–Jacob Murphy
Week five was a great week for college football as there were top performers all over the country. Here are four guys with a possible Heisman trophy in their future that had standout performances within a busy weekend.
Kyler Murray – Quarterback – Oklahoma
Week 5 vs. Baylor: 17-21, 432 yards and 6 touchdowns
Despite not starting due to showing up late to practice, Murray has returned to the list after a record breaking performance against Baylor. Murray was able to surpass the single game Oklahoma passing efficiency record set by Jason White in 2003. Murray responded to the benching with four of his six touchdowns in the first half, highlighted by a 43 yard touchdown to Lee Morris. Murray also ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter which added to the route which ended in a final score of 66-33. Murray has a big game ahead of him, as he will face off against the Texas Longhorns, who always give the Sooners a close game in the Red River showdown.
Dwayne Haskins – Quarterback – Ohio State
Week 5 vs. Penn State: 22-39, 270 yards and 3 touchdowns
Haskins had his first big test as a starter in week five, and he passed as he completed a 12 point comeback in the fourth quarter in one of the craziest atmospheres in college football. Haskins started off slow, only throwing for one touchdown in the first half which came with two minutes left in the second quarter. Haskins and the Buckeyes pulled ahead in the third quarter 14-13, but quickly fell behind after two Penn State touchdowns early in the fourth. With eight minutes remaining, Haskins led his team on two long drives, ending each one with a touchdown pass. The last drive, which ultimately won the game, was a 96 yard drive which ended with a 24 yard touchdown pass from Haskins to K.J. Hill. Ohio State ultimately defeated the 9th ranked Nifty Lions with a final score of 27-26. While Haskins didn’t put up his usual ridiculous numbers, he showed his ability to lead the Buckeyes and stay poised in a tough situation. Haskins should continue to make strides for the Heisman in week six against Indiana.
Will Grier – Quarterback – West Virginia
Week 5 vs. Texas Tech: 27-41, 370 yards and 3 touchdowns
Grier faced off against his first ranked opponent of the season in week five, and seemed to be his usual self on the road in Lubbock, TX. Grier came out with intentions, as he led the mountaineers to a first drive score, which was a 13 yard pass to Gary Jennings. Later in the first quarter, Grier made one of his signature throws down the sideline to Marcus Simms for a 45 yard touchdown. Grier only threw for one more touchdown on the day in the 2nd quarter but had already put up his usual stat line. The Mountaineers eventually won 42-34, and are now sitting at 9th in the country. Grier should put up big numbers in week six, as the Mountaineers will be at home against the 2-3 Kansas Jayhawks.
Laviska Shenault Jr. – Wide Receiver – Colorado
Week 5 vs. UCLA: 12 receptions for 126 yards
Shenault has been under the radar all season, but has been putting up huge numbers and put himself in the All American watch. He has been a part of a Colorado team, that has surged into the top 25 with a 4-0 record on the year. Shenault was all over the place against the Bruins. In the first quarter the 6’ 2’ wide receiver hauled in a 57 yard touchdown pass in which he flat out flew by the UCLA cornerback. Shenault was also effective in the running game, as he scored a touchdown and ran for 18 yards in total. Shenault is now up to 581 receiving yards on the season along with four touchdowns, as Colorado continues to win, expect to hear the name Shenault more and more.