Week 2 once again dazzled across the nation in college football. Rain delays couldn’t stop the dominant performances from each corner of the country and the top players from the second full weekend of the college football season gave us multiple eye-opening performances.
The Week 2 College Football Team of the Week is here.
Week 2 College Football Team of the Week | First Team
It’s important to note that the CFN Week 2 College Football Team of the Week awards players based on their impact in their respective games and is not necessarily based on total statistical output.
The strength of competition is accounted for, as is the situation — both time of the game and score. These individual awards are also solely based on a player’s ability on the field and does not look into any future beyond college football.
Quarterback: Tyler Van Dyke, Miami (FL)
Welcome back to the 2021 version of Tyler Van Dyke. And what a fun ride it is.
Van Dyke had a field day against the Texas A&M secondary and became the first Miami Hurricane quarterback to throw for five touchdowns against a team ranked inside the AP Top 25.
He was sharp with his reads, and his accuracy improved as the game went on, and his confidence increased. Van Dyke looks like he’s turned the corner in his potential return to form.
Running Back: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
On a night when his quarterback wasn’t his best, North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton lit up the App State defense. When it was all said and done, Drake Maye did cross the 200-yard mark through the air (in overtime), while Hampton paced the Tar Heels with 234 rushing yards and three scores.
Head coach Mack Brown said it following the double-overtime victory, “We knew we needed him to step up, and he did so.” Hampton also caught a pass for 10 yards and was a constant force in the open field.
Running Back: Terion Stewart, Bowling Green
The Bowling Green Falcons got into the win column in commanding fashion and thanks in large part to their offense. Playing a clean game, unlike last week, Bowling Green totaled 368 yards through the air, 123 of which went to their running back, Terion Stewart.
Stewart also ran the rock 10 times for 51 yards and two scores, finishing the game with 16 touches for 174 yards and two scores as he paced the Falcons’ high-powered offense on Saturday.
Wide Receiver: Jacolby George, Miami (FL)
The performance from Jacolby George was so good on Saturday that he caught a pass, took a hit, stayed on his feet, adjusted his helmet mid-play, and still scored one of his three touchdowns on the day. George hauled in five catches for 94 yards and three scores, proving too much for Texas A&M to handle.
He was fast on the edge, crafty with his routes, and it didn’t matter who was tasked with covering him.
Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
A week ago, the Ohio State Buckeyes struggled to find Marvin Harrison Jr. in the open field. Against Youngstown State, however, that wasn’t the case. Harrison Jr. was targeted heavily early on and rewarded the Buckeyes with seven receptions, 160 yards, and two touchdowns.
He showed off both his elite route running as well as his catch-point prowess in what amounted to just two quarters worth of work against the Penguins.
Wide Receiver: Gage Larvadain, Miami (OH)
The Miami RedHawks threw for 302 passing yards in a lengthened game due to a rain delay. Of those 302 yards, 273 went to Gage Larvadain as he was unstoppable on Saturday.
Larvadain almost had more, which is an astounding factor, but a fumble stymied that. Included in his 273 yards on eight receptions was a 99-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter and he followed that with a 70-yard touchdown in the second half in a dominant outing he’ll never forget.
Tight End: Isaac Rex, BYU
Showcasing what makes him such a special talent, Isaac Rex was terrific in all facets for BYU against Southern Utah. The big tight end caught a bullet from Kedon Slovis on top of triple coverage and rumbled up the field for a 65-yard catch that pushed the Cougars in the red zone.
And it was Rex’s blocking on the subsequent carry by Deion Smith that saw the Cougars get into the end zone as Rex sealed the edge for the score. He was terrific in all facets and finished with four catches, 112 yards, and a touchdown through the air.
Flex Offense: Jared Brown, Coastal Carolina
Epitomizing the FLEX offensive position here, Jared Brown is a player that the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers just simply need to feature on offense. Against Jacksonville State, they did just that, and he rewarded them with a 77-yard touchdown run and 93 yards through the air on seven receptions with another score.
An electric player with the ball in his hands, Brown was too much for the Gamecocks to contend with through all four quarters on Saturday.
Travis Hunter Award: Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Our newly-honored Travis Hunter Award goes to someone other than Travis Hunter this week. New Hampshire’s Dylan Laube was quite literally the Travis Hunter for the Wildcats in Week 2.
