In Week 8 of the NFL, notable performances by former Oklahoma State University (OSU) running backs created a buzz across the league. Ollie Gordon shone brightly for the Miami Dolphins, while Chuba Hubbard faced challenges with the Carolina Panthers. Here’s a recap of how these players fared over the weekend.
Ollie Gordon had a standout performance in the Dolphins’ 34-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, marking his best game since entering the league. The former Doak Walker Award winner scored his first career touchdown with a 20-yard receiving play, contributing six points to the win. In addition to his touchdown catch, Gordon recorded a career-high 46 rushing yards on 10 carries and made his debut in the return game with a 25-yard kickoff return. His impressive showing leaves fans intrigued about his future opportunities, especially as he prepares to face Justice Hill and Tylan Wallace when the Dolphins take on the Baltimore Ravens this Thursday night.
On the other hand, Chuba Hubbard has been in the spotlight for a different reason. Despite a tough 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, which has heightened discussions about the Panthers’ handoff distribution, Hubbard’s professionalism stood out. Coach Dave Canales acknowledged the effectiveness of teammate Rico Dowdle, who outperformed Hubbard with eight carries compared to Hubbard’s 12, averaging 5.7 yards per carry against Hubbard’s 3.6. Amid fans’ frustrations, Chuba maintained a positive demeanor when addressing concerns regarding his playing time, suggesting his commitment to the team remains robust. This week, Hubbard and the Panthers will face a challenging matchup against the second-best rushing defense in the league in Green Bay.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren of the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to work hard, though the team fell to the Green Bay Packers 35-25. After a breakthrough performance the previous week, Warren managed 62 yards on 13 carries this time, achieving a commendable 4.8 yards per carry against a tough defense. Despite the loss, his training regimen has drawn attention, as showcased on the Sunday Night Football broadcast. The Steelers will aim to bounce back against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
Newcomer Nick Martin of the San Francisco 49ers also generated some positive feedback as head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed his position within the linebacker corps. As the 49ers prepare to face the New York Giants, there is potential for Martin to see increased playing time.
In summary, while Ollie Gordon is on an upward trajectory with his recent breakout, Chuba Hubbard faces a pivotal moment in a competitive backfield. Both players are vital pieces of their respective teams as the season progresses. The Week 8 numbers reflect their efforts:
– Ollie Gordon (Miami Dolphins): 10 carries for 46 yards, one touchdown catch, one kickoff return.
– Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers): 13 carries for 62 yards, two catches for 11 yards.
– Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers): 12 carries for 34 yards and one touchdown.
– Other notable mentions include Tylan Wallace and Justice Hill from the Baltimore Ravens, as well as defensive contributions from Emmanuel Ogbah and Korie Black.
The performances of these former OSU players continue to be instrumental as they strive for success in the NFL.