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Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Week 10 College Football Team of the Week: Tanner Mordecai Makes History for SMU

Originally posted on Pro Football Network | By Cam Mellor | Last updated 11/6/22

The Week 10 College Football Team of the Week is here, as the college football schedule was in top form all week long. With the first taste of midweek MACtion whetting viewers’ appetites as early as Tuesday, the Saturday slate did not disappoint fans across the country.

Week 10 College Football Team of the Week | First Team

It’s important to note that the PFN Week 10 College Football Team of the Week awards players based on their impact in their respective games and is not necessarily based on total statistical output.

The strength of competition is accounted for, as is the situation — both time of the game and score. These individual awards are also solely based on a player’s ability on Saturday and do not look into their future stock or NFL draft prospects.

Quarterback: Tanner Mordecai, SMU

There isn’t much more to say about Tanner Mordecai’s day against Houston that hasn’t already been said. He threw for nine touchdowns — yes, nine touchdowns — against the Cougars and ran another score in as well.

In the madness that was the Mustangs’ 77-point output, Mordecai did the majority of his damage in the first half. He became the first player in FBS history to throw seven touchdowns and rush for another touchdown in the first half of a football game.

With Mordecai’s reads sharp and his accuracy even better, SMU and Houston combined to score 140 points, the most in a regulation game in college football history.

Running Back: La’Damian Webb, South Alabama

For the second time in as many weeks, La’Damian Webb has carried South Alabama to victory. Against Georgia Southern’s high-flying attack, Webb’s play was crucial to keeping his defense off the field and out of the end zone. He just also happened to score a bunch himself.

Webb finished the night with 35 carries, 247 yards, and four touchdowns on the ground. He was unstoppable on the day and ground out yard after yard against the Eagles. No carry went for longer than 26 yards, as his body shots eventually paid off.

He scored three of his four touchdowns in the game’s final 18 minutes, proving too much for Georgia Southern as he wore down their defense all game long.

Running Back: Edward Saydee, Temple

Edward Saydee’s day was so good for Temple that he may be the ultimate reason Jeff Scott is ousted as USF’s head coach. Saydee needed just 24 carries to reach 265 yards and three touchdowns against the Bulls.

He was on top of his game in every aspect, as he also recorded four receptions for 69 yards against USF.

Saydee was poised, balanced, and fast on Saturday, recording the most rushing yards in a single game by a Temple running back in a decade.

Running Back: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

After a dominant performance against Purdue, Kaleb Johnson is poised to become the next great Iowa running back. Johnson reached 200 yards on 22 carries against the Boilermakers, scoring on a blistering 75-yard scamper.

Johnson epitomized the expression “make defenders miss in a phonebooth” as he turned Purdue linebackers on their heads in the short area of the field on his long touchdown run.

He chipped in with two catches out of the backfield as well as he’s rounding out his game in front of our eyes.

Wide Receiver: Puka Nacua, BYU

An absolute star in Provo, Puka Nacua had a career day for BYU. For the third time in the last four games, Nacua went over 100 yards through the air. Against Boise State’s vaunted secondary, Nacua went for 14 receptions, 157 yards, and two touchdowns.

His second touchdown, a goal-line fade on fourth and goal and his team down four points, was perhaps the best catch of his career — and he’s had some good ones. Despite an obvious defensive pass interference call, Nacua leapt to the football in the end zone.

He contorted his body at the catch point and juggled the pass over the boundary before resettling the ball in his hands and just barely dragging his toe in bounds. He gave new meaning to the term “toe drag swag” as Nacua oozed the proverbial swag on that reception.

Wide Receiver: Tre Harris, Louisiana Tech

Demonstrating his naturally-gifted ability against Middle Tennessee, Tre Harris hauled in seven receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns. His back-to-back one-handed receptions wowed the opposing coaching staff at MTSU to express their feelings on Harris in their postgame press conferences.

His two-play stint was remarkable as he snatched a high throw with one hand at the sideline to start. He then high-pointed the football deep down the sideline with late hands and snatched it away from the defensive back’s vision before planting his foot inbounds for an improbable reception.

All in a day’s work for one of the nation’s best receivers that doesn’t get enough love.

Wide Receiver: Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, Houston

We were bound to get some of the pass catchers in the massive offensive output that was the Houston vs. SMU game. Nathaniel “Tank” Dell was the most impressive receiver for the Cougars and perhaps in the game.

