A banner weekend for College Football indeed, as we saw TAMU knock off Bama paired with a Red River Shootout for the ages. However, as we approach the mid-way point of the season, it feels as though we currently have more questions than answers about the ’22 draft class. Every year we see major risers and fallers (Hell, 15 months ago Max Borghi was a first round pick and Javonte Williams was going undrafted in devy drafts), but week six left us with more questions than answers about a lot of top tier 2022 players. Sam Howell had one good throw (and a productive day on the ground) but was mostly pedestrian vs 1-4 Florida State. Malik Willis had MTSU on deck and proceeded to throw three picks and complete less than 60% of his passes. Oklahoma rushed for 339 yards against Texas, and RB3 hopeful Eric Gray accounted for 37 of them (not good). However, the biggest story of all was the fall from grace of the preseason 1.01 cemented by the ascension of the next possible great OU QB. Spencer Rattler, the former number 1 QB recruit, was benched mid-game in the Red River Shootout for another former number 1 QB recruit, true Freshman Caleb Williams.
The Freshmen
Caleb Williams
Oklahoma – QB – 0.9969 247 composite
Williams took over down multiple scores and engineered a comeback victory that will be immortalized in Sooner lore. Known for his rushing ability, he lived up to the billing in that regard, adding a 66 yard score on the ground. However, it was his moments in the pocket that really turned heads. The Washington DC product played beyond his years, he completed 16 of 28 for 212 yards, two scores, and no picks against Texas. His 98.1 QBR was almost 9 times better than Spencer Rattler’s 11.3. After a performance like this, it is hard to imagine him relinquishing his grip on the starting role, and frankly, Riley would be silly not to formalize the changing of the guard. While Mims undeniably deserves credit for an amazing catch, it is this throw, on the run, fifty yards downfield on 3rd and 19, that instantly transformed me into a fan.
Xavier Worthy
Texas – WR – 0.9713 247 composite
I told myself I would not include him in this section again unless it was an absolutely absurd performance. Well, he stole the show once again Saturday, on perhaps his biggest stage. Against Oklahoma, Worthy hauled in 9 of 11 targets, for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns. It feels unfair to mention his costly fumble in the fourth quarter because it was solely due to his herculean effort that Texas was in the driver seat for as long as they were. It was clear that the sun was shining brightly on Worthy from their first offensive play, a 75-yard screen that he took to the barn, weaving through traffic along the way. He won in a variety of ways, all over the field. The man is a menace and is at a top 6 devy WR at a minimum, easily the number one in the class.
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders
Arkansas – RB – 0.9713 247 composite
Rocket Sanders had without a doubt the best showing of his young career in a shootout against Ole Miss. The Rockledge, FL talent toted the rock 17 times for 139, adding another three catches for 26 yards. This was his first game with over 10 carries and his first game over the century mark. He is currently averaging a healthy 6 YPC on the year and finally started to flash in the receiving game. He picked up steam toward the end of the summer, however, he had flown relatively under the radar entering most Freshman drafts last season, in part due to his ATH recruiting designation. However he and fellow freshman AJ Green have both looked the part, and the Arkansas backfield looks like it will be explosive for years to come. At 6’2” 225 he has great size, and his speed is on display on this 42-yard scamper.
Braelon Allen
Wisconsin – RB – 0.9159 247 composite
A notable absence during week 6 (and for most of the season so far) was Jalen Berger. However, in his stead, the former blue-chip recruit assured the Badger faithful that their backfield was in good hands. At 6’2”, 240lbs the hometown hero is lovingly referred to as a Man-Child by his teammates. Against the Illini, he ran 17 times for 131 and a score. News surfaced yesterday that Jalen Berger has actually been dismissed from the Wisconsin program. The backup role is now Allen’s for the taking, and I like him to really eat into Mellusi’s workload as the season wears on.
Luke Wysong
New Mexico – WR – 0.8051 247 composite
Wysong is quietly having a productive season for the Lobos. He currently leads the team in both yards (222) and receptions (21). He has over 20% market share in both categories. He continued to impress on Saturday, snatching 5 of 7 targets for 51 yards. He has been involved in the return game and already has over 10 rushes on the season as well. He is free in C2C leagues and is a great rebuilding target, as they clearly like him and want to get him involved in any way they can.
Quick Hits
Patrick Smith – Vandy
17 carries for 75 yards against UF. He also added 3 catches for 14 through the air.
Keagan Johnson – Iowa
TreyVeon Henderson – Ohio St
Another day at the office for Mr. 24 RB1. 16 carries for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns, with another 4 for 67 and a score through the air.
Malik McClain – FSU
Only one catch, but it was a fantastic touchdown catch where he came back to help a scrambling quarterback.
Adonai Mitchell – UGA
Only two catches for 10 yards but he showed great route running on his touchdown.
Antario Brown – NIU
Back-to-back games over 90 yards. 93 yards and a score against Toledo.
