On this episode of the Pac-12 Apostles Podcast, George and Ralph talk with southeast recruiting analyst for Rivas and Yahoo Sports, Woody Wommack. They discuss Pac-12 recruiting, payment of players, and how the conference can win the recruiting arms race. Woody shares insight into the Pac-12 from the east coast perspective, and why it is a bad idea for so many west coast kids to head out of the Pac-12 footprint. Woody also talks about the Pac-12 head coaches and what will happen with Clay Helton, Chip Kelly, and Urban Meyer.
The Apostles also recap and dissect the week 7 games and give their week 8 Power Rankings.
The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.
Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.
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The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings
Week 7 provided us with our first major upset of a College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 8 As it Should Be team. I welcome more weekends like this. Chalk is boring. This is why I love college football. Every team is susceptible to be upset on any given Saturday. Georgia got stunned by a South Carolina team with a 2-3 record at home. They had been an en vogue pick to make the CFB Playoff. But, that ship has sailed unless they run the table and win the SEC.
The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams and Boise State who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.
The Rules: No Bias, No BS, No Agenda
There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. I get criticized from time to time by people who only want to see the college football world through the lens of the AP Poll. These rankings are not going to look like the AP Poll. Open your eyes to see a different view of evaluating the top 10. Most polls including the College Football Playoff Committee give college blueblood teams a massive “benefit of the doubt.” I don’t believe in that. Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. After the preseason rankings, only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games.
I re-rank the top 10 every Sunday from scratch. The previous week’s rankings do not factor into the next week. So, the rankings will change, sometimes drastically every week because we will have new information. So make sure to come back every Sunday. For reference, you can check College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 7.
College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 8:
Next Up: Utah, Auburn, Georgia, Texas
10. Notre Dame (5-1)
Last Week: 30-27 (W) vs USC
Why is Georgia ranked behind Notre Dame even though they beat them a few weeks ago? That’s the way the cookie crumbs when you lose to a team with a losing record at home. Notre Dame has knocked down a ranked Virginia and talented USC team since. The Fighting Irish are much faster and athletic than years past. I don’t believe they are a national championship-caliber team, but they are one of the better teams in college football.
9. Penn State (6-0)
Last Week: 17-12 (W) at Iowa
Penn State has been flying under the radar all season. It is time for them to step into the light. They haven’t earned the #9 spot with their schedule so far. But, their dominance has been impressive and the ‘next up” teams all have major blemishes. The Iowa game was not their best offensive output, but their defense was firm. This team doesn’t have the big names like Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, but they are destroying everyone in their path.
Big props to Penn State for dealing with the disrespectful letter sent to Jonathan Sutherland about his dreadlocks and tattoos.
SEE IT: Penn State players wear shirts in support of Jonathan Sutherland during warmupshttps://t.co/ZXWs7FNMaq
I have gone from believing Florida was overrated with Franks at QB, to know this is a quality football team with Trask under center. As good as their defense is, they gave up too many big plays to Auburn and LSU. Dan Mullens has officially transformed the Florida Gators program. They are no longer in the SEC cellar. In fact, with Georgia’s loss to South Carolina, I now believe Florida is the best team in the SEC East.
7. Oregon Ducks (5-1)
Last Week: 45-3 (W) vs Colorado
Another week of football, another week the Oregon defense has held their opponent under 8 points. The Ducks turned a corner after the conservative play that cost them the Auburn game. This defense has only given up 52 points through 6 games. Oh, and they have a legit offense led by Justin Herbert. He has thrown a TD pass in 34 straight games. If the Ducks run the table through the Pac-12, they may sneak in the CFB Playoff top 4.
Opposing point totals last five games: Nevada – 6 Montana – 3 Stanford – 6 California – 7 Colorado – 3
That's five straight games of lockdown, dominant defense. This isn't a fluke. This group is for real. Looking like one of the best Oregon defenses in quite some time.
Six games, four shutouts. That is an impressive stat, but only one of them was against a Power 5 opponent. The Badgers score high marks for dominance and they have one quality win against Michigan. The one thing holding them back is their schedule. Their non-conference schedule looks more like Alabama’s. Kent State, South Florida, and Central Michigan won’t impress anyone.
