Devy Roundup: Week Two

College football is back! It was a reduced slate and it still feels odd having the Big Ten and PAC-12 missing but the teams playing did not disappoint. Three Sun Belt teams defeated Big 12 teams and the stud quarterbacks did what stud quarterbacks should. Without further ado, let’s dive into your devy roundup for week two of college football. If you are looking for a week one roundup, there were only a few games and I did not do a write up last week.

All of the final scores can be found here.

Top Devy Performers

Sam Howell, QB NORTH CAROLINA

Howell started off the game slow versus Syracuse but ultimately started clicking in the second half. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown. His two interceptions were in the first and early in the second quarter, then he settled in and started dealing. He spread the ball around and dissected a pretty solid Orange secondary. North Carolina has given him three solid receiver options and Howell is my QB1 for the 2022 class.

Spencer Rattler, QB OKLAHOMA

My QB2 in the 2022 class had a heckuva coming out party. Rattler gets the chance to lead Lincoln Riley’s offense and he destroyed Missouri State’s defense in his first game as a starter. He completed 14 of 17 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns in a half of football.

Rattler showcased good footwork and pocket presence, keeping his eyes downfield when scrambling. There were a few wide-open receivers but he hit them in stride. He has a strong arm and looks effortless when he unleashes a pass. Two years in the Oklahoma offense is going to increase his stock, get him in your devy leagues before it’s too late.

Trevor Lawrence, QB CLEMSON

Lawrence campaigned hard to have a college football season and could be a man on a mission this season after missing out on another championship last year. Versus Wake Forest this week, he completed 22 of 28 passes for 351 yards and one touchdown pass. He also ‘vultured’ a few short touchdowns from his star running back. We are almost to the point of there being nothing else to say about TLaw – he will be the first pick in the 2021 Draft.

Sam Ehlinger, QB TEXAS

Texas welcomed in-state UTEP to Austin and Ehlinger carved up the Miner defense for 426 yards and five touchdowns. He’s got a funky throwing motion but hits many tougher throws and to all levels of the field. An NFL team will draft him next year yet I am not sure he’s an NFL starter. His rushing ability and decent arm will at least get him a shot to stick in the league.

Malik Cunningham, QB LOUISVILLE

A player I am intrigued by and will be watching closely this season, Cunningham took it to the Hilltoppers in Week two. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 343 yards with three touchdowns and also added one on the ground.

Completion percentage is an issue, the junior quarterback misses some throws but makes a few beautiful passes as well. The pass in the clip above is placed well and fellow NFL hopeful Dez Fitzpatrick takes it to the house. Cunningham is a dangerous rusher and if he can clean up the passing aspect, could be a starter in the NFL.

Breece Hall, RB IOWA STATE

Hall started slow but finished with 20 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown. He’s a back with breakaway speed when he gets to the second level and this game didn’t highlight what he is capable of. The Cyclones offense was off all game and the running game had to be abandoned as they fell behind.

Kyren Williams, RB NOTRE DAME

Redshirt freshman Williams took the lead back role for the Irish and had the biggest breakout in Week two. 19 carries for 112 yards with a pair of rushing touchdowns as well as two catches for 93 yards later, we have a potential Notre Dame star in the making.

He showcased tremendous toughness, the first touchdown in the clip – impressive run when it appeared he was stuffed in the backfield. On multiple occasions, he blocked incoming rushers effectively. He is smooth catching the ball and has good speed when he reaches the second level. It was an impressive game for Williams, keep an eye on him this season.

Travis Etienne, RB CLEMSON

Etienne wasn’t asked to do much but still had 17 rushes for 102 yards and a score. He also caught three passes for 47 yards. Continued improvement in pass-catching is the key for the senior back this season. He is my RB1 for 2021, his elite speed and acceleration will make him a successful NFL back.

Cam’Ron Harris, RB MIAMI

The Hurricanes offense could be a scary one with D’Eriq King at the helm, and the rushing attack Saturday looked extremely good. Harris is a name to watch if he can establish himself as the lead back. At 5’10 and 200 pounds, he has good size and he rushed 17 times for 134 yards with two scores.

Most of his yards were gained on this play. I was impressed with his ability to slide through the small crease and the speed he covered 66 yards. Harris is another name to keep your eye on and is likely attainable inexpensive in devy leagues – for now.

Dyami Brown, WR NORTH CAROLINA

Brown had the best game of the Tarheel receivers, catching six passes for 94 yards on nine targets. He is primed to have a huge season, his athletic ability and deep threat ability are excellent. There are some aspects to work on, mainly consistency, but there is a lot to love about Brown’s game.

Jonathan Adams Jr., WR ARKANSAS STATE

Adams has been slowly making a name for himself and is primed to have a huge senior season. He caught eight passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns versus Kansas State, showcasing his impressive body control and hands.

The first catch shows incredible body control and high-point ability. The second catch – it ultimately was called back due to a penalty – would have been an entry for catch of the year. Adams boxes out and rarely loses a jump ball. He has great size at 6’3” and 220 pounds and his stock is going to rise immensely this season.

Charleston Rambo, WR OKLAHOMA

Rambo was Rattler’s top target, catching four passes for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Aside from having the best name in college football, he is a smooth and explosive deep threat. If the rapport with Rattler continues, Rambo will be in the discussion as a possible first-round pick in a good receiving class.

Tarik Black, WR TEXAS

It makes me incredibly happy to type this: Black had a solid game on Saturday catching five balls for 80 yards and a touchdown. A four-star prospect mired in an anemic passing attack while at Michigan, he finally has a shot to prove himself. If he can stay healthy, Texas will get him on the field and he will see targets. Black has a lot to gain and 2020 can drastically improve his draft stock.

Brevin Jordan, TE MIAMI

The only top tight end to play this week, Jordan caught three passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. His role in the Miami offense could grow, he is by far the most talented pass-catching option. Currently, I have him as my TE3 for 2021 behind Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth but he has a chance to improve immensely.

Poor Devy Performances

Brock Purdy, QB IOWA STATE

There weren’t a lot of underwhelming performances but Purdy was surprising. He only completed 16 of 35 passes for 145 yards and also threw an interception. It was an ugly game for the Cyclones and we can hopefully chalk it up to early-season jitters. Purdy has a shot to make himself some money this season. After the big three of Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance, Purdy is one of the quarterbacks with the most to gain in 2020.

Marquee Week Three Matchups

Full Schedule

Appalachian State at Marshall 9/19 @1:30 PM EST

Marshall freshman quarterback Grant Wells had an impressive debut, throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns, but faces a tough test in week three. Appalachian State has an impressive stable of running backs led by senior Marcus Williams Jr. The matchup may not have the devy star power but will be a great game with some names who could be depth players in the NFL.

Miami at Louisville 9/19 7:30 PM EST on ABC

Buckle up, this could be a really fun one – both teams have a lot to prove and dangerous offenses. Miami is led by King, Harris, and Jordan and a defense which can wreak some havoc. The Cardinals trio of Cunningham, electric sophomore running back Javian Hawkins, and dangerous receiver Tutu Atwell will test the Hurricane defense often.

The Wrap-Up

As far as marquee matchups, those are the two games with the potential to be a ton of fun. The schedule is still mostly tuneups like Clemson hosting The Citadel but next week, the SEC finally joins the fun. And hopefully the Big Ten jumps back in as well, the presidents are voting possibly by the time you read this.

Thank you all for reading this, if there is anyone you want me to highlight in future weeks – drop a comment below!