage. Verdell rushed for 161 yards and two scores on 20 carries, and also had three catches for 34 yards and another touchdown. Verdell is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and appears on his way to reaching that plateau for the third time.
SEC
RB Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky
The buzz: Rodriguez rushed for 207 yards and three scores and also had a scoring reception in the Wildcats’ 35-28 victory over SEC East foe Missouri. Despite sharing time last season, Rodriguez ranked fifth in the league in rushing; he is UK’s feature back this season. Rodriguez is a fourth-year junior and it was the first 200-yard game of his career; it also was the fifth time in his past six games that he rushed for 100 yards. He also has 11 rushing TDs in his past five games. The TD catch was the first of his career and it came on just his fifth reception.
Group of 5
QB Seth Henigan, Memphis
The buzz: In a game that featured 14 touchdowns, 1,360 total yards and 999 passing yards, Henigan — a true freshman — stood out in the Tigers’ 55-50 win over Arkansas State. He was 22-of-33 for 417 yards (that’s 18.95 yards per completion) and five touchdowns. Four of his TD passes covered at least 40 yards and three were at least 50 yards. Henigan, from Denton (Texas) Ryan in the Dallas Metroplex, was the only true freshman quarterback starter in Week 1 in the country.