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[NCAA] Week 2: Quinn Ewers calms the defending champions

September 8, 2024

Every Sunday, the DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the NCAA championship and the players eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.

NCAA Player of the Week 2 – Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)

His game (at Michigan): 24/36, 246 yards, 3 touchdowns
Quinn Ewers is at it again!

Already the headliner in Week 2 last season, Quinn Ewers did it again against the defending champions Michigan. The Texas quarterback turned in an almost perfect performance, helped along by a quality offensive line. Improving in pocket management, he also progressed in the area of ​​precision in passing.

Not entering the draft last year, Ewers appears to have made the right decision for now. As a reminder, last year, he led the University of Texas to the playoffs, losing in the semifinals to Washington. If he continues to put in consistent quality performances, the former high school star should be a candidate to be the first pick next April.

NCAA Players of the Week 2 – Honorable Mentions

  • Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): 25 carries, 192 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • Nick Emmanwori (CB, South Carolina): 7 tackles, 1 interception (1 TD)
  • Jay Higgins (LB, Iowa): 11 tackles, 1 interception
  • Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas): 4 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended
  • Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)

Ashton Jeanty confirms. Against Oregon, the Boise State runner scores a hat trick, and takes advantage of his competitors' struggles. He establishes himself a little more as the number 1 runner in the next Draft.

Defenders in the spotlight. Cornerback Nick Emmanwori made a pick six, and could get closer to the first round with this great performance. Linebacker Jay Higgins doesn't mince his words, and had a solid game. Long considered one of the best safeties of his generation, Andrew Mukuba could come back into the discussion to be called in one of the first 2 rounds.

Finally, Quinn Ewers couldn't shine without the capital performance of his left offensive tackle. Kelvin Banks Jr. didn't allow a single sack to Michigan's renowned defensive line. A top-tier performance for a player expected in the top 5 of the next Draft.

Could have been mentioned: Carson Beck (QB, Georgia), Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss), Nick Singleton (RB, Penn State), Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson), Jake Briningstool (TE, Clemson), Garrett Nussmeier ( QB, LSU), Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma), Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State), Dontay Corleone (DT, Cincinnati)

NCAA Week 2 Revelation – Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)

His game (against Georgia Tech): 32/46, 381 yards, 4 touchdowns

Haven't we already forgotten that Kyle McCord was Ohio State's starting quarterback last season?

Against Georgia Tech, the Syracuse quarterback now has a very clean game. Put in very good shape, McCord achieves university career records in terms of the number of throws and completions. Not having the double threat profile, he still allows himself a 16-yard run on a 2nd attempt, his longest run in his career as well.

A record night that could allow him to raise a very low rating before the season. In a vintage of quarterbacks where there is already a hierarchy at the top of the basket, he could be a player chosen on the 3rd day despite everything. On condition of being consistent and performing like this week.

NCAA Week 2 Revelation – Honorable Mentions

  • DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State): 19 carries, 4 receptions, 177 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa): 25 carries, 187 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse): 6 receptions, 93 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Connor O'Toole (EDGE, Utah): 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
  • Jared Harrison-Hunte (DT, SMU): 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception

Mixed fortunes for runners DJ Giddens and Kaleb Johnson. The Wildcats runner revives his team towards victory against Tulane. The Hawkeyes runner tries everything, but was not followed by his entire attack.

Like Kyle McCord, Oronde Gadsden II is alive again. Victim of a torn ACL last season, the tight end receiver should be on NFL scouting reports.

Connor O'Toole and Jared Harrison-Hunte are still far from being players with draft potential. Still, their performances this weekend make them worth taking a look at for the next few weeks.

Could have been cited: Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee), Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers), Obi Ezeigbo (EDGE, Oklahoma State), Konata Mumpfield (WR, Pittsburgh), Tommi Hill (CB, Nebraska), Donavon Greene (WR , Wake Forest)

NCAA Week 2 Flop – Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)

His game (against Northern Illinois): 20/32, 163 yards, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble

How long ago were Riley Leonard mentioned as a first-round draft pick?

The Notre Dame quarterback is having a disastrous performance. A few months before the next Draft, the gap between the former Duke player and his competitors is growing, and it is hard to see how he could close it.

Against the modest University of Northern Illinois, Riley Leonard is far from showing that he could be an NFL quarterback. Author of 2 interceptions including one at the end of the 4th quarter on which his opponents capitalize, he holds a share of responsibility in the surprise defeat of the Fighting Irish (see later).

In addition to these mistakes, the quarterback seemed uncomfortable in the pocket and in reads. Despite fairly decent protection, he never seemed able to make a difference.

Could have been cited: Donovan Edwards (RB, Michigan), Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan), Ollie Gordon II (RB, Oklahoma State), Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky), Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona), James Pearce Jr (EDGE, Tenn.)

NCAA Week 2 Recap

Notre Dame (5) is therefore the big loser of the week. The Fighting Irish lose at home to the Northern Illinois Huskies, and should be ejected from the top 20 next week. It is not only Notre Dame that was surprised. Kansas (19), Iowa (21) and Georgia Tech (23) also suffer defeats, respectively against Illinois, Iowa State and Syracuse.

In the clash of the week, Texas (3) cools Michigan (10) in Ann Arbor. The Longhrons are now one of the favorites to succeed their opponent for the title. Tennessee (14) wins largely against NC State (24) in the other clash of the week. Oregon (7) needs a late field goal to escape the trap set by Boise State.

Aside from Notre Dame, the other big favorites all won their games. After 76 points in week one, Ole Miss (6) went 52 to Middle Tennessee. Penn State (8) had a close call, but won at home against Bowling Green. Oklahoma (15) and Oklahoma State (16) also won, but got away with it against Houston and Arkansas respectively.

In the other games, Pittsburgh made the comeback of the week. The Panthers made up 21 points of deficit, and won at the finish in Cincinnati. Finally, news from Colorado and Deion Sanders. Not mentioned among the players of the week, the Buffaloes took their place on the Nebraska pitch. Despite the good game of Travis Hunter, Colorado did not confirm its success of the first week.

NCAA Week 2 Action

The sack fumble + touchdown (scoop and score) for Kansas State against Tulane. 8 minutes later, the score will remain as it is. Victory therefore 34-27 for the Wildcats against the Green Wave.

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September 8, 2024
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