Week 11 of the college football season is in the books, and with it came many standout performances. Here are three players who had what could be breakout weeks as they take the next step in their progression.
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report
BREAKOUT 2016 STARS WEEK BY WEEK: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
The skinny: Patterson originally committed to Arizona as a true freshman, before re-opening his recruitment during the summer of 2014. He then committed to Ole Miss in early 2015, which led to his early enrollment with the Rebels. Patterson was in line to redshirt this season while Chad Kelly completed his senior year, but Kelly's recent knee injury forced the true freshman into the starting lineup Saturday against Texas A&M. Patterson excelled against the Aggies, completing 25 of 42 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns while leading the Rebels to a comeback win in College Station.
Farrell’s take: Patterson was always a special talent and all questions about whether he should be ranked as a five-star prospect melted away as he got bigger and taller. What I liked the most about Patterson was how clutch he was in games, an attribute that we saw Saturday in Aggieland. He can run, has a great arm and sees the field so well.
The skinny: Rugamba committed to Iowa over offers from Illinois, Indiana, Boston College, Iowa State, Pittsburgh and others. As a true freshman this season, Rugamba had shown flashes in recent weeks but truly hit his stride during the Hawkeyes' 14-13 victory over Michigan on Saturday night. He finished with four tackles, half a tackle for a loss, three pass break-ups and an important fourth quarter interception. Rugamba has quickly become a key piece of Iowa’s defense.
Farrell’s take: We felt Rugamba could make an impact on either side of the ball in college as he was a prolific receiver in high school as well as a big-time playmaker in the defensive backfield. He had 112 catches as a senior and six picks on defense, but Iowa felt his presence was needed more on defense and that move is paying off. Rugamba was always a hard worker, showing up to every event he could to work on his craft.
The skinny: Orndoff gave an early commitment to Wisconsin but flipped to Pitt when head coach Paul Chryst left for the Panthers. Orndoff's first three seasons with the Panthers weren't especially productive, with only 23 receptions for 320 yards. While he is having his most impressive statistical season this fall, Orndoff's performance during Pittsburgh’s improbable 43-42 victory over Clemson on Saturday afternoon was unexpected. He grabbed nine receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns and played a huge part in the Panthers' biggest victory in years.
Farrell’s take: Orndoff was Chryst's first commitment at Pitt. He was a bit of a ghost on the camp scene but his film showed a lot of potential. Orndoff could stretch the field and make plays downfield and he was a solid blocker as well. He’s putting together a career season in his last go-round with Pitt and he was a big part of the massive upset.
