The college football landscape saw remarkable performances in Week 12, featuring standout players who significantly impacted their teams. Among the highlights, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza led his team to maintain an undefeated season with a stellar performance against Wisconsin. Mendoza completed 22 of 24 passes for 299 yards and threw four touchdown passes, showcasing his efficiency as a quarterback.
In the realm of defense, Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State demonstrated an impressive capability as an edge defender. He achieved a remarkable 56.5% pass-rush win rate against Michigan State, notching 13 quarterback pressures, which included two sacks and three hits on the quarterback. His performance was instrumental in securing the victory for the Nittany Lions.
Top Performers of Week 12
The week featured several players who stood out on both offense and defense, earning high grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Among the highest-graded non-quarterbacks, Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon led the offensive ranks with a PFF grade of 91.7. Other notable performances included Sean Wilson of Delaware (91.1) and Izaiah Williams of Texas A&M (91.0).
On the defensive side, Jakobe Thomas from Miami achieved the highest grade overall with an exceptional rating of 98.0. Thomas’ performance was highlighted by two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, earning him recognition as the Defensive Player of the Week.
The offensive line of the week went to Oregon, which excelled in pass protection, allowing no pressures on 36 snaps while also facilitating a rushing attack that averaged 6.5 yards per carry.
Player of the Week Highlights
The Offensive Player of the Week honors went to OJ Arnold of Georgia Southern, who rushed for a staggering 261 yards against Coastal Carolina. Arnold forced six missed tackles during the game and achieved 188 yards on just four carries. His contributions were crucial in leading his team to victory.
In terms of quarterback excellence, Mendoza’s performance not only solidified his status but also earned him the title of Quarterback of the Week. His ability to throw more touchdown passes than incompletions underlines his precision and effectiveness in leading the Hoosiers.
For run defense, Jace Bellah of Colorado State was recognized despite his team’s loss to New Mexico. Bellah achieved a run-defense grade of 94.5, making three tackles resulting in defensive stops and forcing two fumbles.
As the college football season progresses, players like Mendoza and Thomas continue to showcase their skills, contributing to the excitement and competitive spirit of the sport. The PFF grades highlight the importance of individual performances and their impact on team success, setting the stage for an engaging conclusion to the season.
