by Commish: Zac Larrier – QB, Air Force
Air Force asserted themselves as the current top dog of the Group of Five with a huge 34-27 conference win over Wyoming on Saturday night. Larrier was 6/9 for 58 yards and a TD through the air, but did most of his damage on the ground as he ran for 111 yards and another score.
Dom: Makhi Hughes – RB, Tulane
There is a lot of hype around Air Force, and rightfully so, but Tulane is only one spot behind them in the AP poll. The Green Wave still have an excellent chance to play in a NY6 Bowl for the second year in a row thanks in large part to Makhi Hughes’ performance against Memphis. Hughes ran for 130 yards and a touchdown in a crucial conference victory against Memphis. It seemed like every time he got the ball he was making plays, and yes I actually watched a G5 game last week. Without Hughes I don’t think Tulane wins that game and forget about a NY6 game, Tulane doesn’t even have a shot to win their conference if they lose to Memphis.
Clay: Quinton Cooley – RB, Liberty
Cooley’s stat line: 168 yards and 2 tuddies on 28 carries?! Talk about totin’ the rock young fella. Cooley was just mowing down the Jacksonville State defense by methodically punishing them with all that downhill running.
Snade: Grayson McCall – QB, Coastal Carolina
The Chants picked up one of their biggest wins in school history by knocking off arch-rival App State 27-24 on the road for the first time ever. And of course, Coastal legend Grayson McCall led the charge. The 3x Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year was lightning in a bottle last week, throwing for 373 yards and two touchdowns behind a 68% completion rate.
KKarp: Kelly Akharaiyi – WR, UTEP
The Miners earned their first-ever victory in the state of Florida (you read that correctly) with a 27-14 win at Florida International last Wednesday. Akharaiyi highlighted the monumental win with a big night of his own, tallying eight receptions for a career-best 223 yards and two scores. His 200+ receiving night was the first for a UTEP player since 2012. Hats off to Dana Dimel’s Miners who now turn the page and take on New Mexico State tomorrow night for the 100th annual “Battle of I-10.”
Honorable Mentions:
Davon Ferguson – CB, Bowling Green
Daniel Richardson – QB, Florida Atlantic
Kaiser Robinson – RB, San Jose State
Ashton Jeanty – RB, Boise State
Ricky White – WR, UNLV
Ja’Mori Maclin – WR, North Texas
Be sure to cast your vote for Gameday Journal Group of Five Player of the Week below!