Dell hauled in 13 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns as he just continually worked to get open. The focal point of the Houston offense, Dell was able to shake free and even pulled off an impressive Willie Mays-style catch where he tracked a ball brilliantly and showcased some impressive catch-point skills.

Flex: Devin Neal, Kansas

The Kansas Jayhawks ran over the Oklahoma State defense with their ridiculously balanced offensive output. They can thank Devin Neal for that balance as the shifty sophomore reached the illustrious 300-yard mark in total offense.

Neal had 224 rushing yards and another 110 receiving yards, giving him a grand total of 334 yards of offense. He scored on the ground and was unstoppable with his rushing ability, elusiveness, burst, and balanced power that evades any arm tackle.

Offensive Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

It wasn’t hard to spot Kelvin Banks Jr. for the Texas Longhorns. Banks was seen planting defenders in the run game and keeping a clean pocket against a very talented Kansas State pass-rushing unit.

The Longhorns kept Quinn Ewers clean for most of the night, allowing just three QB hurries and no sacks. And making his performance even better was his downfield blocking attempt on a cornerback that registered a pancake for Banks.

Guard: Beau Stephens, Iowa

Helping to pave the way for Iowa’s rushing attack, Beau Stephens was incredibly impressive. Stephens was sound in pass protection but dominant on the ground.

It was Kaleb Johnson’s long touchdown run that really sparked Stephens’ dominance on the ground. Stephens turned his interior defender so far upfield and away from the play that the linebacker in the hole could only stand flat-footed and in disbelief that a hole that big opened up.

That’s the kind of impact he had all game long.

Center: Kekaniokoa Holomalia-Gonzalez, Boise State

It was ultimately in defeat, but Kekaniokoa Holomalia-Gonzalez was impressive for Boise State’s offensive line against BYU. Holomalia-Gonzalez was seen planting defenders at the first level and getting upfield quickly to do the same to linebackers, safeties, or cornerbacks in the run game.

He was also sound in pass protection as the Broncos allowed just one sack, a single sack that felt very much like a coverage sack and nothing more.

Guard: Josh Remetich, Tulane

What dominance it was for the Tulane Green Wave on the ground against Tulsa. As such, they spot Josh Remetich and Rashad Green on the CFB Week 10 Team of the Week as the right side of Tulane’s offensive line was thoroughly dominant.

Remetich was impressive on the inside, reaching the first and second levels very well. His strength on playside blocks helped pave huge lanes for Tulane backs.

Offensive Tackle: Rashad Green, Tulane

Rashad Green’s prowess at right tackle made matters even better for Tulane’s offensive production. Green was powerful at the point of attack and moved even better upfield once he dispatched his blocker in the trenches.

In total, Green and Remetich were integral in paving the way for two different 100-yard rushers and a total of 357 yards on the ground. The Tulsa defensive line had no answer for one of the most impressive outings from an RG-RT combination this season.

EDGE: Deslin Alexandre, Pittsburgh

Knocking off Syracuse is one thing. But limiting the Orange to just 25 yards rushing is another. Deslin Alexandre had a huge hand in Pitt’s success against Syracuse, recording seven total tackles and leading the game with 2.5 sacks.

It was Alexandre’s sack late in the game that recorded a safety and ultimately clinched the deal for the Panthers. But Alexandre was on his game all game long. It felt like the Pittsburgh pass rush had its way with Syracuse’s offensive line, and Alexandre, Calijah Kancey, and Co. certainly made Carlos Del Rio-Wilson uncomfortable all game long.

EDGE: Durrell Johnson, Liberty

Liberty reached 8-1 thanks in part to sound offense but also a dominant defense. Durrell Johnson was a menace to Arkansas’ passing game all afternoon, recording two sacks and several more pressures.

Johnson was also integral in helping to stop the Arkansas rushing attack, mainly spying KJ Jefferson and helping limit him to just 36 yards on 16 carries.

Johnson finished the game with 3.5 tackles for loss and nine total tackles, both leading the team from his edge role.

Defensive Interior: Jalen Carter, Georgia

The final book will read four tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss for Jalen Carter. But against Tennessee, it was the way Carter bullied his way up and down their offensive line that set the tone and ultimately was one of the difference-makers for the Bulldogs.

