Kirk Herbstreit reveals his top-performing players from Week 1

Week 1 is officially in the books and players around the country didn’t allow the opportunity to pass them by. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit unveiled his top-performing players of the week.

Herbstreit left no stone unturned, with players from four different conferences, including a Group of Five school. Furthermore, Herbstreit included standouts from every unit on the gridiron, ranging from superstar quarterbacks to overlooked linemen.

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With so much talent to break down, let’s dive into Herbstreit’s top-performing players of Week 1.

1. Tetairoa McMillan, WR — Arizona

 In Arizona‘s Week 1 win over New Mexico, junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan hauled in a game-high 10 receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 30.4 yards per catch.

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McMillan is the first player college football player to ever record 10+ receptions, 300+ receiving yards and four or more touchdowns in a single game, per OptaSTATS. His 304 yards are the second-most in a single game in Big 12 history, as well.

2. Cam Ward, QB — Miami

Cam Ward made a lasting impression in his debut with the Hurricanes. In Miami’s dominant 41-17 win over in-state rival Florida, Cam Ward exploded for 385 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 26-of-his-35 pass attempts.

With the performance, Ward became the first Miami QB since at least 1979 to throw for 300 yards in his first start with the team. Moreover, the win was Miami’s first over Florida since 2013.

3. Miller Moss, QB — USC

Perhaps no player on Herbstreit’s list delivered their team a more pivotal win than USC quarterback Miller Moss. On Sunday, Moss boosted the Trojans to a 27-20 triumph over No. 13 LSU.

In the win, Moss completed 75% of his pass attempts for 378 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. More impressive, it was only Miller Moss’ second career start, with his first coming against Louisville in USC’s bowl game win last season.

4. Ashton Jeanty, RB — Boise State

Ashton Jeanty may not play for a powerhouse program but he boasts powerhouse talent. In Boise State’s season-opening 56-45 win over Georgia Southern, Jeanty erupted for 267 rushing yards and a jaw-dropping six touchdowns.

Moreover, Jeanty posted this mind-boggling stat line on only 20 carries, averaging 13.4 yards per rushing attempt. On Monday, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning stated Ashton Jeanty is the “best running back I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”

5. Kyle McCord, QB — Syracuse

Cam Ward wasn’t the only quarterback looking to make a good first impression in his new environment this past weekend. This offseason, McCord transferred to Syracuse from Ohio State and Orange head coach Fran Brown couldn’t be happier.

In Syracuse’s 38-22 win over Ohio, McCord completed 27-of-his-39 pass attempts for 354 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing one pick. McCord expects to only improve as he grows more comfortable with his new team.

6. Travis Hunter, WR/DB — Colorado

Every player on Herbstreit’s list made significant contributions to their team in Week 1, but none other than Hunter made contributions on both sides of the ball. The two-way superstar was spectacular in Colorado’s nail-biting 31-26 win over North Dakota State.

In the victory, Hunter amassed a game-high three touchdowns on 132 receiving yards. On defense, Hunter provided solid pass coverage while notching three tackles. Hunter will be tested even further this weekend when Colorado squares off against Nebraska and freshman QB Dylan Raiola.

7. Jahvaree Ritzee, DL — North Carolina

If games are won in the trenches, Jahvaree Ritzee was a game-changer in North Carolina’s 19-17 triumph over Minnesota. In the win, Ritzee collected an astounding three sacks, half of his tackle total.

For reference, Ritzee only recorded 2 total sacks in his first three collegiate seasons. If Ritzee can carry over a fraction of his momentum from Thursday into the rest of the year, he’s primed for a record-setting season.