VTech WR rising; LSU RB starting slow
Phillips off to torrid start for Hokies
in sacks with six after getting two — and a couple of hurries — in Vanderbilt’s 14-7 victory against Kansas State. The last time a Commodores player has had as many as six sacks in a season was 2012.
WHO’S NOT?
Guice is off to an OK start, averaging 100 yards per game (33rd in the nation) and 5.26 yards per carry. Much was expected of the preseason All-American and in his two games against FBS teams (BYU and Mississippi State) Guice has 198 yards and a 4.7-yard average per carry. LSU getting blown out by Mississippi State helped limit him to 15 carries and he isn’t used much in the passing game (two catches for seven yards). A breakout is likely coming. Maybe this weekend against Syracuse.
ON THE LINE
(Former Auburn offensive lineman and ESPN analyst Cole Cubelic identifies an O-lineman worth watching)
The Buckeyes bounced back from a loss to Oklahoma with an efficient victory against Army. He was one of the best guards in the country last season and is making a seamless transition to center, according to Cubelic.
“Price plays with elite quickness, moving laterally well, cutting off defensive linemen, climbing to linebackers and helping in pass protection,” Cubelic said. “His awareness at the position may be the most impressive part of his game, considering his lack of true game experience there.”
ISN’T THAT SPECIAL?
Pettis is the Huskies’ most-accomplished receiver, but he’s been setting record as a punt returner so far this season. He has brought a punt back for a touchdown in each of Washington’s first three games, matching two NCAA records. His eight career punt return TDs equals a mark set by Antonio Perkins of Oklahoma and Wes Welker of Texas Tech. He also became the third player with punt returns TDs in three straight games. He goes for four in row at Colorado on Saturday.
REPEATER
Mayfield had to settle for third-team All-America last season behind Lamar Jackson of Louisville (Heisman Trophy winner) and Deshaun Watson of Clemson (Heisman Trophy runner-up). Mayfield led the nation in passer efficiency rating in 2016 and he is at the top of that leaderboard again (224.2) for players with more than one game. He heads into Big 12 play with 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions.
ALL-AMERICA MATCHUP
Barkley’s Heisman campaign is off to a nice start. The preseason AllAmerican ranks fourth in the nation in yards from scrimmage at 182.7 per game with five touchdowns, despite not being needed to put in a full workload in two of the Nittany Lions’ blowout victories. Jewell is also a preseason All-American and the Hawkeyes’ leading tackler. The two are likely to collide frequently in Saturday night as No. 4 Penn State visits Iowa City.