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Heisman Watch Going Into November

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1. QB Michael Penix Jr. of Washington

Michael Penix Jr. - Football - University of Washington ...

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Penix bounced back from his earlier shaky performance against Arizona State by throwing 369 yards and four touchdowns in a hard-fought win against Stanford. His upcoming matchup against USC’s vulnerable defense presents a golden opportunity for Penix to bolster his odds. He also holds a win over Oregon.

2. QB Bo Nix of Oregon

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Bo Nix is playing the best ball of his life. In an impressive display on Saturday, the senior quarterback delivered against one of the nation’s top defenses. He racked up three touchdowns and 248 passing yards in Oregon’s dominant victory over Utah. Nix’s Heisman candidacy is now firmly in the top three.

3. QB Jordan Travis of Florida State

Jordan Travis' long, agonizing crawl toward success has ...Photo Cred: CBS

Let’s not overlook the most impressive stat: Jordan Travis has thrown 18 touchdown passes while only being intercepted twice. That level of performance from a quarterback is synonymous with championship-caliber football. Travis has put FSU on his back and returned them to national contenders.

4. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State

Marvin Harrison Jr. - 2023 - Football - Ohio State

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With another exceptional showing, Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to solidify his status as the top receiver in college football. This includes a performance of 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin. He has become a more convincing Heisman Trophy contender with each passing week. Harrison is the best wide receiver in the country.

5. QB J.J. McCarthy of Michigan

J.J. McCarthy - Football - University of Michigan Athletics

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J.J. McCarthy is closing in on his career-high of 22 touchdown passes, with just four more to go, and he’s achieving a personal-best 5.1 yards per carry. It’s high time to recognize that McCarthy is enjoying a fantastic season, even if his competition has been less challenging. McCarthy is on track for the best year of his career.

Sports Radio America’s College Football Rankings

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1. Georgia

Georgia football instant observations as Bulldogs bludgeon Florida in rivalry winPhoto Cred: Dawg Nation

2. Michigan

Sporting News predicts Michigan football to national championship gamePhoto Cred: Wolverines Wire

3. Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes Best of 2023: Elite WR Trio ShinesPhoto Cred: College Football Network

4. Florida State Wake Forest Football Preview: Florida State Seminoles - Blogger So DearPhoto Cred: Blogger So Dear

5. Washington

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6. Oregon

On College Football: Oregon begins new era; Oregon State continues building | Sports | portlandtribune.com

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Can A.J. Brown Win MVP?

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In the realm of NFL MVP candidates, A.J. Brown’s name has steadily gained traction, and for good reason. Brown’s exceptional performance has turned heads this season, stirring up discussions about his potential candidacy for the league’s most prestigious individual award. The former Tennessee Titans’ wide receiver has set records, made his quarterback’s life easier, and consistently delivered remarkable performances. All of this gives him a compelling case for MVP consideration.

A.J. Brown - Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver - ESPN

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He etched his name into the NFL record books by becoming the first player in the league’s history to record 125 or more receiving yards in six consecutive games. This incredible feat shattered a post-merger record previously held by the legendary Calvin Johnson. Brown’s consistency in this regard is a testament to his skill, work ethic, and impact on the field.
One of the most compelling aspects of Brown’s MVP case is the profound influence he has had on his team and his quarterback, Jalen Hurts.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver has the ability to consistently make big plays and come through in clutch situations, which has made life considerably easier for Hurts. The connection between the two players is undeniable and vital to the Eagles’ success this season. This chemistry was displayed in the recent game against Washington, where Brown once again showed his mettle. Both of his touchdowns in that game were tightly contested catches, further highlighting his clutch performances.

AJ Brown sets NFL record as Eagles use second-half surge to beat Commanders | Fox News

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When the pressure is on, A.J. Brown rises to the occasion, demonstrating a unique ability to excel in high-stakes moments. One of Brown’s defining characteristics is his knack for reeling in deep throws. Since the beginning of last season, he has amassed an astonishing 12 receiving touchdowns on throws of 15 yards or more downfield, making him the NFL leader in this category. His deep-threat capabilities put immense pressure on opposing defenses, often resulting in game-changing plays.

