Pac-12 Football Highlights of Week 3
Last week, Kedon Slovis, K.D. Nixon, Marcel Dancy and Jacob Breeland rounded out the best Pac-12 football offensive performances. This week, we have new and fresh faces.
Best Quarterback Performance
Anthony Gordon – Washington State
For Cougar fans, Anthony Gordon finally makes this list. And rightfully so. Against New Mexico State and Northern Colorado, it made sense to keep some skepticism. Gordon and the Cougars weren’t truly tested in either of those outings. But, in Week 3, against a competitive Houston football team, Anthony and the Pac-12 football Cougs maintained their excellence.
In three straight weeks, Anthony Gordon passed for at least 420 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is a perfect fit for the Mike Leach Air Raid offense. Gordon already has:
- 96 completions on 122 attempts
- 1,324 passing yards
- 12 touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
Counting stats are great. But, leading a team, down 7-14 at half, to beat Houston 31-24 shows incredible poise. In the win, he spread the ball around to nine different receivers and completed 75-percent of his passes. Four different receivers caught passes of 30-plus yards. His arm-strength, pocket-awareness and overall quarterback abilities were on full display.
With performances like this each week, Gordon is making a case to be drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Best Running Back Performance
Zack Moss – Utah
Other than Eno Benjamin, there is no running back better than Zack Moss in Pac-12 football. Against Idaho State, Moss recorded his 13th 100-yard game, rushing for 106 yards on just 10 carries. With a touchdown, he passed Eddie Johnson for Utah’s No.2 spot in Ute rushing touchdowns. If Moss scores five more rushing touchdowns this season, he breaks Del Rodgers’ Utah career record. For Utah, Moss is a steady contributor of power and big plays.
Consider his first touch of the game. Moss took the handoff, spun away from a tackle and ran for 38 yards. It’s unreal how efficient and effect he’s been thus far. Pac-12 football fans haven’t even seen him unlocked yet because utah keeps running away with games. Moss does more with 10 carries than other backs do with 20.
Best Wide Receiver Performance
Laviska Shenault Jr. – Colorado
To anyone that watched Pac-12 football’s Colorado take on Air Force, one thing was clear: Laviska Shenault Jr. could not be stopped.
After a slow start against Colorado State and Nebraska, Shenault exploded in Week 3. He showed speed, power and reliability. Shenault was dynamic as a receiver and even as a runner.
On 11 touches, he amassed nearly 150 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns. He was the difference-maker for Colorado again and again. It’s a pity that Colorado couldn’t extend their win-streak. But, Shenault did show why he belongs with the best playmakers in Pac-12 football.
Best Tight End Performance
Hunter Bryant – Washington
Through three weeks of college football, Hunter Bryant is PFF’s top-graded tight end. And not just in Pac-12 football programs. In the country! His athleticism and receiving abilities are exceptional. Against Hawaii, Bryant broke free for the opening touchdown. His 47-yard catch and run epitomizes his offensive ability.
Against Hawaii, Byrant was the Huskies leading receiver.
- 6 Targets
- 5 Receptions
- 115 Yards
- 1 Touchdown
It was an excellent game for Hunter Bryant and a performance we’ll likely see again.
