FBS Independent's Players of The Week
Article By: Week 3 FBS Independent Conference Player of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
Player: Jeremiyah Love
Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Performance: In a game where Notre Dame imposed their will on Purdue, running back Jeremiyah Love was the star of the show. Love showcased his explosive speed and elusiveness, racking up 137 yards on 21 carries and finding the end zone twice. His electrifying 64-yard run left defenders grasping at air and the crowd roaring in admiration. But Love wasn't just a force on the ground; he also proved to be a reliable target in the passing game, adding 3 receptions for 32 yards. Nearly all of those yards came after the catch, demonstrating his ability to turn short passes into significant gains. With Love leading the charge, Notre Dame cruised to a convincing 38-10 victory, leaving no doubt about who the game’s standout performer was.
Defensive Player of the Week
Player: Etinosa Reuben
Team: UMass Minutemen
Performance: Etinosa Reuben was nothing short of a nightmare for Georgia State’s offense. The UMass defensive lineman turned in a performance for the ages, dominating the line of scrimmage and wreaking havoc in the backfield. Reuben tallied 8 tackles, with a staggering 5 of them resulting in losses for the Panthers. His relentless pressure didn't stop there; Reuben also notched 1.5 sacks and forced a crucial fumble, all of which contributed to UMass’s overwhelming 34-0 shutout victory. Reuben’s effort was a masterclass in defensive disruption, ensuring that Georgia State never found any rhythm offensively.
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Week 4 FBS Independent Conference Player of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
Player: Riley Leonard
Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Performance: Riley Leonard delivered a quarterbacking clinic against Pitt, turning in a performance that will be talked about for weeks to come. Leonard was laser-focused and pinpoint accurate, completing all 8 of his pass attempts for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns. His efficiency was off the charts, earning him a mind-blowing QB rating of 373.9. Whether it was dropping dimes on deep throws or threading the needle in tight coverage, Leonard made it look effortless. His perfect performance propelled Notre Dame to a commanding 42-9 victory, leaving no doubt that Leonard is the man to lead the Irish offense.
Defensive Player of the Week
Player: Xavier Watts
Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Performance: Xavier Watts was a beacon of dominance in Notre Dame's secondary, playing a pivotal role in shutting down Pitt’s offense. Watts was everywhere on the field, recording 4 tackles, and more importantly, snagging 2 interceptions that thwarted any hopes Pitt had of mounting a comeback. His presence was felt on every passing down, as he also added a pass deflection to his stat line, further solidifying his impact. Thanks to Watts’ lockdown coverage and playmaking ability, the Irish held Pitt to just 9 points, cruising to another victory.
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Analysis
This week’s standout performances have introduced some new stars into the spotlight. With Notre Dame and UMass continuing to dominate, both teams head into Week 5 with unblemished records and growing national attention. If these players continue to perform at this level, there’s no telling how far their teams will go this season.
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