College Football Playoffs headline No. 1 on New Year’s Eve later this week Georgia Battle No.4 Ohio Peach Bowl Semifinals and 2nd Place Michigan 3rd meeting TCU in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals. As usual, the four-team field features some of the best players in the country. His three of this season’s Heisman Trophy finalists at quarterback are on his list of notable top 20 impact players from the CFP field this year. But only one landed near the top.
The 2022 College Football Playoffs feature the Davey O’Brien Trophy (Duggan), John McKee Award (Brock Bowers), Outland Trophy (Olsegun Olwatimi), Thorpe Award (Trevius Hodges-Tomlinson) and many more . ) and Burlsworth Trophy (Bennett).
This group of 20 players stand out as the most impactful headers into Saturday’s semi-final game, but many others join the list after a strong performance on the biggest stage. Without further ado, here are the 20 most influential players on the 2022 college football playoff field.
McCarthy is the final name on this list because his resume is still shrouded in mystery.As a sophomore, he played the best game of his life against Ohio State in a 45-23 victory. Made 3 touchdown passes of 45 yards or more. However, McCarthy completed his 12.4 passes per game and made his 52.1% of passes in his final five games. College football Which McCarthy can win in his playoffs?
Ringo takes a few chances, but the sophomore has a knack for making big plays. Last year, Ringo won the national championship game with a pick 6. In a highly publicized matchup against No. 1 Tennessee This season, Ringo picked off a Hendon hooker in the end zone to effectively end the game at halftime. Georgia could use some of his heroics against CJ Stroud.
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Miller isn’t a workhorse like other running backs in the college football playoffs, but he’s very effective when called upon. Jr. rushed for 1,342 yards and on one attempt he rushed for his 17 touchdowns for 6.2 yards, while LaDainian he tied Tomlinson’s school record for consecutive games with touchdowns.Against texas, Miller interrupted a 75-yard touchdown run to strike out Bijan Robinson and beat out the Longhorns. Miller is dynamic and doesn’t strain the offense.
17. Georgia QB Stetson Bennett IV
The quarterback, once a feel-good story, has turned himself into a legitimate weapon. Rushing for more touchdowns (7) than (4). Offensive his coordinator Todd Monken found a way to make the game easier for Bennett.
There are some predictions here, but Tuimoloau put together perhaps the best individual performance of a college football defender this season.Against PennsylvaniaFew playoff defenders can deliver such a personally devastating performance. Oh, Tuy Morrow needs to be bigger.
The Wolverines’ defense is structured differently than the NFL’s Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo in 2022. But Morris is the only edge defender to ensure that the opponent’s offense still keeps an eye on him, with 11 tackles and he recorded 7.5 sacks as a top-grade member of the front-seven on Michigan’s roster. did. He recorded his 35 pressures and his 19 rushes. The only thing keeping him on the list is zero pressure on Ohio State. It doesn’t cut it against the TCU.
The difference between Ohio State’s 2021 and 2022 defenses will almost certainly come down to the dynamic Eichenberg, who emerged as a superstar in defeats of 112 tackles and 12 tackles as the nose of Jim Knowles’ defense. Eichenberg excels as a run stopper, making opposing attacks difficult with his football nose. Ohio State’s run against Georgia His defense will affect whether the Buckeyes can hold off his UGA.
13. TCU CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
Hodges-Tomlinson ranks as TCU’s second Thorpe Award winner in the past three years after emerging as the dynamic cover corner of the Big 12 runner-up. Hodges his Tomlinson recorded a career-high three interceptions with 42 tackles as part of his unit, Josh his strong corner with Newton. If he can keep Michigan’s Ronnie his bell down with man-his coverage, the Wolverines’ defense will be a little easier.
Georgia has many leaders on defense, but none better on the back end than fifth grader Smith. Smith started as a rotation starter and in 2022 in the United States he achieved 50 tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 passes, making him America’s No. 1 defenseman and the best in the nation. Transformed into one of his safety players. Against a dynamic Ohio State team, Smith must put the game in front of himself and create a difficult window for Stroud.