This Wisconsin team is different from the teams of the past. Jonathan Taylor is the bell cow, but the offense is not one dimensional. The rubber meets the road in two weeks when they head to Columbus to play O-H-I-O State.
Check out our Pac-12 Football Podcast, Pac-12 Apostles:
The Red River Rivalry did not disappoint. Oklahoma got a quality win, but the step up in competition did bother the Sooners. Jalen Hurts was not quite as sharp and had two early turnovers in the RedZone that could have blown the game open.
Everyone has questioned the Sooners defense for the last 2-3 years. Against Texas, they showed moments of being extremely stout against the run. I believe Oklahoma will eventually win the Big XII, but it will not be without 1-2 nail-bitter games.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)
Last Week: vs 47-28 (W) at Texas A&M
This was a fairly comfortable win for the Crimson Tide. However, there are some red flags emerging with this defense. They gave up 28 points to Texas A&M who Clemson held to 10 and Auburn held to 20. Alabama’s offense is so good that they can make up for any deficiency created by playing so many freshmen on defense. This could come back to bite them in the ass down the stretch in the SEC.
I am still extremely frustrated that Bama is so good and so talented but we have to watch them play four games they could roll their helmets out and win.
3. Clemson Tigers (6-0)
Last Week: 45-14 (W) vs Florida State
This game was 21-0 before Florida State knew what hit them. Clemson heard all the noise after their 1-pt win against North Carolina. They clearly wanted to send a message to the college football world that they are still the big dog on the block. Trevor Lawrence still hasn’t looked as good as last season. He threw for three touchdowns against FSU but had a terrible interception as well. If he does get his play together, Clemson may cruise to back-to-back championships.
2. LSU (6-0)
Last Week: 42-28 (W) vs Florida
LSU had their hands full with Florida but took care of business. It is still remarkable to see how explosive and fast-paced the Tigers’ offense is. Joe Burrow is efficient, accurate, and his swagger is on max. They are averaging nearly 50 points per game, and even the best defenses in the country would be hard-pressed against LSU’s offense. On top of a fantastic offense, they boast a fast and physical defense.
The Tigers’ defense has given up 38 points to Texas, Vanderbilt, and 28 points to Florida. That’s not good and potential liability.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0)
Last Week: IDLE
Nothing happened this week that could knock Ohio State from the #1 spot. No team is playing better in all three phases of the game. Their offense, defense, and special teams has been unstoppable. I can’t wait to see how this team responds against Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 8.
On this episode George and Ralph preview and predict all the games from week 7 in the Pac-12 conference. They discuss a head-scratching Arizona State kicker controversy. The Apostles also build the very best Pac-12 team by position group from each school.
The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.
Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.
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Where is the chaos? For the most part, nothing has truly surprised me this college football season besides Michigan getting their doors blown off by Wisconsin. That and Florida playing better with a backup quarterback as opposed to their starter are the only true surprises for me. Going into Week 7, my College Football Playoff includes:
Alabama
LSU
Georgia
Ohio State
Just because the season lacks chaos doesn’t mean it’s been a bore. In fact, I’ve been highly entertained thanks to the play of top quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, and Joe Burrow. Luckily for me, chaos is on the horizon. The top teams have important conference matchups starting this week so as Heath Ledger said in The Dark Knight, “And here we go.” Here are the Top 5 CFP storylines heading into Week 7.
The Red River Showdown
With all due respect to their opponents, Oklahoma has not been tested all season. Lincoln Riley and the Sooner offense have scored over 45 points in all five of their wins. However, the first big test has arrived as Oklahoma faces Texas in the Red River Showdown in what could be the first of two meetings this season. Just like the Sooners, the Longhorns have a prolific offense as well, having eclipsed more than 36 points in their five games. Hurts and Sam Ehlinger will light up the scoreboard as both teams should score over 40 points. What’s the better bet, Oklahoma winning the game or Oklahoma using the “horns down” gesture? After losing to Texas last year, I’d bet on Oklahoma to win this revenge game.