San Francisco 49ers Face Challenges as They Approach Their Bye Week

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As the San Francisco 49ers approach their bye week, concerns have emerged regarding their performance on both sides of the ball. A team that was once riding high with a 5-0 record and considered a top contender for the Super Bowl has hit a rough patch, raising questions about the reasons behind their recent struggles.

Defensive Woes

The 49ers defensive line has dominated through three weeks of the 2023 NFL season | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF

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One of the key areas of concern for San Francisco is their defense, which has found some difficulty to get off the field in recent games. This issue can be attributed to a combination of poor tackling and a lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, combined with soft coverage in the secondary. The 49ers, known for their formidable defense in the past, are now struggling to stop their opponents, putting immense pressure on the offense to compensate for their shortcomings.

Offensive Struggles

On the offensive side, the Niners have also faced difficulties. A once-unstoppable offense has become mistake-prone, particularly in critical situations. The inability to capitalize on opportunities and make costly errors at inopportune times has hindered their performance. This downturn in offensive effectiveness has contributed to the team’s recent losing streak.

Injury Concerns

49ers injury news: Deebo Samuel out vs. Browns

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Injuries have further complicated matters for the 49ers. Key players have been sidelined due to various ailments, disrupting the team’s rhythm and performance. While the upcoming bye week provides an opportunity for players to recover and return to full health, San Francisco still faces significant challenges ahead.

A Drastic Turn of Fortunes

Just three weeks ago, SF was riding high with an undefeated record and were prominently featured on the list of Super Bowl contenders. However, their fortunes have taken a drastic turn, with the team now standing at 5-3 and facing uncertainties as they head into the trade deadline.

Quarterback Struggles

49ers' Brock Purdy practices fully after concussion diagnosis, could play against Bengals | Fox News

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It is impossible to ignore the struggles of the SF’s quarterback, Brock Purdy, in the recent loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He threw two costly interceptions in that game, bringing his total to five interceptions during the team’s three-game losing streak. These turnovers have added to the challenges faced by the 49ers and have raised concerns about Purdy’s performance as the team’s signal-caller.

Looking Ahead

As the Niners approach their bye week, they must address the issues plaguing their defense and offense, while simultaneously dealing with player injuries. The upcoming trade deadline offers a potential opportunity to strengthen the team and address its weaknesses. Before entering the most challenging stretch of their schedule, SF must engage in some serious self-reflection to regain their early-season form.

The San Francisco 49ers, once considered a Super Bowl favorite, are now grappling with multiple issues. Defensive struggles, offensive mistakes, player injuries, and the performance of their quarterback have been holding the team back. Their upcoming bye week provides a crucial period for regrouping and strategizing for the challenging games ahead. The Niners face an uphill battle to recapture their early-season success and reestablish themselves as contenders in the NFL.

Who Should the Vikings Pursue After Kirk Cousins’ Injury?

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The Minnesota Vikings secured their third consecutive victory on Sunday, October 29th by routing the Green Bay Packers. However, amidst their recent success, they have suffered a major setback… Quarterback Kirk Cousins has now sustained a season-ending Achilles tear. This untimely blow poses a significant challenge for a team that had been gaining momentum in the competitive NFC North. Now, the Vikings find themselves at a crossroads, needing to quickly navigate this hurdle to stay in the postseason mix.

Cousins’ injury adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation. In the midst of this crisis, the Vikings are left with a void at the quarterback position and a pressing need to find a suitable replacement. The trade deadline is looming, and Minnesota must make critical decisions to salvage their season.

One potential solution is former Pro Bowler Ryan Tannehill. Currently with the Tennessee Titans, he is arguably the most accomplished veteran available on the trade market. The Titans, with the emergence of rookie Will Levis, may be willing to part ways with Tannehill. However, there’s a catch. He is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain. Even if Tennessee agrees to absorb part of his contract, the Vikings must weigh the risk of acquiring an aging quarterback with a history of medical issues. Nevertheless, Tannehill’s track record as a serviceable and playoff-caliber play-action passer makes him a potentially high-upside rental for Minnesota.

