Marcus Mariota's ability to run and throw accurately make him a deadly weapon for opposing defenses. (Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports)
No matter what level of football, big plays always play a major role in the outcome of a game.
Whether it’s on offense, defense or special teams, a long touchdown pass or run, a kick return for a score, a pick-six or a sack-fumble are just a few ways team can deliver a quick blow to an opponent in a matter of seconds.
With so many rules now in place that favor offense, we are seeing more scoring in college football than ever before. Teams are running no-huddle up-tempo spread offenses to not only limit a defenses ability to substitute, but to take advantage of individual matchups in space. By doing this, offenses can run more plays and tire a defense out, which allows more opportunities to punch the ball in the end zone.
Now that we’re almost at the conclusion of the regular season, I’ve compiled a short list of the top big-play specialists in America. And while the players that top the list won’t surprise, there may be one or two players that make my list that you don’t necessarily agree on. But you know what, I don’t care. I’ve watched football long enough to know a good player when I see one, and if I were a coach I’d love to have any of these guys’ big-play ability on my team any day of the week.
Here are my top big-play guys in the country.
1. Marcus Mariota, sophomore, QB, Oregon: Mariota has been nearly flawless as a decision-maker in the Ducks’ ridiculously successful offense, but his ability to hurt defenses with his arm (2,281 passing yards) and legs (511 rushing yards) is why he ranks at the top of this list. His 21.8 points per game is impressive but that stat that jumps out to me is his 20 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in 225 pass attempts.
2. Johnny Manziel, sophomore, QB, Texas A&M: If the Aggies had a defense … well, they’d probably be unbeaten and Manziel would be on his way to joining Archie Griffin as the only repeat Heisman winner. Now I’m not saying Manziel isn’t in the running for college football’s most prestigious individual award again, but it’s doubtful he’ll win it if Oregon or Alabama or FSU win out (QB AJ McCarron will certainly be in the mix of the Tide goes undefeated). Regardless, Manziel’s ability to break down defenses with his arm (2,867 yards) and legs (564 rushing yards) is borderline unfair, and he’s the reason the Aggies are right outside the Top 10 despite having one of the worst D’s in college football.
3. Mike Evans, sophomore, WR, Texas A&M: At 6-5, 225 pounds, he has a size advantage on practically every cornerback he faces, but he’s terrific at catching the ball in traffic and is a great runner after the catch. Arguably the top player in America and his 22.1-yard receiving average (52 catches for 1,147 yards and 12 TDs) is among the FBS leaders. I’m not sure many NFL corners can cover this guy and it’s unfair that college DBs have to. What a weapon.
4. Odell Beckham Jr., junior, WR/KR, LSU: Beckham, a fiery competitor, is a dynamic player who ranks second nationally in all-purpose yards (1,866) and ranks 12th in receiving yards per game (112.1 ypg). He isn’t very big (6-0, 187) but he runs good routes, is lighting quick and is fearless when going for the ball — regardless if it’s going over the middle or up and over a defender. Although LSU has two losses on the year, Beckham is one half (Jarvis Landry is the other wideout) of arguably the best receiving duo in college football.
5. Trent Murphy, senior, OLB, Stanford: Yeah, yeah, I know there are a lot of offensive players that could be mentioned here, but hands down Murphy is the most dominating pass rusher in college football. At 6-6, 261 pounds, he reminds me a lot of current Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Murphy ranks second in the FBS in sacks with 9 ½ and his 13 ½ tackles for loss rank fifth nationally. He also has a 30-yard pick-six and a blocked PAT to his credit. Murphy’s a game-changer and should be coveted in the upcoming NFL Draft.
6. Jameis Winston, freshman, QB, FSU: Although Winston is surrounded by a lot of talent, it’s amazing what the redshirt frosh has done in his first year as a starter. Not only is he the leader of the team, but his accuracy throwing the rock is off the hook — and he’s a tough runner when protection breaks down. Winston’s completed over 70 percent of his pass attempts and currently sits 14th nationally with 2,502 passing yards. If Oregon or Alabama falter down the stretch, he may sneak up and win the Heisman. Yes, he means that much to his team. Truly a special talent.
So there you have it. My Top 6 big-play threats in college football. And don’t be surprised to see almost all of these guys in New York when the Heisman Trophy gets handed out in December.