Penn State Begins Their Murderers’ Row Schedule
Ohio State is the class of the Big 10, but don’t sleep on Penn State. The Nittany Lions have both a top-five scoring offense and top-five scoring defense. This might be James Franklin’s best team in Happy Valley and that includes teams with Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley. However, Penn State is about to enter the murderer’s row section of their schedule. Penn State’s next three games: at Iowa, home vs. Michigan, at Michigan State. We’ll know a lot more about Penn State after this three-game stretch. Win all three and they’ll be in the top 7. Side note, if I’m Penn State, I’d have every player run out of the tunnel with dreads this weekend to stick it to that bullshit letter.
Can Alabama Continue Its Dominance Over Texas A&M?
In a way, Johnny Football beating Alabama in 2012 was the best and the worst thing to happen for Texas A&M. Winning is awesome, but beating Nick Saban is like signing a deathwish. Since that win in 2012, Alabama has six straight victories over A&M and the Tide have scored over 33 points in five of those six wins. Tua and his quartet of receivers have not had a close game all season. The last time Alabama went to College Station, the Tide escaped with an eight-point win. Will Alabama finally be tested in the second half?
Keep An Eye On Boise State
I am not saying Boise State will make the College Football Playoff. The Broncos could go undefeated and it still won’t matter. The committee would never put Boise in the playoff this year. However, if Boise went undefeated and won a New Year’s Six bowl, it would cause an even greater discussion for an eight-team playoff. Remember when UCF went undefeated in 2017 and won a New Year’s Six game and the debate was all about how the playoff needs to expand? If Boise does the same thing, the debate for expansion would be even stronger and for college football fans, that’s a good thing.
Showdown In Death Valley
"I don't like them very much. I know they don't like us very much."
"It's just bad blood colliding."
"I forgot that quarterback's name….he was running around, celebrating on the field like he won the Super Bowl."
We’ve got some bad blood. You love to see it. What’s been the bigger surprise, LSU’s offense or Florida’s undefeated start? Coach O finally opened up the offense and the Tigers haven’t looked back thanks to the elite play of Joe Burrow, who leads the second-ranked offense in the nation behind Oklahoma. As surprising as LSU’s offense has been, Florida’s undefeated start has arguably been more impressive. I hate to say that a team improved because of an injury, but Florida is a better team with Kyle Trask under center. Ever since taking over for Feleipe Franks, Trask has completed over 72% of his passes for 7 TDs and 2 INTs. Trask needs to be on his game Saturday night in Death Valley as LSU currently stands as a 13 point favorite.
What are your top College Football Playoff storylines for Week 7? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
It was another week of chaos for Pac-12 football. No other conference does it better. Unlike the rest, the Pac-12 conference rankings rotate like a Game of Thrones season. Every week brings unexpected wins, losses, winners, and losers.
Pac-12 Football’s Best Offensive Performances
With week 6 set and in the periphery, the best offensive performances clearly stand out.
If any Pac-12 football fans doubted Tate’s arm-strength prior to this game, his 75-yard touchdown shred those doubts. Tate, against a competitive Colorado team, was exceptional. He went 31 for 41 with three touchdowns and just one interception. In addition to that 75-yard bomb, Tate showed strength, touch, and precision. Unlike UW’s consolidated target share, Tate completed passes to 11 different receivers. Of those, five receivers had at least three receptions. Khalil Tate was a top-notch quarterback against Colorado.
Additionally, he displayed his dual-threat capability. On third and six, with just 57 seconds left, Tate ended the game with his legs. He rushed for 7 yards, a first down, and the win. Well done Khalil Tate.
Against the 15th-ranked Washington football team, Cameron Scarlett was productive and consistent. He carried the ball 33 times for 151 yards and one touchdown and upset the ranked, Pac-12 football opponent. Additionally, he caught two receptions for 32 yards. It was a good night for the senior back.
