Davante Adams, Wide Receiver, Fresno State
Stat line: 14 receptions, 148 yards, 2 touchdowns

Despite only being a redshirt sophomore, Adams is arguably a top three wide receiver in the nation and he showcased that this weekend. He made multiple Lynn Swann esque receptions on the sidelines, including a jaw dropping touchdown reception in tight coverage. While he dominated the sidelines, he was also a threat in the screen game and use his elusiveness to chip away at the Rutgers defense.


Eugene Taylor, Linebacker, San Jose State
Stat Line: 5 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

Taylor was the only MWC player to account for two full sacks. On the first, he disengaged from his block then pounced on the quarterback trying to escape the pocket. The second sack was much more aggressive as he made a quick inside move against Sacramento State’s right tackle. Not only did he accomplish such feats, but he did so as a redshirt freshman.

Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno State
Stat line: 52 of 73, 456 yards, 24 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception

In terms of mechanics and pocket presence, it appears that Carr has improved from last year. He seemed comfortable commanding the Bulldogs as he lead a game-tying touchdown drive followed by a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. Carr was a workhorse and turned it up a notch when the game got close.

Brett Smith, Quarterback, Wyoming
Stat line: 29 of 43, 383 yards, 92 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception

In and out of the pocket, Smith emulates the three “C’s” of quarterbacking: Calm, Cool, and Collected. Smith stands stood strong in the pocket, but ran when necessary. Sans his interception, which was more a lapse in judgement than talent, Smith picked apart the Nebraska defense and quite a few of his incompletions can be credited to safely throwing the ball away, as opposed to forcing a pass.

Brenden Daley, Linebacker, Hawaii
Stat line: 10 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack

USC’s offensive line was abysmal, as was the rest of the offense, and Daley took advantage of it. He was able to bust through USC’s front on multiple occasions and take down the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. Even past the line of scrimmage, Daley flew around and made tackles all over the field.

Chuckie Keeton, Quarterback, Utah State
Stat line: 31 of 40, 314 yards, 85 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

When watching Keeton against Utah, the first thing that stands out is his intelligent decision making. He knew not to force throws and would either move on through his progressions or take off and run. Keeton was dominating the middle of the field. He was firing lasers down the seam to his receivers and put the ball right where it needed to be. On tape, no other quarterback in the MWC was as impressive as Keeton.