Florida’s running back, Trevor Etienne, delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for a career-high 172 yards on 23 carries. He helped secure a touchdown to help the Gators win in a 29-16 upset victory over No. 11 Tennessee in Gainesville. His outstanding display earned him the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The 5’9″ and 205-pound sophomore set the tone for Florida with a spectacular 62-yard touchdown run, surprising a Tennessee defense that was allowing only 87 rushing yards per game before this clash. Etienne’s remarkable 172-yard performance marked his third 100-yard rushing game in his career and his first of the 2023 season. He was responsible for six of Florida’s eight explosive plays. Florida has maintained a dominant track record against Tennessee, winning 17 of the last 19 meetings in the series, with an impressive streak of 10 consecutive victories in Gainesville.
Honorable Mentions:
- Jonathon Brooks of Texas: Brooks played a pivotal role in Texas’ 31-10 triumph over Wyoming, contributing career highs of 164 yards on 21 carries. The sophomore played a significant role in two fourth-quarter touchdown drives that broke the game open for the Longhorns after a 10-10 third-quarter tie.
- Tahj Brooks of Texas Tech: In a commanding 41-3 victory over Tarleton, Tajh Brooks rushed for a career-high 158 yards. The senior from Manor, Texas, averaged an impressive 8.3 yards per carry on 19 attempts and reached the 100-yard mark for the fifth time in his career, marking his first such achievement of the season. His 19 carries also set a new career high.
Photo Cred: 247 Sports
- Audric Estimé of Notre Dame: Estimé continued his impressive form by setting a career-high for the second consecutive week, amassing 176 yards and adding a touchdown in Notre Dame’s 41-17 victory over Central Michigan. The junior from Nyack, New York, has now achieved three consecutive 100-yard performances (134 against NC State and 116 against Tennessee State), marking a significant milestone in his career. He is also one of only three FBS backs to have achieved three games with over 100 rushing yards.
- Kyle Monangai of Rutgers: Monangai powered his way to 143 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries in Rutgers’ 35-16 win over Virginia Tech. This achievement marked the first time a Scarlet Knight has surpassed 100 rushing yards in consecutive games since 2016. Monangai leads the Big Ten in rushing.
Photo Cred: 247 Sports
- Nate Noel of App State: Noel made an immediate impact by scoring from 68 yards out on App State’s second offensive play and continued his impressive form with a career-high 193 yards on 26 attempts. This marked his fourth consecutive 100-yard game, dating back to last season, as the Mountaineers secured a 43-28 victory over East Carolina.
