Big XII Players of the Week - Week One

*Originally published on ArmchairAllAmericans.com*

With a wild weekend of football to kick off the 2016 college football season now in the books, these two Big XII players have been selected as offensive and defensive Players of the Week.

Offense: Tyrone Swoopes SR QB – Texas

Following two years of inconsistent play from the senior out of Whitewright, Texas, Tyrone Swoopes delivered one of the best performances of his career Sunday as Texas defeated 10th ranked Notre Dame 50-47 in double overtime. While wrecking his way through the Fighting Irish’s defense (which ranked 45th in the nation last season), Swoopes ran for 53 yards on 13 carries while adding three rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner in double overtime. Since being forced into the starting role two seasons ago in the wake of David Ash’s medical retirement, Swoopes has often been criticized for his uneven play, even being relegated to backing up quarterback-turned-wide receiver Jerrod Heard for much of the 2015 season. However, since former play-caller Jay Norvell implemented the “18-wheeler” short yardage package last season, Swoopes has been a valuable red-zone weapon for the Longhorn offense.

While operating in a two-quarterback system throughout the game, Swoopes made the most of his opportunities as he continually punished Notre Dame defenders that tried to bring him down. The most punishing blow he delivered came in the second overtime as he laid the wood on safety Avery Sebastian, which left the Notre Dame defender on the turf for several minutes (he would eventually walk off under his own power). Just two plays later, Swoopes broke the game-winning run that will not only go down in Texas football history, but also silenced so many of the critics he has picked up during his time on the Forty Acres.

Defense: Reggan Northrup SO LB – Iowa State

Although Iowa State would eventually fall to FCS foe Northern Iowa 25-20, Reggan Northrup was a bright spot for the Cyclones and their new head coach Matt Campbell. Northrup led the way for the Cyclone defense as he recorded 13 total tackles, with one of those being a sack.

Matched up with a Northern Iowa team that ranks 3rd in FCS, Iowa State was unable to overcome four turnovers and nine penalties, which continually killed the Cyclones’ drives. However, Northrup could be seen continuously flying to the ball and making key stops for his team, setting a career high in tackles in the process. Even with an opening weekend loss, Matt Campbell has to be pleased with what he saw from his sophomore linebacker.