<!–>
–>
The college football offseason is not only a great time to look ahead, but it’s also a great time to do some reflection. In the latest episode of my podcast, I did a little reflection thanks to a mailbag question. A fan named Roy L. asked me which player had the best performance in a game that I’ve called.
Honestly, that’s such a difficult question to answer. I can’t pick just one because there have been so many incredible performances. So, I’m going to share my top five individual performances I’ve ever called instead. Throughout this week, I’ll go one by one through my top five, in descending order.
I have a pair of honorable mentions that I want to give shout-outs to. Kyler Murray in the 2018 Red River Showdown was phenomenal. Texas won that game, but the former Oklahoma quarterback had a run down the sideline in that game that’s still probably the singular best play I’ve ever seen.
The other honorable mention I had was Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett’s comeback performance against Penn State in 2017. If you remember, Saquon Barkley took the opening kickoff for a touchdown, but Barrett was incredible in that game. I just couldn’t find a spot for him on that list.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was a pair of other Buckeyes who got the list going. Here’s the full list to this point:
5. Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. & Edge JT Tuimoloau @ Penn State (2022)
Now, at No. 4, is a performance Ohio State fans want to forget.
Understanding the context of this game and its implications is crucial. Michigan had lost its last eight games to Ohio State and even though the Wolverines had some good teams during that stretch, the Big House typically had nervous energy for “The Game.” That was just the energy from what had transpired in the rivalry in the few years leading up to the 2021 matchup.
Ohio State was so good that year, too. Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud was on fire, and he was throwing to arguably the greatest wide receiver room in the history of the sport. Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave were leading that group at the time, and they’d all become first-round draft picks over the next two years.
Yet, Michigan fans in Ann Arbor that day never exuded the nervous energy they had in past years because of Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson gave the Michigan sideline belief. He gave that entire stadium belief. He also gave the state of Michigan the belief that the Wolverines could finally end their losing streak to their top rival.
Hutchinson was phenomenal. He recorded three sacks and 15 pressures that day. His 15 pressures were the most by a Big Ten player in the last 10 years – and he did it in the biggest game against the best team when he had to. Hutchinson needed to be great to stop that Ohio State offense.
Aidan Hutchinson helped lead a Michigan pass rush that was relentless in its win over Ohio State in 2021. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) <!–>
–>
Going back to how dynamic Ohio State’s offense was that year, I remember there were games we called when the Buckeyes would score an avalanche of points like you’d see in college basketball. All of a sudden, they would be up multiple scores and a comeback would be impossible.
On that day, though, Ohio State couldn’t go on that same scoring avalanche against Michigan. Stroud was still sensational, throwing for 394 yards. But Hutchinson was too dominant, particularly on third downs, as Ohio State’s scoring drives in the second half took too long for it to make a comeback.
Michigan wound up winning that game, 42-27. Jim Harbaugh finally got the Ohio State monkey off his back and clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. A week later, Michigan demolished Iowa to win the Big Ten title and clinch a College Football Playoff berth for the first time in program history.
That game also helped send Hutchinson to New York as a Heisman finalist, finishing second that year to Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. He was also named the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player and won the Lott Trophy that year, too.
Joel Klatt is FOX Sports’ lead college football game analyst and the host of the podcast “The Joel Klatt Show.” Follow him at @joelklatt and subscribe to the “Joel Klatt Show” on YouTube.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
recommended
Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Diniz é sincero após goleada sofrida pelo Vasco na Sul-Americana: “Não temos dinheiro para contratar”
Fernando Diniz, em jogo do Brasileirão )Matheus Lima/Vasco)Fernando Diniz, ao aceitar o convite do Vasco, estava ciente da situação financeira delicada. Totalmente sincero após o atropelo sofrido na Sul-Americana, o técnico deixou claro que não pode contar com grandes contratações. Como a SAF segue administrada por Pedrinho e sem um comprador previsto, os recursos para reforços se encontram limitados. Neste cenário, depois da chegada de Thiago Mendes, outros jogadores livres no mercado ou que possuem um baixo custo estão sendo mapeados. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE“Não tem caça às bruxas. O Vasco tem suas limitações financeiras. Quando eu vim pra cá, eu sabia disso. Existe o planejamento, mas é difícil para contratar. Não adianta, não temos dinheiro para contratar. Eu gostaria de trazer jogadores que a gente não tem condição financeira para trazer.”, disse Diniz, em coletiva de imprensa.“Conseguimos trazer o Thiago Mendes. […]
