College Football Top Performers Week 13: Receivers, Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and a Defense

Nov 22, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) flips the football to the official after scoring against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Melvin Gordon, Running Back, Wisconsin Badgers (Defeated Iowa Hawkeyes 26-24)

31 Carries for 200 Yards and 2 Touchdowns, 4 Receptions for 64 Yards

We were wondering what Melvin Gordon would do for an encore after his 408-yard performance last week. Well, he didn’t reach that this week. But he did have another 200 yard game and 2 touchdowns along with 64 receiving yards.

Gordon has been showing up big all year, but he’s showing up biggest in the biggest moments now. These past two games have been crucial in the Badgers’ quest to win the Big Ten West. And he has come up huge both times.

This game was a lot closer than it should have been. And not only did Gordon put up 200 yards. He was reliable when it got close.

After Iowa cut the lead to 19-17 in the fourth quarter, Wisconsin responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive. Gordon had 3 carries for 33 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown run, along with 2 receptions for 45 yards.

Then, after Iowa cut the lead to 26-24 and needed a stop, Wisconsin stayed on the field to run out the clock. Why? Try a first down run by Melvin Gordon to keep the offense on the field.

Gordon was crucial all day, again, and he should stay on top of the Heisman race for it. We are going to keep recognizing him.