Ford Tough Performers of the Week: Henry, Elliott take over rivalry day

Ford Tough Performers of the Week highlights five players who excelled on the college gridiron Saturday. These players' contributions positively impacted their team's quest for victory.

Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott

A week ago, Ezekiel Elliott complained about his lack of touches in Ohio State's shocking loss to Michigan State. The Buckeyes coaching staff didn't make the same mistake twice, as Elliott was allowed to run wild on Michigan's defense all day. The Heisman Trophy candidate finished the game with 30 carries for 214 yards, a pair of scores, and one loud statement in Ohio State's thrashing of Michigan. Elliott said he regrets his words last week after the game Saturday, and later suggested on Twitter that he'd still like more carries.

Memphis' Paxton Lynch

On a day when his head coach, Justin Fuente, reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of Virginia Tech, quarterback Paxton Lynch stole all the headlines at Memphis. The signal-caller tossed an astounding seven touchdown passes in the first half of the Tigers' win over SMU before watching the second half from the bench, as Memphis pitched a 63-0 shutout over the Mustangs.

North Carolina's Elijah Hood

Another week, another win, another big Elijah Hood performance. The North Carolina running back could not, would not be stopped against NC State. The sophomore tailback posted 220 yards on 21 carries and led the Tar Heels to their 11th win of the season, as they took care of the Wolfpack 45-34.

Alabama's Derrick Henry

Auburn knew it was coming, but still couldn't stop the force that is Derrick Henry. Alabama's star running back registered a whopping 46 rushes for 271 yards plus a touchdown for the Crimson Tide, who found a way to grind out a hard-fought victory in the Iron Bowl at Auburn.

Stanford's Devon Cajuste

Stanford wide receiver Devon Cajuste caught five passes versus Notre Dame. One went for a touchdown, while another set up a game-winning field goal in the game's dying seconds. In total, the senior's five receptions totaled 125 yards, the final 27 of which put his team in position to celebrate an epic victory over the Irish.