But most importantly, Scarlett was a closer. In the fourth quarter, without quarterback Davis Mills, Stanford elected to run the ball. Repeatedly. Other than when Ryan Bowman sacked Jack West, Scarlett rushed every offensive play of Stanford’s final two drives. 12 rushes on 13 plays. Those two drives took up nearly eight minutes of possession. Additionally, they resulted in a field goal (10-point lead) and a punt, placed at the Washington 17 with 54 seconds left. Scarlett closed that game for Stanford.
Best Wide Receiver Performance
Tony Brown – Colorado
One play after a 49-yard hookup from Montez, @tonybrownxviii takes it in by himself. He's becoming a cheat code.
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) October 5, 2019
Even though Colorado lost, Tony Brown can’t be blamed. He was, yet again, Colorado’s best player. He secured all 10 targets for 141 yards. 10 targets and 10 receptions. If only the Huskies had those hands.
On top of that, Tony Brown took an end-around for a 15-yard touchdown. He followed blocks, eluded defenders, stiff-armed a would-be-tackler, and earned that touchdown. His talent is becoming more and more apparent. He’s one of the best Pac-12 football receivers out there and is displaying versatility and reliability.
Best Tight End Performance
Jacob Breeland – Oregon
Senior Jacob Breeland is the national leader among tight ends with five touchdowns this season.
His reliability has been crucial, catching 18 of his 21 targets this season.
Against Cal, Jacob Breeland was Justin Herbert’s favorite target. 5 receptions for 87 yards. Most don’t expect to see a tight end lead his team in receptions and yards. Especially not with 17.4 yards-per-reception. But Breeland is a different type of beast for the Pac-12 football conference.
Disagree with the Best Pac-12 football players list?
If you disagree with this list, send in your own recommendations. Each week, Unafraidshow will rank the best quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end performances from Pac-12 football. Be sure to comment, tweet Unafraidshow, or email us immad@unafraidshow.com with your favorite moments of each Pac-12 football week.
Week 6 in Pac-12 Football was another week where the underdogs thrived. George and Ralph discuss all the games from the Pac-12 conference and grade the performances. Also, there is a new worst team in the Pac-12 for the first time in 5+ years. And of course, we get the Pac-12 Power Rankings for week 7.
The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.
Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.
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In addition to breaking down all the Pac-12 football matchups for week 6, the Apostles talk about the new California Fair Play Act which allows college athletes to be compensated for the use of their name image and likeness. They also discuss the details of the California law and how it affects South Carolina, Colorado, and New York legislation, and how it will affect the NCAA. Here is a Great article with details about it.
George and Ralph break down Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott’s talking points about a new media rights deal and private equity Partners.
The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast. Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.
Visit Unafraid Show to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.
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To think, just a few weeks ago UW football was down and out. But, with another big win, Washington launched itself two spots to No.15 in the nation. Ahead of them, Oregon sits a No.13, eyeing a chance to claim the Pac-12. Did UW football prove enough with their win against USC?
Washington’s Defense Can Shut Down the Air Raid Offense
Against Utah, USC’s Michael Pittman Jr. caught 10 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. That aided the Trojans to an upset win. But, against Washington, all he could accumulate was 4 receptions for 64 yards and 1 touchdown.
More importantly, UW’s defense only allowed 163 passing yards from Matt Fink. They also picked him off three times in their win. If they want to compete against Oregon, Washington needs to slow down Justin Herbert’s offense. Against USC, they at least showed that’s possible.
No, they don’t always make it pretty. But, Washington is getting the W’s. that’s the first, key take-away. Yes, they allowed 212 yards rushing to the Trojans, but they only gave up 14 points. They actually had less offensive yards than the Trojans. However, the UW football team capitalized on turnovers.
With short fields, they put up points. Jacob Eason still shows a split-personality of elite-mediocre, but he didn’t throw any interceptions. He leaned on his playmakers and allowed Salvon Ahmed, Richard Newton, Aaron Fuller, Hunter Bryant and Andre Baccellia to take the load.
Though five games, Peyton Henry is 9-of-9 in field goals and 22-of-22 in extra points. The sophomore kicker is having a stellar season. Additionally, Joel Whitford is launching and placing his punts well.
With close games in their future, they’ll need Henry and Whitford to stay clutch and cold.