Patrick Mercado vira destaque em Independiente del Valle x Vasco e torcida do Flamengo avisa: “Abre o olho, Boto”
Patrik Mercado em ação pelo Independiente del Valle. Buda Mendes/Getty Images.O Vasco sofreu uma dura derrota e terá uma missão bastante complicada para garantir a sua vaga para o mata-mata da Copa Sul-Americana 2025. Em confronto válido pelos playoffs, os cariocas sofreram uma goleada para o Independiente del Valle. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADENesta terça-feira (15), o Cruzmaltino foi até o Equador e viu o time da casa abrir 4 a 0. Carabajal, Spinelli e Patrik Mercado, duas vezes, foram os grandes destaques do confronto, anotando os gols que deram a vitória aos mandantes neste primeiro encontro.Os gols de Patrik Mercado em Independiente Del Valle x VascoPatrik Mercado foi um dos principais nomes da partida. Afinal, o jovem, de 21 anos, anotou os dois gols e ainda teve um pênalti sofrido, em cobrança de Cazares, que acabou sendo defendida pelo goleiro Léo Jardim, […]
WATCH: Braves honor Hank Aaron with incredible tribute during MLB All-Star Game
Getty Images ATLANTA -- Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves honored the late legend Henry "Hank" Aaron on Tuesday night before the seventh inning of the All-Star Game, five years after his 2021 death.The capstone of Aaron's remarkable career was his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth's record. Aaron hit it, one of the most famous home runs in baseball history, on April 8, 1974, but the number 715 is what endures. Tuesday's All-Star Game came on July 15 (or 7/15), so there was a little serendipity there. The Hall of Famer still holds the record for RBI and extra-base hits, though Barry Bonds broke his home run record in 2007.Aaron's widow, Billye, was in attendance at Truist Park for the incredible honor. Major League Baseball put together a very cool show, including a firework shot from home […]
The Open 2025: Bryson DeChambeau among five major champions who have surprisingly struggled on links courses
The Open Championship each season brings players back to the birthplace of golf, and it is a unique test even for the best in the game. Some adore links golf as it provides different options and rewards creativity in using the contours of the ground to work your ball around the course. Others can never figure it out. One reason the career grand slam holds such a lofty place in the game's history? To achieve that honor, one is required to master every style of golf course -- and some simply cannot crack that code on links courses. That struggle was apparent last week during the Scottish Open, and with the 2025 Open Championship approaching this week at Royal Portrush, it will be interesting to see whether any golfers will have learned some lessons from the last few days.Even former major […]
Ex-Kentucky football player Scott Mitchell stops suspected arsonist on Los Angeles hillside
Imagn Images Former Kentucky wide receiver Scott Mitchell was in the right place at the right time on Sunday and played a key role in authorities arresting a suspected arsonist. The ex-Wildcat ran down Andrew Wistic O'Calliham on a Los Angeles hillside and helped police take the homeless 43-year-old into custody after he allegedly set fire to forest land. O'Calliham was booked on suspicion of arson and is being held on $75,000 bail.Mitchell and his girlfriend, fashion designer Davanh DiMarco, noticed on a hike Sunday a burning tree and a suspicious man leaving the scene. Mitchell ran about 150 yards to catch up to the man."Even without digging, I was able to chase that guy down," Mitchell said to NBC News. "I didn't know I still had it, I'm not going to lie."O'Calliham told Mitchell that he was a fire […]
Bahia de Rogério Ceni empata sem gols com o América de Cali nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana
Bahia em jogo contra o América de Cali na Copa Sul-Americana. Foto: Divulgação/EC BahiaNesta terça-feira (15), o Bahia ficou no empate sem gols na Arena Fonte Nova contra o América do Cali e agora terá que decidir fora de casa a vaga nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana. Rogério Ceni optou por poupar grande parte dos titulares e viu sua equipe ter pouco repertório ofensivo durante quase todo o tempo de jogo. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEPrimeiro tempo em ritmo baixo em SalvadorUm lance de destaque aconteceu aos dois minutos, quando o VAR solicitou um possível pênalti para o Bahia em jogada com desvio de mão, porém o árbitro discordou que houve penalidade e mandou a partida seguir. Fora isso, o duelo foi “morno” e sem inspiração.Com sete mudanças no time titular, o Tricolor teve 73% de posse de bola durante o primeiro tempo, […]
Related
Diniz é sincero após goleada sofrida pelo Vasco na Sul-Americana: “Não temos dinheiro para contratar”
