We knew which Group of Five players to keep tabs on entering the season and who to expect to put up eye-popping numbers each week.
Then there are those other players who are putting themselves on the radar and showing they have potential to be all-conference selections. Both types of players showed up on our list of top performers for Week 2.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Jordan McCloud, Texas State
Big time players make big time plays.
That’s what McCloud did during the Bobcats’ 49-10 win over UTSA. The Roadrunners had no answers for McCloud, who did plenty of damage both through the air and with his legs. The fifth-year quarterback passed for 309 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 30 yards and two more scores.
Most importantly, though, McCloud helped Texas State earn a statement win in their quest toward a College Football Playoff berth. Another Sun Belt Player of the Year honor might just be in the future for McCloud.
Devonte O’Malley, NIU
O’Malley grew up just 82 miles from South Bend. It wasn’t very far from home where he had one of the most significant games of his career.
The defensive tackle was a bully on Saturday night during the Huskies’ upset win over fifth-ranked Notre Dame. College football betting odds had NIU as a 28-point underdog. O’Malley finished with two sacks, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and four tackles.
O’Malley was named MAC Defensive Player of the Week and is solidifying himself as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Jordan Pollard, San Jose State
When you’re going up against Air Force’s offense, you’re more likely to rack up tackles. But you need to be in a position to do so.
Pollard was all over the field and finished with 17 total tackles to help the Spartans pick up their first road win against Air Force in program history. The linebacker also had a pass breakup and earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors. Pollard currently ranks second in the FBS with 25 total tackles on the season.
Mac Dalena, Fresno State
Dalena put up a good stat line against the defending FBS champs in Week 1 but was even better last week against a respectable Sacramento State team. The senior finished with seven receptions for 237 yards and a TD while adding an 18-yard rush. He averaged 33.6 yards per reception and caught a 75-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to start off his career night. Dalena and Fresno QB Mikey Keene seem to have developed some great chemistry going back to last season and will pose problems for Mountain West defenses this fall.
Blake Horvath, Navy
Horvath torched the Temple defense on his way to 234 yards and four total scores. This included 112 passing yards for one TD and 122 rushing yards for his three other TDs.
The junior QB has guided the Midshipmen to a 2-0 start. They’re on a bye this week before a tough Week 4 meeting with Memphis.