In a near-upset performance against Central Michigan, Laube ran the ball seven times for 30 yards and a score against the Chippewas. He was at his best through the air, however, as he hauled in 12 catches for 295 yards and two more touchdowns.
For the game, Laube had 19 touches for 325 yards and three total touchdowns.
Offensive Tackle: Jordyn Law, Army
The Army offense could be a very scary thing for opposing defensive coordinators in the near future, especially if they get performances like they did from Jordyn Law on the regular. Keeping his quarterback clean in Army’s new shotgun-option hybrid, Law was stout from his tackle spot.
But he was clearly at his best on the run, carving lanes and punishing first-level defenders on the move. It was a terrific all-around performance by the big man for the Black Knights.
Offensive Guard: Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
There aren’t many more superlatives we can slap on Cooper Beebe that we haven’t used ove the years. The longtime Wildcat was once again at his best for Kansas State against Troy in Week 2.
Beebe was spectacular on the move, moving second-level defenders all the same as he set the tone at the first level. He was great in pass protection as well and the Wildcats ran through him in both facets.
Center: Corey Gaynor, North Carolina
Had it not been for a holding call late, Corey Gaynor would’ve played essentially a flawless game. Gaynor was critical in opening holes for Hampton’s dominant performance against App State and he was sound in pass protection.
The longtime ACC center has made a new name for himself at North Carolina since arriving on campus, and this was another dominant performance for the Tar Heels.
Offensive Guard: Trevor Keegan, Michigan
Putting on a show on Saturday, the Michigan offense was dominant in the trenches once again. Trevor Keegan was spotted on multiple occasions moving his blockers back, completely out of the play, just the same as he was seen keeping a clean pocket.
The Wolverines have become known for their offensive line prowess the past few seasons and Keegan is in line to hear his name called much more often if he keeps playing like he did in Week 2.
Offensive Tackle: Savion Washington, Colorado
The Colorado Bufaloes once again put the nation on notice and their performance on offense was a statement against Nebraska. Once they got their feet about them, it was a dominant performance.
Savion Washington was terrific in pass protection, and it should be noted that Shedeur Sanders’ best passes absolutely came when he was kept clean in the pocket. Washington also helped the Buffs show improvement in the consistent run game as well.
Washington was seen on the goal line, throwing a Cornhusker nearly five yards back on Tar’Varish Dawson’s touchdown run that kicked off the rout.
EDGE: James Smith, UL-Monroe
It was a hard-fought battle for UL-Monroe against Lamar, despite jumping out to a 21-0 lead. The Warhawks utilized a sound defensive performance to hold off the Cardinals, and that included the 2.5-sack performance from James Smith.
Yet, those 2.5 sacks don’t tell the whole story as Smith was a consistent force all over the defensive front for ULM. Smith finished with six total tackles and an additional tackle for loss in the terrific outing.
Defensive Interior: Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
Stout interior performances don’t get much better than the one Brandon Dorlus gave to Oregon Ducks fans on Saturday. Dorlus was too much to handle for the Texas Tech offensive line, continually pushing the pocket in the pass game and affecting the intended rushing lanes for the Red Raiders.
He had a pivotal fourth-down stop and Dorlus’ final pressure of the night created the game-sealing interception by Jeffrey Bassa that he returned for a touchdown. Dorlus was unstoppable.
Defensive Interior: James Carpenter, James Madison
Living up to the nickname “Game Wrecker,” James Carpenter single-handedly returned the ball to his offense on more than one occasion. Affecting the passing game for Virginia in more ways than one, Carpenter was stout with his pass-rushing skills on Saturday.
Carpenter’s impact was in every facet, but his ability to change the passing game paid massive dividends in JMU’s victory over Virginia. His pass deflection in the fourth quarter was truly a game-wrecking moment for UVA’s offense.
EDGE: Brendan Mott, Kansas State
The stat sheet may not show it, but Brendan Mott dominated on Saturday. Mott single-handledly changed the Troy offense’s game plan with his pass-rushing off the edge, shortening Gunnar Watson’s throwing motion or just flat-out stopping him from throwing altogether.
Mott finally got credit for one at the end of the first half with a strip sack on a failed Hail Mary attempt, but he was far more productive than what the final book showed.
Linebacker: Jett Johnson, Mississippi State
Needing every play he made to defeat Arizona, Mississippi State got a vintage all-around performance from Jett Johnson in Week 2. Johnson led the team with 11 total tackles, including seven solo attempts, and secured the team’s only sack on Jayden de Laura.