Few college football players have transformed their fame as completely as Avila in 2022. The DFW-born was shuffled offensively around his line under his former staff, but eventually found a place at left guard under his Dykes. Next to center Alan Ali, Avila helped make the inside offensive line one of the team’s strengths, earning him all-American honors, and his versatility helped Michigan’s defensive tackle his magi. It will be the key against his Smith.
10. Ohio State QB CJ Stroud
Stroud was named a Heisman finalist for the second straight season after throwing for over 3,300 yards and ranking in the top five with 37 touchdown passes. When Stroud is on point, he is one of the most dynamic and accurate passers in the sport today.his aerial destruction Michigan 2021 will remain beautiful. But Ohio State needs him to achieve another level of personal excellence to have a chance against Georgia.
9. Michigan DL Magi Smith
His numbers don’t fly off the page, but Smith’s effort is significant as Michigan’s rushing defense ranks third in the nation and surpasses Georgia in yards per carry. Smith lists him at 337 pounds, closing the gap against even the most physical offensive his lineman. His presence allows teammates to wreak havoc elsewhere.
8. Ohio OL Paris Johnson
The Buckeyes offensive line is one of the most underrated units on the roster, with Johnson ranked as the anchor. Johnson was a consensus top 10 national recruit with over 25 starts in an Ohio State uniform. At 6 feet 6 inches and he weighs 310 pounds, Johnson can give himself the upper hand against even the most physical edge rushers, and even the traditional drop back he’s playing his game. Regardless, Stroud has become one of America’s least sacked players.
Edwards was the backup back in Michigan until the regular season finale. Since then, Edwards has become perhaps the most effective running back in the country. The sophomore scored 401 rushing yards and his three touchdowns, contributing to a win against Ohio State. Purdue when Michigan won the Big Ten title. At its best, Edwards is an outright running back and should be able to create chances behind a strong offensive line.
6. Georgia TE Brock Bowers
Bowers has a case as the best player in college football after his sophomore season in the history books. Bowers caught 52 passes for 726 yards and six touchdowns. , that alone doesn’t quite tell how much offensive coordinator Todd Monken relies on Bowers to craft his game plan as a pass catcher and blocker. Bowers and tight end Darnell Washington take on Ohio State in the Peach Bowl semifinals.
Johnston’s numbers won’t fly off the page due to injury, but he has a real-life example as America’s most talented wide receiver. Considered a likely first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Johnston almost single-handedly beat the Big 12 Championship in the game as he recorded 139 yards on four catches. Oklahoma When Kansas I gained nearly 400 yards in those two wins. With Johnston on, TCU’s offense becomes almost unstoppable.
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There aren’t many players on the list from Georgia’s defense just because it’s a unit that features sensational teamwork. But Carter is the middle force that disrupts the conflicting game plans. Carter was rated as the top defensive player in the Power Five, his interior his player, leading his defense in the Georgia run, and once again earned his No. 1 ranking in the nation. Georgia doesn’t have many irreplaceable players, but Carter is on that list.
Think of this as a unit award. Virginia Transfer deserves special mention. Oluwatimi has emerged as one of college football’s top centers in 2021, but after an impressive senior season at Ann Arbor, Limington won the trophy and Outland won his trophy. Earned. Heisman’s favorite break when Corum was sidelined with injury, Oluwatimi’s offensive line His unit stepped up to make backup Edwards one of the most effective running his backs in the country up. Michigan is the run-dominant team and Oluwatimi is the anchor.
When Jackson-Smith-Nigba, the best receiver in the country, came out for the season, Ohio State simply replaced him with the best receiver in the country. Harrison was a revelation, with the Buckeyes he caught 72 passes for 1,157 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He posted six 100-yard receiving performances and was the most consistent source of offense against Michigan.
1. TCU QB Max Duggan
Simply put, no college football playoff team is more influenced by individual excellence than Duggan’s TCU. his final regulation Kansas In the Big 12 title game, Duggan earned a Heisman runner-up finish as the one-off backup tallied 3,300 passing yards, 400 yards rushing, and 36 total touchdowns. Duggan’s ability to spread the field with his arms and legs gives his offensive coordinator Garrett his Riley the unique ability to call any play on the field.