Fernando Diniz, em jogo do Brasileirão )Matheus Lima/Vasco)Fernando Diniz, ao aceitar o convite do Vasco, estava ciente da situação financeira delicada. Totalmente sincero após o atropelo sofrido na Sul-Americana, o técnico deixou claro que não pode contar com grandes contratações. Como a SAF segue administrada por Pedrinho e sem um comprador previsto, os recursos para reforços se encontram limitados. Neste cenário, depois da chegada de Thiago Mendes, outros jogadores livres no mercado ou que possuem um baixo custo estão sendo mapeados. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE“Não tem caça às bruxas. O Vasco tem suas limitações financeiras. Quando eu vim pra cá, eu sabia disso. Existe o planejamento, mas é difícil para contratar. Não adianta, não temos dinheiro para contratar. Eu gostaria de trazer jogadores que a gente não tem condição financeira para trazer.”, disse Diniz, em coletiva de imprensa.“Conseguimos trazer o Thiago Mendes. […]
Patrick Mercado vira destaque em Independiente del Valle x Vasco e torcida do Flamengo avisa: “Abre o olho, Boto”
Patrik Mercado em ação pelo Independiente del Valle. Buda Mendes/Getty Images.O Vasco sofreu uma dura derrota e terá uma missão bastante complicada para garantir a sua vaga para o mata-mata da Copa Sul-Americana 2025. Em confronto válido pelos playoffs, os cariocas sofreram uma goleada para o Independiente del Valle. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADENesta terça-feira (15), o Cruzmaltino foi até o Equador e viu o time da casa abrir 4 a 0. Carabajal, Spinelli e Patrik Mercado, duas vezes, foram os grandes destaques do confronto, anotando os gols que deram a vitória aos mandantes neste primeiro encontro.Os gols de Patrik Mercado em Independiente Del Valle x VascoPatrik Mercado foi um dos principais nomes da partida. Afinal, o jovem, de 21 anos, anotou os dois gols e ainda teve um pênalti sofrido, em cobrança de Cazares, que acabou sendo defendida pelo goleiro Léo Jardim, […]
WATCH: Braves honor Hank Aaron with incredible tribute during MLB All-Star Game
Getty Images ATLANTA -- Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves honored the late legend Henry "Hank" Aaron on Tuesday night before the seventh inning of the All-Star Game, five years after his 2021 death.The capstone of Aaron's remarkable career was his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth's record. Aaron hit it, one of the most famous home runs in baseball history, on April 8, 1974, but the number 715 is what endures. Tuesday's All-Star Game came on July 15 (or 7/15), so there was a little serendipity there. The Hall of Famer still holds the record for RBI and extra-base hits, though Barry Bonds broke his home run record in 2007.Aaron's widow, Billye, was in attendance at Truist Park for the incredible honor. Major League Baseball put together a very cool show, including a firework shot from home […]
The Open 2025: Bryson DeChambeau among five major champions who have surprisingly struggled on links courses
The Open Championship each season brings players back to the birthplace of golf, and it is a unique test even for the best in the game. Some adore links golf as it provides different options and rewards creativity in using the contours of the ground to work your ball around the course. Others can never figure it out. One reason the career grand slam holds such a lofty place in the game's history? To achieve that honor, one is required to master every style of golf course -- and some simply cannot crack that code on links courses. That struggle was apparent last week during the Scottish Open, and with the 2025 Open Championship approaching this week at Royal Portrush, it will be interesting to see whether any golfers will have learned some lessons from the last few days.Even former major […]
Ex-Kentucky football player Scott Mitchell stops suspected arsonist on Los Angeles hillside
Imagn Images Former Kentucky wide receiver Scott Mitchell was in the right place at the right time on Sunday and played a key role in authorities arresting a suspected arsonist. The ex-Wildcat ran down Andrew Wistic O'Calliham on a Los Angeles hillside and helped police take the homeless 43-year-old into custody after he allegedly set fire to forest land. O'Calliham was booked on suspicion of arson and is being held on $75,000 bail.Mitchell and his girlfriend, fashion designer Davanh DiMarco, noticed on a hike Sunday a burning tree and a suspicious man leaving the scene. Mitchell ran about 150 yards to catch up to the man."Even without digging, I was able to chase that guy down," Mitchell said to NBC News. "I didn't know I still had it, I'm not going to lie."O'Calliham told Mitchell that he was a fire […]
Bahia de Rogério Ceni empata sem gols com o América de Cali nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana
Bahia em jogo contra o América de Cali na Copa Sul-Americana. Foto: Divulgação/EC BahiaNesta terça-feira (15), o Bahia ficou no empate sem gols na Arena Fonte Nova contra o América do Cali e agora terá que decidir fora de casa a vaga nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana. Rogério Ceni optou por poupar grande parte dos titulares e viu sua equipe ter pouco repertório ofensivo durante quase todo o tempo de jogo. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEPrimeiro tempo em ritmo baixo em SalvadorUm lance de destaque aconteceu aos dois minutos, quando o VAR solicitou um possível pênalti para o Bahia em jogada com desvio de mão, porém o árbitro discordou que houve penalidade e mandou a partida seguir. Fora isso, o duelo foi “morno” e sem inspiração.Com sete mudanças no time titular, o Tricolor teve 73% de posse de bola durante o primeiro tempo, […]
Be the first to leave a comment