College Football Top Performers Week 11: Five Quarterbacks, Three Defenders

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Lloyd Carrington (8) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the fourth quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lloyd Carrington, Defensive Back, Arizona State Sun Devils (Defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 55-31)

1 Interception, 1 Sack, 8 Tackles, 1 Touchdown

In a 55-31 win over Notre Dame on Saturday that sent a message to the college football world solidifying Arizona State as a legitimate national title contender, it seemed like the offense would be where to give the credit to. Think again.

The defense had 4 interceptions against Everett Golson with four different players, and two of them went for touchdowns. So why did Lloyd Carrington get the recognition? Because he literally did everything on the field Saturday.

Carrington had a sack, 8 tackles, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Even though Golson and Notre Dame led a furious comeback to make the game 34-31 after being down 34-3, we can’t ignore that Carrington was a star on defense the entire day. It was big play after big play on defense that led to the Arizona State blowout. And Carrington was the big play king.

So while Todd Graham as head coach, Taylor Kelly as quarterback, and D.J. Foster as running back all deserve credit for playing well Saturday, we are going to go to one of the players that managed to give a Heisman candidate at quarterback fits all day.

Carrington made a name for himself on a huge stage. For that, he is one of our college football top performers.