Coverboy of the Week: James Lynch, Baylor (Round Rock)

Who would have thought, the best defensive player in the state plays in Waco, Texas. Lynch has dominated the last two games. Against Texas Tech, he broke through for three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. 

He was credited with just one quarterback hurry, but Lynch affected almost every play. Great defensive linemen affect games on plays where they don’t put up big numbers; Lynch is breaking through that threshold. 

Swiss Army Knife: Roschon Johnson, Texas (Port Neches-Groves)

For the second week in a row, Johnson – a true freshman quarterback turned running back – was the best offensive player at Texas. Johnson accumulated more than a third of Texas’ total offense on just 12 touches, including 95 of the 100 rush yards. 

Johnson’s 57-yard run to set up a touchdown was the one time on Saturday that Oklahoma’s defense was on its heels. Wherever he plays on the field, Johnson is going to be a difference maker. Texas now has to do more to get him involved. 

Michael Dickson Award: Dane Roy, Houston

Roy only punted the ball four times, but each one was a masterpiece. Three of the punts went more than 50 yards for a 54 yards-per-punt average. Three punts fell within not just the 20-yard line, but the 10-yard line. 

It was a masterclass in punting, and helped give the Houston defense some favorable field position. Cincy’s four possessions off a Roy punt ended in an interception, field goal and two punts. Houston’s ability on special teams this year has been notable. 

Small College Star: DB Michael Lawson, Lamar

Lamar needed a big performance from its defense while playing against perennial power Sam Houston State, especially since the offense was held without a point in regulation. Lewis stepped up, nabbing an interception in the fourth quarter with five minutes left to keep SHSU out of plus territory. His biggest play was the last of the game, catching a Ty Brock pass for an interception in triple-overtime to end the game. Lewis was also credited with 10 tackles and an additional pass breakup. 

Dave’s Pick: Texas Tech’s defense

Two weeks in a row against good top 25 opponents, Texas Tech’s defense has played tremendously well. Douglas Coleman leads the nation with six interceptions. Jordyn Brooks is becoming a force that can’t be denied. The defense line is winning against good offensive lines. Oklahoma is deservedly getting credit for the Big 12 defense that fixed itself in an offseason, but what Keith Patterson is doing at Texas Tech should absolutely not be ignored. Texas Tech is going to be a problem for opponents.

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