RB Jordan Nubin – Minnesota
The skinny: As a redshirt sophomore, Nubin came into Saturday’s game with 51 career rushing yards on 15 carries. He then proceeded to rush for 204 yards and his first two collegiate touchdowns on 40 carries during a 27-12 victory over Michigan State. While the Gophers are accustomed to impressive running back play this season, Nubin’s performance came as a surprise to everyone in attendance.
RB Tawee Walker – Oklahoma
The skinny: It is very difficult to find positives when you lose your first game in late October, but Walker’s performance was a definite highlight for Oklahoma. The walk-on rushed for a career-high 146 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries, as he gave a much-needed spark to a Sooners’ running game that hasn’t been as dominant as it is accustomed to. However, even this highlight came with a negative as Walker missed the last few drives with an ankle injury. When healthy, Norman should be seeing more of Walker through the end of this season.
DB Jahlil Florence – Oregon
The skinny: After getting his feet wet last season, Florence has gradually seen increased playing time as a sophomore in 2023. His maturation took a quick leap forward on Saturday during a 35-6 victory at Utah when he finished with a team-high nine tackles. The Ducks have plenty of talent and depth in the secondary this season, so he will have to continue to fight for playing time, but he has positioned himself nicely for a big season in 2024.
RB Dontae Smith – Georgia Tech
The skinny: Since signing with Georgia Tech back in 2018, Smith has seen and experienced a great deal in Atlanta. However, it wasn’t until Saturday that he experienced his best collegiate performance. In an exciting victory over North Carolina, Smith rushed for a career-high 178 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, which was very much unexpected since he came into the game with 61 yards on 13 carries this season. This has been a crazy season for the Yellow Jackets, with Smith’s performance helping keep their bowl hopes alive.
DL Aidan Hubbard – Northwestern
The skinny: It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the Wildcats this season, but through it all they are somehow 4-4 and in sight of a bowl. During another surprise victory on Saturday, this time against Maryland, a few players rose to the occasion, including Hubbard. Coming into the game with only seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and one sack on the season, he accumulated five tackles, three tackles for a loss and three sacks against the Terps. Northwestern needs to find two more wins to make an improbable bowl, so performances like Hubbard’s will go a long way in achieving that.
