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Battles of undefeated teams brought out the best in a few draft prospects. There was plenty of high profile matchups in week eleven of the college football season. These marquee games led to nationally watched performances from some of the best players in the country. Of particular interest: The Crimson Tide took on a red hot LSU team while Penn State sought to defend their record from a scrappy Minnesota team. LSU prevailed while Minnesota upset the Nittany Lions and neither big win would be possible without performances from contributing NFL Draft prospects.
The LSU/Alabama matchup belonged to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The running back has flown under the radar while Joe Burrow and the LSU passing game was snatched headlines from week to week, but Saturday was his night to shine. The spritely 5-8 running back rushed the ball 20 times for 103 yards (5.3 YPC) and three touchdowns while leading the LSU passing game with nine receptions for 77 yards and another score. Running backs nary have their best nights against Alabama but Edwards-Helaire had a breakout game on the biggest stage of his life. He ran tough, decisively and elusively. In the passing game he was dependable and made yards after the catch on short passes.
The field of running backs this year is a crowded one, but Edwards-Helaire should gain some hype after that performance. His three down ability will always draw attention and now he has great tape against one of the best teams in the country.
In another high ranking conference matchup, Minnesota upended Penn State due to great team football. However, it’s hard to ignore another dominant performance from Antoine Winfield Junior. The playmaking safety snagged two more interceptions, bringing his season total to seven. He made great tackles against the run and pass all game, generally playing the menace to Penn State’s offense. Winfield Junior’s performance is hugely responsible to upsetting the Lions, just as his play has been crucial in Minnesota’s excellent season. The redshirt junior has firmly established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the country.