The Titans Believe in Ryan Tannehill. Does Anyone Else? | Sports | nashvillescene.com

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Another option in the trade market is Jameis Winston. The New Orleans Saints would prefer to keep Winston as a backup to Derek Carr. However, Winston is set to hit free agency after the season, so he holds value as a potential rental. He is known for his risk-taking style of play, which contrasts with Cousins. Regardless, he has demonstrated the ability to control the ball when needed, so the Vikings could consider him as an alternative.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston eats a W, makes young fan's year

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Finally, Andy Dalton is a signal-caller who may be available. The Carolina Panthers see Dalton as a reliable mentor for their top pick, Bryce Young. However, Young has started to show promise as an NFL quarterback. Dalton is the epitome of a plug-and-play quarterback, having offered serviceable spot-starter work with the Saints and Panthers over the past two years. The question for Minnesota is whether he can provide the stability they need to stay in playoff contention.

Frank Reich: Andy Dalton taking short-yardage reps can limit rookie Bryce Young's 'exposure'

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With Cousins sidelined for the season, the Vikings find themselves at a critical juncture. They must make swift and strategic decisions in the trade market to secure a capable quarterback and maintain their position in the playoff race. The clock is ticking as the trade deadline approaches, and Minnesota’s future hangs in the balance.

Non-Playoff Big Six Bowl Game Projections

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Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Oklahoma vs. OregonGoodyear Cotton Bowl Classic - College Football Playoff

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In the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, we witness a showdown between Oklahoma and Oregon. The Ducks, led by Dan Lanning, appear to be the most formidable one-loss team. It’s my prediction that they will secure the sixth spot in the initial rankings. Both quarterbacks in this matchup, Bo Nix (178.6) and Dillon Gabriel (169.8), find themselves among the top 10 in passer efficiency. The Ducks (45.5) and the Sooners (41.9) are in the top five in scoring offense.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Alabama vs. Penn State

Peach Bowl - Wikipedia

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The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl promises to be a classic with Alabama taking on Penn State. This game evokes memories of legendary clashes between Bear Bryant and Joe Paterno. The Crimson Tide and the Nittany Lions still have playoff hopes. This the type of game that could become a regular feature in the 12-team playoff model. Penn State allows 11.5 points per game, while Alabama allows 16.5 points. Both boast solid scoring defenses.

Capital One Orange Bowl: LSU vs. Louisville

Orange Bowl - Wikipedia

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In the Capital One Orange Bowl, first-year coach Jeff Brohm’s Louisville team seeks yo make the prestigious New Year’s Day Six Bowl. It’s a showcase game for running back Jawhar Jordan, who averages 7.5 yards per carry. The hope is that Jayden Daniels, who leads the FBS in total offense with 386.8 yards per game, will play for the Tigers. Brian Kelly’s LSU squad is still pushing for a spot in the SEC championship game, despite being a long shot with two losses.

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Air Force vs. Washington

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl - College Football Playoff

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The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl features an exciting clash between Air Force and Washington. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads college football in passing yards per game with 399.0. In contrast, Air Force, under the guidance of Zac Larrier, leads the FBS in rushing yards with 300.4 yards per game. The stark difference in playing styles sets the stage for an entertaining matchup, and it’s worth noting that these teams have not faced each other since 2005.

Louisville Climbs AP Top 25 Poll, Eyes Orange Bowl Bid

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The Louisville Cardinals are making significant strides in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll after a dominant victory over Duke, positioning themselves for a shot at the prestigious Orange Bowl. Following their recent shutout win in a top-20 matchup against Duke, the Louisville football program (7-1, 4-1 ACC) has seen its stock rise. In Week 10 of the poll, the Cardinals garnered an impressive 666 votes, climbing from their previous No. 18 ranking to a noteworthy No. 15. In their first game after a bye week, the Cardinals displayed their prowess, utilizing an efficient ground game and a stifling defense to dismantle No. 20 Duke.

