This was a week of surprises in D1A, especially with Arkansas Sate beating Life University.

Several players, especially in the forwards, stood out to us.

Dante Bandoni, Arkansas State

Bandoni (pictured, Rich Carvell photo) was part of a forward effort that won the game for ASU against Life, playing tough in the rucks, making key carries, and contributing significantly to a solid defensive effort. 

Payton Telea Illalio, Saint Mary's

In a tense 25-24 win over BYU, the Gaels prop was solid throughout, getting Saint Mary's over the gainline in a game where they had trouble doing that.

James Mocke, BYU

The Cougars' big, powerful lock caused Saint Mary's all sorts of problems in a game tha BYU lost 25-24, but could easily have won.

Emmanuel Albert, Lindenwood

The Lions lock was a force carrying the ball and clearing out rucks as Lindenwood beat Clemson.

Joe Yacoubian, Saint Mary's

Back from an injury that sidelined him for close to a year, the young flyhalf started in the #10 jersey and picked apart the Grand Canyon defense in a 69-7 Gaels victory on Monday. Yacoubian also scored two tries.

Roddy Hamilton, Grand Canyon

Hamilton was a powerful presence at prop and scored a try as Grand Canyon shut out Santa Clara 30-0.

Luke Davis, Baylor

Playing flyhalf for the Bears, Davis scored two tries and kicks four conversions for a total of 18 points as Baylor beat Texas Tech.

Jacob Hewgley, Texas Tech

In a losing effort to Baylor (38-27), Tech scored five tries; Hewgley, playing wing, scored four of them. 

Kent Shinnick, Texas

The Longhorns’ lock helped Texas beat LSU 48-31 put in a strong game both defensively and in set piece. Shinnick has some impressive athletic pedigree, as his father, Phil, was an Olympic long-jumper and at one point held the American record.