But it was his prowess in coverage when he dropped back into the short area of the field and secured two interceptions on the night really turned the tide for the Bulldogs. Johnson was all over the field for Mississippi State against Arizona.
Linebacker: Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Limiting the SMU high-octane offense very well all day, the Oklahoma Sooners saw a terrific performance from Danny Stutsman. SMU’s game plan tried to get the ball in space and over the middle of the field, but Stutsman wasn’t having it.
He recovered a fumble, recorded 17 tackles, 2.5 of which were for a loss, and led the game with 17 total tackles. Stutsman was all over the place against SMU.
Linebacker: Trey Moore, UTSA
A performance for the ages, UTSA got in the win column against Texas State, thanks in large part to Trey Moore on defense. Setting the edge and keeping the massive TJ Finley in check the entire game, Moore timed his shots perfectly and played a nearly perfect game on the edge.
Moore finished the game with seven total tackles and three sacks. He was all over the field and put forth one of the most dominant pass-rushing performances of the weekend.
Cornerback: Micah Abraham, Marshall
A closer game than the final score would indicate, the Marshall Thundering Herd utilized two Micah Abrahm interceptions to close the game out against ECU. Abraham grabbed two picks, one off each quarterback for the Pirates, and all but locked down an entire side of the field for the Herd.
Abraham was hardly thrown to on the afternoon, but when he was, he made ECU pay.
Cornerback: Alex Johnson, UCLA
Simply playing lock-down coverage, Alex Johnson and his entire UCLA Bruins secondary put forth a dominant performance against San Diego State. They allowed just 196 yards through the air and ripped off three interceptions.
Two of those picks belonged to Alex Johnson as the senior defensive back did a great job of limiting his side of the field all night long.
Cornerback: Jarron Morris, FAU
The FAU Owls couldn’t quite pull off the upset over Ohio, but it should be said that the final score would have looked much different had it not been for Jarron Morris. In fact, Morris scored FAU’s only touchdown of the night when he nabbed a ball that bounced off the receiver’s hands and scooted 40 yards for the touchdown.
Morris showcased his ball skills and concentration ability on the pick, but his overall performance was pretty outstanding. He recorded five total tackles as he was a force all game long.
Safety: Cole Bishop, Utah
Arguably the best defensive performance of the day belonged to Cole Bishop. It didn’t matter the opposing play call or what his assignment was, Bishop made his presence felt for the Utah Utes in their come-from-behind win at Baylor.
Bishop’s play in run defense was something special as he routinely fought off blockers to bring ball carriers down at or behind the line of scrimmage. His play in coverage is what sparked his offense to grab the lead for the first time.
In the end, Bishop finished with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and a game-changing interception.
Safety: Tory Spears, Texas State
The Texas State Bobcats nearly picked up another huge upset in their second game under GJ Kinne. Thanks to the performance by Tory Spears, that near-impossible start to their season was possible.
Spears recorded 12 total tackles as he was a massive force with his ability to come downhill and run the alley almost like a linebacker. In coverage, Spears was just as sharp and limited much of the UTSA passing attack over the middle of the field all the same.
Flex Defense: Will Lee III, Kansas State
Earning his spot as our Flex Defender of the Week, Will Lee III was everywhere for Kansas State. On back-to-back plays with the game still in question, Lee rushed Troy QB Gunnar Watson on a first down play.
On the very next play, the do-everything defensive back dropped back in coverage deep over the middle of the field, showcasing his burst to the football with an impressive interception.
Lee was all over the field for the Wildcats, finishing with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and that impressive pick.
Kicker: Colton Boomer, UCF
You could say it was an ugly win for UCF — if you didn’t like a booming kicking performance. Colton Boomer lived up to his name with a game-winning outing for the Knights.
Boomer consisted of essentially all but one of the UCF scores on the night against Boise State and won the game as time expired. Boomer knocked home 4-of-4 field goals of 33, 40, 50, and 55 yards, the 40-yarder serving as the game-winner.
Punter: James Ferguson-Reynolds, Boise State
The Boise State vs. UCF game featured special teams heavily and though they didn’t get the win, had they done so, the Broncos could’ve credited it partially to their punter. James Ferguson-Reynolds knocked UCF back on multiple occasions and placed the ball wherever he wanted to it felt like.