It’s Down to Oregon and Washington in the Pac-12 North
After Chase Garbers went down, Cal lost their hope of a 2019 playoff run. This further solidified Washington and Oregon’s race for first in the Pac-12 North. With their dominant win against USC, UW football is back in the top-15 in the nation. But, Oregon is performing equally as well on offense, with a stout defense.
In their next week, Oregon faces a free-falling Cal and Washington faces an equally undermined Stanford. Each should win handily next week. The real test is on October 19th when they face each other. Expect to see the Pac-12 North champion emerge.
For the 2019 Oregon Ducks football team, a bye week in college football’s week five is just what the doctor ordered. After a slew of injuries to the wide receiving corps in the preseason and the absence of standout center Jake Hanson against Stanford, Oregon enters the week six healthy and ready for a tough gauntlet of Pac-12 games.
They also enter week six with a record 3-1, their only loss coming in week one to a still undefeated Auburn Tigers program. This is good news for Oregon football and its fans, as the Ducks have disposed of Stanford and flashed signs of why they should be considered a favorite to win the Pac-12.
Allowing zero touchdowns in the past three games, Oregon’s defense under new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos has been the most impressive. The Ducks have been aggressive, disciplined and used a shutdown secondary to be one of the most impressive defenses in 2019 so far. And while the level of opponents they’ve faced in recent weeks leaves more to be desired, no touchdowns allowed in three games is no joke.
The Oregon offense, meanwhile, has shown flashes of greatness and vulnerability. Their performance against Auburn is an outstanding representation of both.
After jumping out to a 14-3 lead and looking the dominant team, the Ducks scaled-back against the Tigers and failed to forward early momentum. They lost their muster and eventually the game, scoring just once more while Auburn mounted a comeback.
Some of this has been blamed on offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo, who attempted to prove doubters wrong with a 77-point explosion against Nevada. Yet the Ducks looked inconsistent against Montana and failed to get anything going against Stanford, instead relying on scoring drives sprinkled here-and-there.
Is this the beginning of a new era for Oregon? One in which the defense commands attention and the offense plays more conservative? If the Ducks are to be serious contenders in the Pac-12 and have a shot at the College Football Playoff, they’ll need to figure that out soon.
2019 Oregon Ducks Strengths
Defense: No surprise here. Oregon’s defense has been its biggest strength in 2019. With an experienced secondary and front seven, the Ducks have stifled opposing offenses throughout the young season. Most impressive has been the play of Oregon’s corners and the way they’ve adapted to the nickel position and STUD position Andy Avalos loves to incorporate. The Oregon defense has been aggressive, instinctive and dominant. If they continue to hold ground, they could be the top defensive unit in the Pac-12 at year’s end.
Wide Receivers: Big surprise here. After suffering a number of injuries to key wide receivers before the season began, Oregon’s healthy receivers have been nothing but impressive throughout 2019. Johnny Johnson III and Jacob Breeland (technically a tight end) are particular standouts.
Now that the Ducks are healthier at wide receiver and expecting Juwan Johnson, Mycah Pittman and Brenden Schooler back this week, they may have almost too many standouts to distribute to. Poor Justin Herbert.
2019 Oregon Ducks Weaknesses
Consistency: The Ducks have been frustratingly inconsistent in 2019. At times they’ve looked like a top-10 team while at others completely lost. Oregon has failed, outside Nevada, to really separate from teams as they have in the past. If they’re going to challenge for the Pac-12 crown, they’ll need to put together more dominating quarters and halves of play.
Running Game: As surprising as Oregon’s dominant receivers has been the Ducks’ less-than-dominating rushing attack. Neither C.J. Verdell or Travis Dye has emerged as a lead back, each flashing speed but consistently looking hesitant to hit holes and take charge. With as lauded as Oregon’s offensive line is, the backs need to do a better job of hitting holes and running with confidence.
Offensive MVP: Offensive lineman Penei Sewell
You read that right. Sophomore offensive lineman Penei Sewell has been the offensive MVP for the Oregon Ducks so far in 2019. Already establishing a name for himself as a true freshman, Sewell has continued to impress both a Pac-12 and national audience. He has been dominant, tenacious and consistently rated as one of the best offensive linemen in the nation.
