College Football ’18: Players to Watch in Week 12

Each week, The Game Haus will highlight five players to watch from college football games featuring Top 25 teams. From established stars to players on the verge of breaking out, we’ll offer some names to remember every week of the college football season.

Here’s a look at five players to watch in Week 12 (All times Eastern):

Isaiah Bowser, RB, No. 24 Northwestern

Matchup: at Minnesota, Noon, Saturday

Breakdown: Northwestern was dealt a huge blow when leading rusher Jeremy Larkin opted to retire for medical reasons after three games. The Wildcats struggled to run the ball at the end of September and into October, but the freshman Bowser has saved the day. Over the last four games, he’s rushed for 483 yards – 165 versus Iowa last week – and four touchdowns for the Big Ten West champs Bowser could be in for another big game in Week 12 against Minnesota, which allowed 430 yards on the ground to Illinois this season.

Armand Shyne, RB, No. 21 Utah

Matchup: at Colorado, 1:30 p.m., Saturday

Breakdown: Somewhat similar to the Northwestern situation, Utah is minus its top rusher Zack Moss because of a freak knee injury. However, Shyne came through in a big way last weekend in a win over Oregon, rushing for 174 yards on 26 carries. The Utes would love another workhorse effort against a desperate Colorado squad. It was quite the moment for Shyne, whose career in Salt Lake City has been plagued by injuries.

Eric Dungey, QB, No. 12 Syracuse

Matchup: vs. No. 3 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m., Saturday

Breakdown: It’s good to see Dungey getting rewarded for a solid career at Syracuse. In his four seasons, Dungey has thrown for 8,665 yards, 54 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 1,929 and 32 touchdowns, including 12 on the ground this season. Now, he faces a huge test in Week 12 against an unheralded Notre Dame defense that’s allowing 18.7 points per contest.

Wyatt Ray, DL, No. 22 Boston College

Matchup: at Florida State, 3:30 p.m., Saturday

Breakdown: The grandson of jazz legend Nat King Cole and nephew of late singer Natalie Cole, Ray is making a name for himself on the football field. The senior ranks among the national leaders with nine sacks – four versus Wake Forest in September. He will be tasked in Week 12 with trying to pressure Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois and a Seminoles team looking to keep its 36-year bowl streak alive.

JaQuan Bailey, DE, No. 18 Iowa State

Matchup: at No. 13 Texas,  8 p.m., Saturday

Breakdown: Bailey is the top defender for the surging Cyclones, who have allowed 17 total points in their last two contests. Entering Week 12, he ranks fifth in the Big 12 with 5 1/2 sacks and sixth with 11 tackles for loss, so expect him to be active as always.

You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!