Sammy Watkins: After torching Auburn the previous week, the most electrifying true freshman in the nation did it again against #11 Florida State to lead Clemson to 35-30 victory and a 4-0 start. This time Watkins had 8 receptions for 141 yards and two scores, including a sensational 62 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the nail in the coffin for FSU. In his first year on campus, Watkins already has 433 receiving yards and six touchdowns and is arguably the best player on Clemson’s team.
Toledo: The Rockets are the best 1-3 team in the nation. After nearly downing Ohio State and hanging (for the first half) with Boise State, Toledo had to play yet another AQ team at Syracuse. When Syracuse took the lead with a touchdown to make the score 29-27 with only two minutes to go, the Orange missed the extra point, but for some reason it was counted to give Syracuse a 30-27 lead. The Big East later reviewed and admitted they blew the call and the PAT shouldn’t have counted. However, being the feisty squad they are, Toledo marched down the field and kicked the tying field goal with no time left to send the game into overtime, where they eventually lost 33-30. Toledo deserves a lot of respect this year because they are the most unlucky team in the nation and have played like a team that should be 3-1.
Justin Blackmon was one of 11 Oklahoma State receivers to catch a pass against Texas A&M. Blackmon recorded 121 receiving yards and one touchdown in a 30-29 Cowboy victory.
Oklahoma State: After being demolished in the first half at Texas A&M, the Pokes found themselves in a 20-3 hole at the half and Texas A&M looked on their way to a huge win against a top 10 team. However, not intimidated by the 12th Man at Kyle Field, Oklahoma State stormed back in the third quarter by scoring 21 unanswered point to hold a 24-20 lead going into the fourth quarter, where State sealed the deal with a late interception to hold on 30-29. The Oklahoma State defense forced A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill into three interceptions and contained the Aggie offense brilliantly in the second half. However, the key to the victory was an outstanding second half performance by Brandon Weeden and the rest of the Cowboy offense. Weeden had 438 yards through the air to 11 different receivers and beat A&M in time of possession, holding the ball for six more minutes than the Aggies.
Arizona State: The Sun Devils needed a solid bounce back game after losing to na Illinois team that struggled with Western Michigan this week. Representing the Bay Area, former Valley Christian running back Cameron Marshall ran for 141 yards and scored three times for the Sun Devils against USC in a 43-22 victory. In addition to an outstanding offense performance by the Sun Devils, the defense stepped up in a major way as well. The defense forced four USC turnovers and held the Trojans to only one third down conversion. The most memorable moment came when ASU star linebacker Vontaze Burfict picked off a Matt Barkley pass and trucked Barkley on the return. Before the game Barkley called Burfict a dirty player, so after Burfict was tackled, he went out of his way to help Barkley up, showing the Trojan quarterback that he knows how to win with class.
Cameron Marshall, former Valley Christian RB, had a monster day for Arizona State in their 43-22 victory over USC.