Carter forced two fumbles inside of those tackles for loss, one on a strip sack in the end zone of Hendon Hooker and the other as the rain started to pour in the second half on the ground game. Both essentially turned into points as a pinned-back punt attempt gave UGA a short field and a one-play scoring drive, and the next set up a scoring drive as well.

Carter’s impact in the lineup came when Georgia needed him most. Without star pass rusher Nolan Smith, Carter stepped up the pressure after Robert Beal Jr. went out with injury and applied even more heat. It was too much for Tennessee to handle.

Defensive Interior: D’Quan Douse, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech defense clamped down to come from behind and defeat Virginia Tech. Now, they’re two wins away from bowl-eligible status despite firing Geoff Collins as their head coach midway through the year.

D’Quan Douse was a big reason they were able to come from behind against Tech, as the big man recorded 2.5 sacks and a handful more pressures from the inside. Douse had four solo tackles and was a constant presence up the middle.

His sacks came at integral spots and helped both return the ball to his offense and thwart promising drives for Virginia Tech.

Linebacker: Michael Barrett, Michigan

In a span of just two defensive plays, Michael Barrett recorded two interceptions and a pick-six against Rutgers. Despite going into the halftime break down three points, the Michigan Wolverines exploded for a 28-point third quarter and 38-point second half to run away with the contest.

Barrett’s two-play sequence was within that dominant third quarter. On one occasion, he stepped in front of a Gavin Wimsatt pass and proceeded to catch a tipped overthrow for his interception that he returned for a touchdown. Barrett returned the tipped ball 31 yards and pushed Michigan’s lead to three possessions.

Linebacker: Harold Perkins Jr., LSU

The sensational freshman linebacker made his presence felt for LSU in their upset victory over Alabama on more than just one occasion. Harold Perkins Jr. was everywhere for the Tigers, and most notably not on the field when Alabama scored the first of only their two regulation touchdowns.

He finished the day with eight total tackles as he patrolled the edge and underneath passing lanes well. But it was his pass-rushing skill that really shined. Perkins came down with a sack and three more credited hurries, but it felt like it should’ve been even more had Young not already evaded a collapsing pocket.

Linebacker: Jaylan Ford, Texas

Coming up big when his team needed it most, Jaylan Ford has continued to make a name for himself on the Texas defense. Ford snatched an interception late in the second quarter — Kansas State QB Adrian Martinez’s first interception of this season — thwarting a promising drive that would’ve cut Texas’ lead at the break.

Instead, the Longhorns needed just 54 seconds to put points on the board after Ford’s interception from the middle of the field and increase their lead to 21 points as the break.

He wasn’t done as he continued to wreak havoc with a game-clinching fumble recovery and a team-high 10 total tackles. Ford was all over the field for Texas.

Cornerback: Kelee Ringo, Georgia

Locking down the hottest offense in college football, Kelee Ringo was dominant in coverage for Georgia. Ringo even displayed his coverage skills with an impressive interception early on.

Playing the deep end zone go route to perfection, Ringo stuck with his receiver, perfectly in phase, and ultimately became the receiver himself his position was so good. He snatched the ball out of the air and away from the defender with elite ball skills and came down with a contested interception.

Ringo rounded out his day with a few more impressive reps, perhaps none more impressive than his open-field tackle of an elusive pass catcher from Tennessee. He laid the lumber after closing about 10 yards of space in coverage with a perfect form tackle.

Cornerback: Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Teaching tape for perfect in-phase coverage got a new example as Christian Gonzalez dominated his former team. Against Colorado, Gonzalez recorded two interceptions, both of which were extremely impressive.

Flipping the script against the Buffs, Gonzalez perfectly stuck with his receiver on a go route down the sideline. He flipped his hips and maintained inside leverage against a quarterback who had clearly shown the inability to reach the deep portion of the field. Stepping in front of the pass at the catch point, Gonzalez yanked it away from the intended receiver with ease.

On his next interception, Gonzalez broke off his zone and smoothly, seamlessly transitioned into ballhawk mode, beautifully getting in front of a late throw to the sideline. He has put his name on the map so far this season, and this performance was no different.

Cornerback: Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish put on a vintage display of hard-nosed Irish defense and stuck it to Clemson. Despite D.J. Uiagalelei not playing up to the standards of what we’ve seen this year, Notre Dame still applied the clamps in coverage.

