2021 FRESHMAN FOCUS: WEEK 10

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 10, the weekend of Nov. 6:


FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR


Alton McCaskill, RB, Houston (6-1, 210, Conroe, Texas): 22 rushes, 125 yards, 3 TD


McCaskill was anything but easy to bring down Saturday in a 54-42 victory over USF. The true freshman was forceful in goal-line situations, ramming through the Bulls front and into the end zone on two of his three scores. McCaskill's third touchdown, a 16-yard scamper, served as the nail in the coffin for the Cougar victory. This young hammer will be licking his chops in preparation for a matchup against a struggling Temple opponent this weekend.


Chandler Morris, QB, TCU (5-11, 175, Dallas, Texas): 29/41, 461 yards, 2 TD; 11 rushes, 70 yards, 1 TD


Morris was spectacular in his first collegiate start, leading TCU to a 30-28 upset over in-state conference rival Baylor. The redshirt freshman also did it without leading rusher Zach Evans and now former TCU head coach Gary Patterson. Morris displayed prowess with his arm and his legs, scoring TCU's first touchdown on a 12-yard run and burying the Bears in the fourth quarter with a 19-yard connection with Quentin Johnston. Morris and the Horned Frogs will look for another upset win Saturday against Oklahoma State.


Josaiah Stewart, DT, Coastal Carolina (6-2, 245, Everett, Mass.): 6 tackles, 4 sacks


Stewart was a nightmare for Georgia Southern in Coastal Carolina's 28-8 win Saturday as he was part of a Chanticleer front that surrendered just 86 yards rushing on 36 attempts against a team that rushed for over 200 yards per game. Stewart and Coastal Carolina will look to dominate again Saturday when division foe Georgia State comes to town.


Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (6-4, 224, Glastonbury, Conn.): 22/34, 389 yards, 3 TD; 4 rushes, 9 yards


Van Dyke helped extend Miami's first win streak of 2021 to three games Saturday in a 33-30 win against Georgia Tech. The redshirt freshman found Key'Shawn Smith through the heart of the Yellow Jacket secondary to put the Hurricanes up for good. Over Miami's past three games, Van Dyke has thrown ten touchdown passes and just one interception. The young gun will look to lead the Hurricanes to their fourth straight win against in-state foe Florida State.


STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES


Shane Beamer, South Carolina: Beamer's Gamecocks pulled a stunner with the 40-17 upset of Florida Saturday. South Carolina decimated the Gator defense, amassing 459 total offensive yards. Kevin Harris led the way for the Gamecocks on the ground with 128 yards rushing on 16 attempts. South Carolina's defense only allowed three third-down conversions in the victory, surrendering 340 total offensive yards.


Jedd Fisch, Arizona: Fisch and the Wildcats ended the longest active losing streak in FBS Saturday in a 10-3 brawl against California. Arizona's defense held the Golden Bears to 122 total offensive yards and allowed one third-down conversion on fourteen attempts. The lone Wildcat touchdown came in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, when Michael Wiley hit paydirt on a 10-yard run. Quarterback Will Plummer finished 16-of-28 passing for 129 yards.


Josh Heupel, Tennessee: Heupel's offensive firepower was on display yet again for the Volunteers in a 45-42 shootout win against Kentucky. Tennessee's attack unit was extremely efficient, with a time of possession of just 13:52. Quarterback Hendon Hooker was excellent again, finishing 15-of-20 passing for 316 yards and four touchdowns.


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