Defensive MVP: Safety Jevon Holland
Jevon Holland will be a first-round pick in a future NFL Draft. A true sophomore, Holland has imposed his will against opposing receivers and been confident in stepping into the nickel position when called upon. Showcasing a knack for reading the quarterback, Holland has two interceptions and been critical in preventing big plays. Even more, Holland uses his speed and physicality to step up and help stuff the run and short passing game, posting 21 tackles on the year (15 solo).
Most Surprising Player: Wide receiver Johnny Johnson III
Those in the Oregon program are not surprised by wide receiver Johnny Johnson III’s numbers but the rest of the nation may be. After taking a backseat to other receivers in the past, Johnson’s work ethic and drive have clearly paid off. He has been Oregon’s best true receiver and leads the group in targets and yards. And though his production may drop with the addition of Juwan Johnson, Mycah Pittman and Brenden Schooler, look for Johnson III to be a consistent force for the Ducks throughout 2019.
2019 Oregon Ducks Bye Week
Oregon is rightfully the highest-ranked team in the Pac-12. They have looked the most impressive, been the least vulnerable and are returning key players from injury. That said, the Ducks being ranked behind two other one-loss teams in the current college football rankings is also justified. For all their strengths they have shown a few weaknesses that could hurt them down the road, inconsistency being the big one.
The Ducks will need to shore up those issues fast, as they are entering the toughest part of their schedule. With a big game against California this week, Oregon then hosts Colorado, heads to Washington and hosts Washington State to finish a tough October schedule. Games against California and Washington may prove the toughest of these matchups.
If Oregon manages to showcase their abilities and put together more consistent play, the Ducks could continue to shoot up the college football rankings and establish themselves as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
Another great NFL week is over. Week 4 is in the books and there are plenty of excellent Pac-12 NFL performances. Here are the best, broken down by college.
Strong sequence of events there for #Titans defense, which forces a TO on downs:
Jayon Brown with a big tipped pass. Kenny Vaccaro, Reggie Gilbert good pursuit on an end-around to Julio Jones. Cam Wake with a PBU after good pressure. Then great penetration by Vaccaro on fourth.
Against Atlanta, Gilbert was an impactful force on defense. His ability to make open field tackles and pressure the quarterback was needed. Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons couldn’t get much going against the Titans.
Arizona State
Terrell Suggs – Arizona Cardinals
Timeless.
That is career sack #135.5 for Terrell Suggs; most among active players & just 11 in NFL history have more pic.twitter.com/twbLPCvP8B
At 36 (soon to be 37), he’s still making big moves. Against the Seahawks, Suggs displayed power and presence. Yet again, he was able to make big plays. His best play of the night was his strip-sack of Russell Wilson.
On the day, Suggs totaled 8 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 quarterback hit and 1 forced fumble. Brushing off his advancing age, Suggs put in another quality performance. Games like this remind us that he will always be one of the best Pac-12 NFL players to ever play.
For the first time this season, Aaron Rodgers surpassed 300 yards. In fact, he passed for 422 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rodgers also added 46 rushing yards, showing he’s still got athleticism.
But, more important, Rodgers came through in the clutch. Down 27 to 34, he led his team to the opposing three-yard line. With just 28 seconds left. It was another classic Rodgers performance.
First interception of the season for Aaron Rodgers and that’s ballgame.
However, Rodgers threw his first interception of the season. It was a heartbreaking throw, reminiscent to Russell Wilson’s interception in Super Bowl XLIX. Nonetheless, Rodgers showed us that he still should be regarded as one of the better Pac-12 NFL players.
Colorado
Chidobe Awuzie – Dallas Cowboys
In a tight game against the Saints, Chidobe Awuzie played well. In addition to 6 tackles and defending a pass, Awuzie got his first interception of the season. And it was a beaut!
More than just the plays, Awuzie has an incredible attitude.
On how he expects Cowboys to respond to first loss: “There’s only one way. That’s the name of the game right there. Adversity, we’ve all been through it in this league and in our lives. I think we know what type of men we are in this room.”