Louisville football: Jeff Brohm's team delivers in 23-0 win over Duke

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Jawhar Jordan led the charge on the ground, accumulating 163 rushing yards as part of a team total of 234 yards. The Louisville defense was equally impressive, holding the Blue Devils to 202 yards of total offense, who only gained a mere 51 yards on the ground. The Orange Bowl projections have remained unchanged, with the matchup of Louisville vs. Ohio State solidified. This scenario places Louisville in prime position for the Orange Bowl as the top-ranked ACC team not participating in the playoffs.

Louisville football score? Jeff Brohm and Cards beat Duke in ACC game

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Their impressive 23-0 shutout victory against Duke over the weekend reinforces their claim for this prestigious postseason appearance. On the other side of the equation, Ohio State is expected to receive a New Year’s Six bid as a non-playoff Big Ten team. The stage is set for an exciting clash between two powerhouse football programs, and fans can look forward to an epic showdown on December 30 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and the ESPN App, ensuring that football enthusiasts across the nation can witness this thrilling matchup.

Oregon Dismantles Utah 35-6 as the Ducks Seek a Playoff Berth

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The Oregon Ducks handed the Utah Utes their first loss at home since 2020 in a shockingly lopsided game on Saturday. Oregon was in the driver’s seat from the first possession, needing just six plays to score. Bo Nix once again proved himself as a potential Heisman candidate with another dominant performance.

He opened the game by completing 14 of his first 15 passes and notching two touchdowns. Nix’s offensive line would also back him assertively, holding the Utah defense without a sack for the first time since Week 2. Nix would finish with 248 yards and three touchdowns on the day.

Bo Nix throws for two TDs, No. 8 Oregon rolls over No. 13 Utah 35-6 | Associated Press | heraldandnews.com

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Speaking on Nix and his performance, Oregon coach Dan Lanning would say: “He thinks he’s Goliath, and at times he performs like it. The proof’s in the pudding. We got an elite quarterback.”

Running back and budding star Bucky Irving had a quieter game coming off a massive performance against Washington State. He still came out with 83 yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries for the game. Troy Franklin led the Ducks’ receiving core with eight receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks’ defense stifled Utah all game, holding them without a touchdown for the first time since the 2018 Pac-12 championship.

Oregon Ducks football at Utah Utes: Game score, updates

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“When you get beat like that, you don’t want to berate your team and browbeat them,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “What happened out there was enough.”  Next Saturday, Oregon will play host to California in Autzen Stadium, and Utah will host Arizona State.

The Utes were ineffective on the ground, averaging only 2.8 yards a carry. They were hoping that quarterback Bryson Barnes would pick up some of the slack. This was not the case, however; Barnes completed only 15 of his 29 passes for 136 yards and two interceptions. Devaughn Vele notched a season-high 80 yards on seven receptions for the Utes, but this did little to shake Oregon’s dominance.

The Buffs’ Offensive Line Woes Reach a Boiling Point in UCLA Loss

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Colorado was in desperate need of a win coming out of their bye week but came up short, falling to No. 23 UCLA 28-16 on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl. This loss drops the Buffs to 4-4 overall, and their bowl hopes are now very much in jeopardy with three ranked teams remaining on the schedule.

“First and foremost, great game by the UCLA Bruins,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said postgame. “I adore their head coach tremendously. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He’s a great coach. I’m glad we finally got our contest over so I can call him and get advice from time to time. We discussed that before the game and after the game. He’s one of the real ones, he’s one of the good ones, and he knows what he’s doing, so I can gain a lot from him. Today, we played our butts off. I’m proud of the kids. I really am proud of these young men. They hung in there as long as they could.”

Colorado vs. UCLA score, takeaways: Bruins defense tallies seven sacks in stifling win over Colorado - CBSSports.com

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The Buffs’ porous offensive line was once again a theme in this game, just as it has been in many of their losses and even their wins this season. Shedeur Sanders was pressured 24 times, hit 17 times, and took seven sacks against an elite UCLA front that features multiple future NFL pass rushers. Anytime the Buffaloes had to drop back to pass, Sanders was under siege, making it impossible to function offensively.

Laiatu Latu led the Bruins’ pass rush. He finished with two sacks, while the Murphy twins (Gabriel and Grayson) recorded 1.5 sacks each. Outside of that, they had six tackles for loss and five QB hits, constantly destroying the hapless Colorado front.

