3 Stars of College Football: Week 2 Edition

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We had a couple historic victories in Week 2 of this college football season. After losing to FCS Nicholls State in Week 1, Kansas won their first game on the road since 2009, a streak of 46 straight away losses, good enough for the second longest in college football history. If you think Kansas had to wait long enough to break their streak, imagine how Kentucky felt after beating Florida for the first time since 1986. They lost 31 straight games to the Gators, and it was so shocking to Florida that it may have pushed one of their players to transfer. All joking aside, there were still some great games in Week 2 even if every team in the AP top 10 won. Clemson had to scrape by Texas A&M and Notre Dame didn’t look good against Ball State; but the rest of the teams in the top 10 didn’t have too many problems. Although there were plenty of great games and players to choose from, some players stood out above the rest. Members of The Athletes Hub NCAA staff put together their stars for Week 2 in the 2018 college football season.
Brian’s 3 Stars
1 Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
23/40 430 yards, 3 TD’s
Even though Texas A&M eventually lost 28-26 to Clemson, Mond had an incredible game and was almost able to pull it out. The sophomore displayed some great decision making to give A&M a chance late in the fourth quarter but was intercepted in the end zone on a two point conversion attempt. If he can have these kinds of games against some SEC opponents, Jimbo Fisher and co might just make it to Atlanta in December.
2. Terrence Horne, WR, South Florida
2 Rec, 11 Yds, TD, 5 Returns, 264 Yds, 2 TD’s
USF's Terrence Horne had TWO return TDs … in one quarter. pic.twitter.com/THx7tsCPS2
— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2018
You always want your team to give a quick response after giving up points, and Horne allowed USF to do that twice in the first quarter by running back two kickoffs in the span of about three minutes. He also caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring USF within 3 before they ultimately won 49-38 over Georgia Tech. Although Blake Barnett also had a solid game for the Bulls, the nod goes to Horne for his overall contributions in keeping USF close in the first half.
3. Pooka Williams Jr. RB, Kansas
14 Att, 125 Yds, 2 TD’s
Although the Kansas defense deserves some credit for their 4 interceptions against Central Michigan, Williams got the offense going in the third quarter, with touchdown runs of 20 and 41 yards. Head coach David Beaty wasn’t sure if Williams would be available for the game, but the Freshman was able to play and ignite the Jayhawks to their first road win in almost 10 years. It will be exciting to see how the 4-star recruit will use his speed and explosiveness against some tough Big 12 defenses later on in the season.
Miles 3 Stars
1. Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma
19/33, 306 Yds, 3 TD’s, 10 Att, 69 Yds, 2 TD’s
Murray continues to show out as a premier dual threat at QB. While he hasn’t played against a Top 25 school yet, Murray hasn’t caused any drop off after Mayfield’s departure. The next four games should allow Murray to continue to pad the stats.
2. Jonathan Taylor RB, Wisconsin
33 Att, 253 rush yards, 3 TD’s
Wisconsin is known for recruiting top running backs such as Corey Clement, Ron Dayne, and Melvin Gordon over the years and Taylor seems to be on his way. With over 250 yards and 3 touchdowns against New Mexico State, Taylor has made it known he is the premier back in the NCAA, especially with the injury of Oklahoma’s star running back Rodney Anderson.
3. Kellen Mond QB, Texas A&M
23/40 430 yards, 3 TD’s
In one of the best games this past weekend and Jimbo Fisher’s first real test as the Aggies Head Coach, Kellen Mond shined under the pressure. Even in the loss to #2 Clemson, Mond was able to throw over 400 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Tigers vaunted defense and almost pulled an upset. As Mond continues to learn under Jimbo, The SEC may have to add Mond to their elite QB list.
Honorable Mentions
Nick Fitzgerald, QB, Mississippi State: 11/27, 154 Yds, 2 TD’s, 19 Att, 159 Yds
Blake Barnett, QB, South Florida: 21/31, 202 Yds, 2 TD’s, 15 Att, 86 Yds, 2 TD’s
Manny Wilkins, QB, Arizona State: 30/48, 380 Yds, TD
Drew Lock, QB, Missouri: 33/45, 398 Yds, 4 TD’s, 5 Att, 59 Yds, TD
Benny Snell Jr, RB, Kentucky: 27 Att, 175 Yds
Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis: 13 Att, 212 Yds, 3 TD’s
Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State: 17 Att, 211 Yds, 2 TD’s
Stevie Scott, RB, Indiana: 31 Att, 204 Yds, TD
Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Colorado: 10 Rec, 177 Yds, TD
Jovon Durante, WR, Florida Atlantic: 12 Rec, 174 Yds, TD
Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
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