The Week 12 college football players of the week showcase just how incredibly talented the landscape across the nation is. With a plethora of options to choose from during College Football Week 12, this group of student-athletes dominated this week.
Week 12 College Football Players of the Week
Quarterback of the Week: Caleb Williams, USC
With a career-high in total yards, Caleb Williams fought back with USC to defeat UCLA in the Battle for the Victory Bell on Saturday night. Williams was ridiculously efficient with the football, completing 32-of-43 passes for a whopping 470 yards and two scores.
His off-platform, out-of-structure throws wowed those in attendance and those watching from home. On one pass, Williams threw what would have equated to a 100-mph pitch in baseball — at least — when he rolled to his left before resetting his feet and delivering a strike within closing coverage for a crucial first down.
The kind of arm talent that Williams has is uncanny, and he very may well be the fastest player on the field whenever he steps foot on the gridiron. He totaled 503 yards of offense with 33 yards on the ground and an additional touchdown in the instant classic victory over UCLA.
Honorable Mentions: Spencer Rattler, South Carolina; Jaren Hall, BYU; Chase Cunningham, Middle Tennessee
Offensive Player of the Week: Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
In terms of pure value to his offense, no player matter more than Mohamed Ibrahim did to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Ibrahim ran the rock 39 times for 263 yards. That’s a healthy average of 6.7 yards per rush attempt against one of the nation’s top run defenses in Iowa.
The passing attack for Minnesota averaged just 5.8 yards per attempt and totaled just 87 yards through the air. When Ibrahim was in, he was getting the ball. And when Ibrahim was getting the ball, the Gophers were moving it.
His 263 yards were more than the last four opponents rushed for combined against Iowa. Ibrahim meant more to the success — or lack thereof, as they threw the game-breaking interception when he was on the field — than any other player in Week 12.
Honorable Mentions: Odieu Hiliare, Bowling Green; Raheim Sanders, Arkansas; Bijan Robinson, Texas; Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA; A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
Defensive Player of the Week: Bennett Williams, Oregon
The man in the middle for the Oregon Ducks had about as impressive of a day as you can have. Bennett Williams racked up 13 total tackles against Utah, and his two interceptions came in crucial situations and key moments in Oregon’s 20-17 victory.
Williams reeled in his second interception after Oregon had just thrown an interception of their own and seemingly lost all momentum. It was Williams who stepped in front of a pass intended for Utah TE Dalton Kincaid and pulled down his second interception of the day.
And as good as his interceptions were, his 13 total tackles saw him flying from all corners of the field to make dominant tackles in all facets. Williams — a senior leader — proved what it meant to lead a defense to victory
Honorable Mentions: Xavier Cullens, Memphis; Benjamin Morris, Notre Dame; Keion White, Georgia Tech; John Marshall, Navy
Special Teams Player of the Week: Jake Moody, Michigan
As the saying goes, Jake Moody has ice in his veins. The Michigan kicker braved the frigid temperatures in Ann Arbor to nail all five of his kicks against Illinois, drilling home 13 of the Wolverines’ 19 points.
Moody was true on kicks 33, 35, 41, and 46 yards, three of which came in the fourth quarter and pressure mounting. His final kick of the day — the 35-yarder — had the most pressure as the perfect season was on the line, down a single point, with nine seconds remaining, and College Football Playoff hopes on the line.
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Moody was cold, literally and figuratively, drilling it right down the pipe to send Michigan to 11-0 and on an undefeated date with Ohio State (11-0) next week.
Honorable Mentions: Griffen Kell, TCU; Nicholas Singleton, Penn State; Eddie Lewis, Memphis
Freshman Player of the Week: Luther Burden, Missouri
The Missouri Tigers can clinch bowl eligibility next week after their drubbing of New Mexico State on Saturday. Key to their success next week will certainly be to feature Luther Burden more, as the fabulous true freshman needed just three receptions to find the end zone twice.
His first touchdown was a highlight-reel maker as he hurdled a defender into the end zone, but then again, each of Burden’s touches are highlight-reel moments it feels this season.
He handed the ball three times through the air and another three on the ground, totaling just 47 yards, but the electricity when he has the ball in his hands is palpable.
Honorable Mentions: Nicholas Singleton, Penn State; Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss
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