Marcus Mariota is one of the more controversial picks on this Pac-12 NFL players list. Particularly because he’s been up and down this season.
Though Mariota has been inconsistent this season, he played quite well against the Atlanta Falcons. Many criticize Mariota for having a game-manger, safe-quarterback attitude. But, he showed Sunday that he can still make plays and carry a team.
#Titans rookie AJ Brown with a 55-yard TD from Marcus Mariota.
On the season, Mariota has 933 passing yards, 7 passing touchdowns, 7 passing touchdowns and 112 yards. If he is able to maintain this pace, he will end the season with
28 touchdowns
3,712 passing yards
Zero interceptions
448 rushing yards
Here’s to hoping he can finish similar to this stat-line.
Oregon State
Jordan Poyer – Buffalo Bills
Keep Jordan Poyer on the best Pac-12 NFL players list! He continues to play well for the Buffalo Bills. Most recently, against the formidable New England Patriots, Poyer and the Bills made it a game. Poyer swung in for some key tackles, big hits and even forced a fumble.
Honestly, it’s impossible for football fans to not like Christian McCaffrey. He continues to be the best dual-threat running back in the NFL. It’s also in his range of outcomes to reach 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards. He would join Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk in glory.
Bottom line, tune in to watch Christian McCaffrey every game.
UCLA
Eric Kendricks – Minnesota Vikings
Vikings Player Eric Kendricks and The Sheridan Story are once again inviting fans to help keep kids in Minnesota fed and healthy by making a pledge for every sack recorded throughout the month of October. Learn more: https://t.co/SUMA8bCF35
In their loss to the Chicago Bears, Eric Kendricks was all over the field for the Minnesota Vikings. He led the team with 12 combined tackles. For the few Vikings fans that are still watching, Kendricks is a bright spot in a dark chasm. He is a Pro-Bowl-caliber linebacker and needs to be recognized.
USC
Everson Griffen – Minnesota Vikings
No, this isn’t a Minnesota Vikings fan page. But, Unafraidshow still has to give props when they are due for our favorite Pac-12 NFL players. Everson Griffen is a baller. In each game this season, he’s hit the opposing quarterback at least once. Among NFL players, he’s one of 11 players with at least 8 quarterback hits.
Everson Griffen forces a fumble at the 16 yard line; hits Trey Burton and the ball pops out. Harrison Smith tries to track it down but Chicago recovers. Bears are challenging the completion.
Against Mitchell Trubisky, he managed to pressure him consistently and hit him twice. No, they didn’t get the win. But, Griffen still managed to put in a solid outing for Week 4.
Utah
Marcus Williams – New Orleans Saints
For Utah, Marcus Williams is playing at a near-elite level. Per Pro-Football-Focus, Williams has an overall grade of 89.3. 2019 is his season. He’s yet another defensive Pac-12 NFL player on our list.
Not only did Williams seal the victory for the New Orlean Saints, but he played every defensive snap for the Saints. He was incredible against the Cowboys.
Lattimore may be disappointing Saints fans this year, but Marcus Williams shouldn’t.
Washington
Kevin King – Green Bay Packers
Should Kevin King have been on Unafraidshow’s Week 3 best Pac-12 NFL Players list? Certainly not. The Denver Broncos picked on his inconsistency.
But, even though Kevin King has been inconsistent for the Green Bay Packers this season, he shut Alshon Jeffrey down in Week 4. King was the Packers highest-graded PFF defender.
Unfortunately for the Packers, King went down with a groin injury. Along with Davante Adams’ injury, the Packers lost key contributors in their loss to the Eagles. However, if he can come back quickly, King can add to an impressive secondary.
Can we, in our Pac-12 loving hearts, ever take Gardner Minshew off this list? Jock-Strap King (per Leonard Fournette), is playing out of his mind right now.
In four games (just three starts), Minshew has 905 yards, 7 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Additionally, his pocket-movement is beautiful. How can anyone go against the mustache at this point?
Missed the Best Pac-12 NFL Players List from Week 3?
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