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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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Texas Tech Red Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (21) runs with the ball during the game against the Baylor Bears at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Texas Tech Red Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (21) runs with the ball during the game against the Baylor Bears at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Washington, RB Texas Tech

Texas Tech is known for its aerial attack offensively, and with good reason. The Red Raiders annually rank at or near the top of the country in virtually every passing statistic, and this season, QB Patrick Mahomes has compiled more than 2,800 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in just eight games of action.

This week, though, Kliff Kingsbury and company are going to need balance in order to dethrone the unbeaten Oklahoma State Cowboys. That brings the name of senior running back DeAndre Washington to the forefront.

Washington stands at just 5-foot-8, but he weighs in at 200 pounds and there is a strong combination of speed and power in his arsenal. The talented back has compiled 837 yards in eight games this season, and while that is impressive in its own right, Washington has done so on just 125 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per rush. He is also a threat in the passing game, where he has 174 yards and an additional touchdown through the air, and on a day when Oklahoma State will surely be focused on slowing Mahomes and the Texas Tech receiving corps, the seas could part for Washington between the tackles.

Oklahoma State isn’t exactly a pushover against the run, ranking in the top-25 nationally while allowing only 3.3 yards per carry, but DeAndre Washington isn’t just a run-of-the-mill starting running back. He is a stud and if Texas Tech wants to compete in this spot, balance is the word of the day.

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