Matthew Eaton

Last week it was Hakeem Butler making waves in the secondary of an opposing team. Now, with Zeb Noland getting another start, it’s time for a third wide receiver to step up behind Butler and Deshaunte Jones. Eaton had four receptions for 32 yards against Oklahoma, including an impressive catch on a 4th-and-11 to give the Cyclones a crucial first down. Still, in two games Eaton only has seven receptions for 50 yards and zero touchdowns. Eaton came into the season as the Cyclones’ no. 2 option at the receiver position, but he hasn’t had a standout performance yet. Against a small Akron secondary — albeit one that helped the Zips score three defensive touchdowns against Northwestern — Eaton should find joy. 

Alvin Davis Jr. 

Well, this is the obvious selection. Davis Jr. had two (two!) pick-sixes last weekend as the Zips beat a Big-10 team for the first time in 124 years. A junior cornerback, Davis had a week so good that he was named the Nagurski Player of the Week on Tuesday. He’ll have the tough task of defending Deshaunte Jones, Hakeem Butler and the aforementioned Eaton this weekend. His ballhawking ability, combined with Zeb Noland’s proclivity to take risky shots, will give him possible opportunities to add to his collection of takeaways.