Rivalry weekend in college football is known to bring out the best in teams and individuals alike. Add in the stakes of college football playoff positioning and conference championship standing, you get even bigger moments. Those moments are pressure filled – but also a grand stage to seize the opportunity to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s NFL Draft stock, postseason college award risers, or simply just players who caught my eye – here’s the standouts from rivalry week after sifting through the tape.
Francis & Francisco Mauigoa:
The Mauioga Brothers have both been standouts all season for the Miami Hurricanes. Francis is a true freshman right tackle and Fransisco is a junior linebacker. Against Boston College, both brothers flexed their muscle and had stellar performances. Francisco had a banner day with 9 tackles, 2 TFL’s, and 1 sack.
Boston College scored on a 10-play, 75-yard drive to open today’s game. Since then, Miami has scored 28 points, and its defense has held the Eagles to 57 yards with no scores.#Canes LB Francisco Mauigoa leads the way with 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. pic.twitter.com/kAxZQwULS6
— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) November 24, 2023
Jayden Daniels:
The LSU QB once again reminded us why he’s the Heisman front runner and has elevated himself into first round draft pick status. After a low scoring first half against a Texas A&M team that came into the game top 12 in total defense, Daniels once again put the team on his back. Reeling off 21 fourth quarter points – Daniels finished the game with 235 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and 120 rushing yards. His deep ball accuracy and dynamic athleticism was once again on center stage.
jayden daniels is UNREAL. give that man his heisman! pic.twitter.com/KvvST57Ssb
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) November 25, 2023
Isaiah Bond:
In my opinion, theres no greater rivalry in sports than the Iron Bowl. If you’re going to make big time plays, you always want to do it on that stage. Isaiah Bond delivered from start to finish for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown may not wow you on paper, but the impact he made and the difficulty level of the game winning touchdown catch he hauled in was incredible. Simply put – he’s a ball player.
jayden daniels is UNREAL. give that man his heisman! pic.twitter.com/KvvST57Ssb
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) November 25, 2023
Brandon Dorlus:
Oregon EDGE Brandon Dorlus has been a steady NFL Draft riser all season. As a player that potentially took a risk by returning this year, he continues to prove that was the correct decision. In the the biggest matchup of the year for the Ducks, the in-state rivalry game against Oregon State, he rose to the occasion. His stat line wasn’t remarkable, but this is why it’s important to watch the tape. His presence was felt all night and his two pass deflections rang huge.
Defense forces a 3️⃣-and-out
After an OSU punt, Oregon ball at its own 18. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/XybmtpdBM4
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 25, 2023
Braelon Allen:
In a year where there’s no consensus first round talents like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, Braelon Allen could very well be the first running back off the board in April. The Wisconsin back showed up once again in a rivalry game against Minnesota totaling 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns along with three receptions and 27 receiving yards. 6.3 yards per carry with Wisconsin’s lack of passing game threat is impressive.
Give it to @BraelonAllen, and let him do his thing. ? @BadgerFootball ties it up in Minneapolis.
?: FS1/@CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/jM8lb7FvHL
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 25, 2023