“I don’t think any other quarterback could put up with a stand and deliver like ours do, week in and week out, and taking the beating that he’s taking,” Sanders said. “We gotta address that. We gotta address that scheme-wise, we gotta address that functionally, what we have on the line, and we just gotta do a better job. We really do.”

Colorado hung around in the first half thanks to four first half takeaways. Two of them were fumble recoveries and star corner Travis Hunter snatched a pair of spectacular interceptions. After a rough outing against Stanford, Hunter returned to his usual level on Saturday night. After leading 7-6 at the half, the Bruins sent a message to start the third quarter, scoring in two plays to take a 14-6 lead. They would never look back, adding two more scores before the Buffs’ final touchdown in garbage time to win 28-16.

UCLA dominates on defense in win over Deion Sanders and Colorado - Los Angeles Times

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Despite all the pressure, Shedeur Sanders still finished 27-for-43 with 217 yards and a late score. He was unable to push the ball down the field for most of the game due to the opposing pass rush. Xavier Weaver led their receiving core with five grabs for 86 yards. Hunter had a quiet day on offense, just catching three passes for seven yards, but he certainly made his impact on the defensive end. Colorado struggled to run the ball, finishing the game with 38 yards on the ground after 24 attempts.

“Well, it’s a struggle to run the ball. It’s a struggle to run the ball,” Sanders said. “And we gotta figure that out because now you’re one-dimensional, and it’s easy to stop a team when they’re one-dimensional. And that’s who we are at this point in time.”

On the UCLA side, Ethan Garbers finished 20-for-27 with 269 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The UCLA signal caller constantly found Logan Loya, who caught seven passes for 111 yards. UCLA dominated on the ground as well, running for 218 yards as a team on 45 carries. The Buffs’ defensive front played one of their better games in this one but still couldn’t hold off the UCLA ground attack for 60 minutes. Next up for the Buffs is another ranked opponent in Oregon State, who will come to Boulder next Saturday night. Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. MST.

Arizona State Sun Devils Plays Spoiler to Washington State’s Bowl Hopes

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In a recent matchup against the Washington Huskies, the Arizona State Sun Devils showcased their ability to create turnovers, yet their inability to capitalize on these opportunities emerged as a significant concern. The Sun Devils forced three turnovers during the game but found themselves squandering the advantageous field position by punting the ball or settling for field goals. To address this issue, Arizona State must prioritize converting these turnovers into touchdowns, a strategic shift that could significantly alleviate the pressure on their defense.

SunDevilSource - Arizona State Sun Devils Football Recruiting

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The opportunity to address this concern presented itself last week, as the Sun Devils gear up to face a relatively average opponent in Washington State. The Cougars, with a record of 4-3, provided the ideal setting for the Sun Devils to execute and make the most of their defensive turnovers. Notably, the Cougars’ highest point total this season stands at 28 points, a mark they reached in a 42-28 loss to USC. In their recent contest against Washington State (on October 28th), the Sun Devils put on an impressive offensive display. They accumulated a total of 509 yards, with 274 of those yards coming through the air.

Quarterback Trenton Bourguet delivered a standout performance, completing 19 of his 26 passing attempts. The ground game was equally potent, with Cameron Skattebo amassing 121 rushing yards on 11 carries, including a touchdown. DeCarlos Brooks had a notable performance as well, contributing 11 carries for 67 yards and an impressive three touchdowns, marking his first three of the season. With this victory, the Sun Devils improved their season record to 2-6. Their next challenge looms as they face a formidable opponent in #18 Utah.

Brooks scores 3 TDs; Arizona State breaks 6-game losing streak in 38-27 win over Washington State. - The San Diego Union-Tribune

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On the flip side, the Washington State Cougars now hold a 4-4 record with this loss. Their immediate focus turns to an upcoming game against Stanford as they aim to regain their winning momentum. The final score of this thrilling encounter favored the Sun Devils, concluding with a tally of 38 for ASU and 27 for Washington State. As Arizona State reflects on their success and missed opportunities, their attention shifts to the importance of converting turnovers into touchdowns, a crucial factor in securing future victories.