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College Football: Sony Michel, 5 players to watch in Week 8

By Brad Rowland

Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs for a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs for a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Temple Owls running back Jahad Thomas (5) runs the ball against the UCF Knights during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Temple Owls won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Temple Owls running back Jahad Thomas (5) runs the ball against the UCF Knights during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Temple Owls won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Jahad Thomas, RB Temple

If we harken back to the portion of this column that spoke about Washington State QB Luke Falk, you will remember that College GameDay had a difficult choice this week. Their final destination was Philadelphia, as the Temple Owls appear on network television against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday evening.

The Owls are unbeaten on the season, and Temple is part of a three-way race for the conference title in the AAC, alongside Memphis and Houston at this juncture. Temple is, rightly, known for its defensive performance to this point in the season, but with Notre Dame’s firepower offensively, the Owls are going to need to keep up in some way to remain competitive, and the best chance to do so with come on the ground behind Jahad Thomas.

Thomas, who stands at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, has been the bell cow for the Owls this season, toting the rock 165 times in seven games. In that time, he has rushed for 822 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns, and Thomas is also one of Temple’s better receiving threats, catching 18 passes for 204 yards and an additional score.

Throughout his time in Philly, Thomas has been utilized in a variety of ways, including as a defensive back and a kick returner. He is exceptionally talented, and considering that Notre Dame ranks 100th (!) in the country while allowing 4.8 yards per carry this season, the opportunities should be there. There is always a lot of attention on the Irish and their exceptional linebacking corps, but Thomas has a chance to lead his team to a massive upset victory and he is their best chance to sustain offense in this spot.

Next: DeAndre Washington

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