Week five 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
The skinny: With his only other FBS offer coming from Ball State, Stribling only waited a day after picking up his offer from Michigan to commit to the Wolverines. Stribling earned playing time as a true freshman at Michigan, and his opportunities gradually increased in 2014 and 2015. After becoming a starter this season opposite Jourdan Lewis, Stribling had two big interceptions during Michigan’s 14-7 victory over Wisconsin. The two interceptions matched the total he had in his first three seasons at Ann Arbor and increased his season total to three.
Farrell’s take: Stribling was the subject of much controversy, at least among Michigan fans, with his low ranking. He ended up as a high three-star but had to rise from the two-star ranks to earn that honor. The reason? He was long and athletic but very raw – I mean very raw. He played wide receiver for most of his high school career, focusing part-time at defensive back in his junior season. He impressed Michigan at summer camp with his raw athletic skills as a big DB and improved greatly his senior year, almost pushing to four stars. He’s still a work in progress and a late bloomer just like in high school so we’ll see if this is his breakout year, just like when we were evaluating him in 2013.
The skinny: With Leonard Fournette on the roster, it’s easy to forget that the Tigers also have Guice in the backfield. He committed to LSU during the spring of his junior year, but then ended up taking an official visit to Alabama in January. While rumors persisted that he may look to flip, he did sign with the Tigers on National Signing Day. As a true freshman, Guice showed his potential despite only getting 51 carries. He proved that the Tigers have other options in the backfield beyond Fournette, gaining 436 while averaging 8.5 yards a carry. With the Heisman candidate out with an injury Saturday night against Missouri, Guice stepped in and rushed for 163 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries in the easy victory.
Farrell’s take: I loved Guice out of high school because he was mean and nasty. He was the kind of kid, similar to Eddie Lacy, who hated to be tackled and would fight hard for extra yardage and wear down defenses. He also had very good speed and vision and light feet but it was his desire when running, something clear on tape and in person, that pushed him to five stars. Even with his lofty ranking, Guice was never happy being No. 2 at his position in his class behind Damien Harris, and it will be interesting to see how the two finish their college careers and move onto the NFL.
The skinny: Cain committed to Clemson on Memorial Day weekend, but then took an unexpected official visit to Auburn in the days leading up to National Signing Day. Despite the late visit, he stayed true to his word and signed with Clemson. Cain had a productive season in Death Valley as a true freshman, finishing with 34 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns, but will be more remembered for being suspended and sent home prior to the Tigers' national semifinal game against Oklahoma. This season Cain’s production had not met expectations until Saturday night against Louisville, when he reeled in four receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers will need him to maintain this level of play if they hope to reach the heights many expect them to this season.
Farrell’s take: Cain was an elite talent out of high school, a guy who didn’t play wide receiver on a full-time basis but picked it up like a natural. While at first we had questions about his ability to get off the line of scrimmage and be an effective route runner, those were easily answered each time we saw him. He’s a dynamic athlete who might have finally figured it out this past weekend, thinking less and just using his athleticism to make plays downfield.