In the end, Ferguson-Reynolds punted the ball five times for 250 yards and had four of them knocked inside UCF’s 20-yard line, with one more bouncing out for a touchback.
Kick Returner: Brashard Smith, Miami (FL)
Patiently waiting before smashing the hole in the kick coverage, it was Brashard Smith’s 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter that gave Miami an eight-point lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Smith was too fast for the SEC speed and went untouched on his dramatic return to spark the ‘Canes.
Punt Returner: Zachariah Branch, USC
An electric player who needs to see the field more, there should be no doubt that opposing defenses will start kicking away from Zachariah Branch after the start of his career. In just his second game, Branch showcased his electric play with a 75-yard punt return touchdown against Stanford.
Branch fielded a punt in the middle of the field, broke through a seam, snapped off an arm tackle, bobbed, and weaved his way before using his speed to spring past the Stanford defenders like they were standing still.
Week 2 College Football Team of the Week | Second Team
Offense
- QB: Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
- RB: Nate Noel, Appalachian State
- RB: Kejon Owens, FIU
- WR: Hudson Clement, West Virginia
- WR: Jalen McMillan, Washington
- WR: Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky
- TE: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
- FLEX: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
- OT: Myles Hinton, Michigan
- G: Tanner Miller, Oregon State
- C: Logan Osburn, Marshall
- G: Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
- OT: Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
Defense
- EDGE: Khalid Duke, Kansas State
- EDGE: Ron Stone Jr., Washington State
- IDL: Judge Culpepper, Toledo
- IDL: Michael Mason, Coastal Carolina
- LB: Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
- LB: Aaron Beasley, Tennessee
- LB: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
- DB: Austin Goffney, UL-Monroe
- DB: Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
- DB: Cedric Woods, Louisiana Tech
- DB: Hezekiah Masses, FIU
- DB: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech
- FLEX: Bryan McCoy, Akron
Special Teams
- K: Caden Davis, Ole Miss
- P: Jack Bouwmeester, Utah
- KR: Robert Briggs, Utah State
- PR: Mekhi Mews, Georgia
Week 2 College Football Team of the Week | Third Team
Offense
- QB: Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
- RB: Marcus Carroll, Georgia State
- RB: Corey Kiner, Cincinnati
- WR: Holden Staes, Notre Dame
- WR: Xavier Weaver, Colorado
- WR: Isaiah Alston, Army
- TE: Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
- FLEX: Rasheen Ali, Marshall
- OT: Khadere Kounta, UCLA
- G: D’Mitri Emmanuel, Florida State
- C: Jake Levengood, Oregon State
- G: Jeremy James, Ole Miss
- OT: Jeremiah Byers, Florida State
Defense
- EDGE: Cashius Howell, Bowling Green
- EDGE: Nyles Gaddy, Missouri
- IDL: Kyler Baugh, Minnesota
- IDL: Isaac Hodgins, Oregon State
- LB: Xander Mueller, Northwestern
- LB: Brian Holloway, Texas State
- LB: Antonio Grier, Arkansas
- DB: Jaiden Francois, Utah State
- DB: Ike Larsen, Utah State
- DB: Yam Banks, South Alabama
- DB: Logan Berryhill, USF
- DB: Sebastian Castro, Iowa
- FLEX: Josiah Robinson, Georgia State
Special Teams
- K: Charles Campbell, Tennessee
- P: Riley Williams, Missouri
- KR: LaMareon James, Old Dominion
- PR: Matthew Coleman, San Jose State
Week 2 College Football Team of the Week | Honorable Mention
Offense
- QB: Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
- RB: Nathan Carter, Michigan State
- RB: Trey Benson, Florida State
- WR: Roman Wilson, Michigan
- WR: Phillip Brooks, Kansas State
- TE: Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh
- FLEX: Kairee Robinson, San Jose State
- OL: Ethan Driskell, Marshall
- OL: Xavier Truss, Georgia
- OL: Tate Ratledge, Georgia
- OL: Christian Jones, Texas
Defense
- LB: Jason Henderson, Old Dominion
- LB: Demetrius Knight II, Charlotte
- LB: Jamal Hill, Oregon
- DB: Jason Simmons Jr., Syracuse
- DB: Wyatt Ekeler, Wyoming
- FLEX: Darius Muasau, UCLA
Special Teams
- K: John Hoyland, Wyoming
- P: Ryan Rehkow, BYU