DALLAS (FWAA) Each week during the 2021 season, we will highlight the notable performances of first-year players and head coaches leading up to the selection of our annual Freshman All-America Team and the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach of the Year Award presented by Chris Doering Mortgage. Here are the top performances from Week 2, the weekend of Sept. 11:
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (6-4, 230, Napa, Calif.): 3 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
Bowers continued to shine in the Georgia passing game Saturday after being one of its few bright spots in Week 1. The true freshman's efforts helped lift the Bulldogs in a 56-7 rout of UAB. Bowers highlighted his performance with an 89-yard touchdown catch, burning several members of the Blazer secondary on his way to the end zone. He currently leads his team in receptions, yards receiving and touchdowns receiving.
Seth Henigan, QB, Memphis (6-3, 200, Denton, Texas): 22/33, 417 yards, 5 TD
Henigan connected with Calvin Austin III for a 55-yard touchdown pass on the sixth offensive snap of the game and never looked back in a 55-50 win over Arkansas State. The true freshman is now the sixth quarterback in school history to score five total touchdowns in a game. Henigan, who leads all FBS freshmen in touchdowns passing, will look to improve to 3-0 with a home date against Mississippi State looming Saturday.
Seyi Oladipo, S, Boise State (5-11, 195, Centennial, Colo.): 2 INT, 1 tackle
Oladipo led a Bronco pass defense that allowed just 264 yards on 26 attempts and intercepted three passes in a 54-13 win over UTEP. The true freshman has proven to be quite the ball hawk early in his career with four interceptions in two games, a total that currently leads all FBS players. Oladipo will look to maintain that lead this Saturday against a solid Oklahoma State pass attack.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (6-4, 236, Gainesville, Fla.): 3/3, 152 yards, 2 TD; 4 rushes, 115 yards, 1 TD
Richardson built on last week's explosive performance, showcasing excellence passing and rushing while sharing snaps with starter Emory Jones. The redshirt freshman threw touchdown strikes of 41 and 75 yards to Jacob Copeland and added an 80-yard touchdown sprint on the ground. His 275 yards rushing leads all FBS quarterbacks. Richardson will continue to compete for a starting job this Saturday with top-ranked Alabama coming to town.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Andy Avalos, Boise State: Avalos' first victory at his alma mater was nothing short of explosive as the Broncos thumped UTEP, 54-13. Boise State generated 464 yards of total offense and forced six turnovers in the win. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier led the way offensively, finishing 17-of-24 passing for 340 yards with two touchdowns. Senior receiver Khalil Sakir added seven catches for 166 yards.
Bryan Harsin, Auburn: The Bryan Harsin effect was on full display Saturday as the Tigers crushed Alabama State in a 62-0 victory. Auburn rushed for 364 yards and three touchdowns. Bo Nix finished 9-of-17 passing for 108 yards and two touchdowns. The win, following Auburn's 60-10 thrashing of Akron a week ago, marks the first pair of consecutive 60-point games since 1932.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.
2021 Freshman Focus
Weekend of Sept. 4
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Weekend of Sept. 11
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Weekend of Sept. 18
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Weekend of Sept. 25
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Weekend of Oct. 2
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Weekend of Oct. 9
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Weekend of Oct. 16
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Weekend of Oct. 23
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Weekend of Oct. 30
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Weekend of Nov. 6
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Weekend of Nov. 13
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Weekend of Nov. 20
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Weekend of Nov. 27