Benjamin Morrison played the role of lockdown cornerback as he recorded two interceptions, including a terrific 96-yard interception return for a touchdown. Morrison peeled back off his receiver and allowed an inaccurate throw to flutter perfectly into his arms before jetting up the sidelines for the touchdown.

He also totaled seven tackles as he kept everything in front of him and was terrific all game long on the outside.

Safety: Jammie Robinson, Florida State

In what amounted to the largest home loss for either team in this illustrious rivalry, the signal-caller on the Florida State defense was integral in the Seminoles’ success against Miami (FL). Robinson flew all around the field for FSU, helping to limit the ‘Canes to fewer than 200 yards all game long.

The first half was an incredible half of football for both sides of the ball for FSU, but Robinson stepped his game up as the third quarter rolled around.

With freshman quarterback Jacurri Brown leading a potential scoring drive, it was Robinson who flexed his muscle and veteran leadership skills on a slot blitz that sent Brown packing. In what could only be described as a truly visceral moment for the sport, Robinson spun Brown around violently and shoved him to the ground like he was a bouncer tossing a patron at Mango’s on South Beach.

Like the proverbial patron throw out of the club, Robinson threw Miami out of scoring range and led the charge in a 42-point victory with seven total tackles, a tackle for loss, and multiple plays in coverage.

Safety: Chris Bacon, Bowling Green

On Wednesday, Chris Bacon played a pivotal role in Bowling Green’s victory over Western Michigan. Bacon’s interception set up the first points in the game, and points became increasingly harder to come by as the game wore on.

With his incredible linebacking corps playing well in front of him, Bacon freely flew about the defense and finished with five total tackles and an interception. Bacon was ferocious and sound in his technique as he put forth a dominant display in both facets.

With Bacon leading the charge, BGSU limited Western Michigan to just 127 yards on the ground and garbage-time yards through the air.

Flex: Javon Bullard, Georgia

A defensive masterclass was put on by Kirby Smart and his coordinators against Tennessee. One of those defensive masterclasses offered was how to apply pressure with crafty blitz packages that didn’t affect your coverage.

Enter Javon Bullard, the defensive back who rushed from the slot on multiple occasions and with great success. Bullard rushed with an odd-man front as his presence off the edge was hardly seen by Hendon Hooker, and the dropping linebackers continually ate up throwing lanes.

Bullard beat the left tackle for Tennessee on multiple occasions and recorded two sacks to go with his seven total tackles. He was good in coverage underneath but even better at disguising his blitz attempt and ultimately getting home.

Kicker: Camden Price, Temple

With a 54-point outing at his disposal, it was Temple K Camden Price who was as accurate as ever against USF. Price finished a perfect 10-for-10 on all kick attempts on Saturday, drilling all six extra points and four field goals.

His field goals hardly ranged in distance as Temple was able to move up and down the field on USF but couldn’t quite finish the drive on field goals from 32, 32, 34, and 35 yards out. Price notched an impressive 18 total points.

Punter: Lachlan Wilson, Tulsa

Doing everything he could to give his team a spark and a chance to even score some points, Lachlan Wilson was dominant as a punter against Tulane. Wilson recorded six punts for 279 yards and five drilled inside the Tulane 20-yard line.

In fact, his first five punts all landed inside the 20, including a 74-yard bomb that got a great bounce and died inside the Tulane five. His punts could’ve set up eventual short fields for his offense had his defense been able to flip the field.

Kick Returner: Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State

Scorching the Earth below him, Lideatrick Griffin needed but a few moves to blur past the Auburn kickoff team. Sprinting up the field, it was Griffin who bobbed and weaved his way to six points on a 92-yard kick return touchdown that pushed Mississippi State’s first-half lead to 21 points. He finished the day with three returns for 144 yards and the touchdown.

Punt Returner: Derius Davis, TCU

It was a matter of time before Derius Davis got into the end zone on a return once again. And against Texas Tech, it not only happened, but it happened in an incredibly dramatic way.

Davis fielded a punt and reversed his field once, and began weaving his way through some impressive blocking before turning on the after boosters to finish off the 82-yard touchdown return. Davis’ punt return touchdown opened up the scoring for TCU against Texas Tech, and he finished with 164 all-purpose yards and two scores on the day.