While North Carolina WR Brandon Tate has made the biggest splash amongst senior pass-catchers, Oklahoma State's mercurial sophomore Dez Bryant continues to impose his will on opponents. Over the weekend, Bryant notched his second four-touchdown performance, including a 78-yard punt return score.

Reynolds gaining consistency
Oklahoma  junior ILB Ryan Reynolds is quickly becoming an impact player. He was all over the field in the Sooners' win over Baylor, grading out at 100 percent. His loudest play of the game came when he tracked down and planted BU quarterback Robert Griffin outside the pocket.

Harrell climbing passing lists
Texas Tech senior QB Graham Harrell got off to a slow start (relatively speaking) this season, but he's now the school's career passing leader. While throwing for 454 yards and six touchdowns in a win over Kansas State, Harrell passed Kliff Kingsbury, also rising to seventh on the NCAA's career passing list.

Painter gets the hook, but retains job
Purdue senior QB Curtis Painter was benched in the Boilermakers' loss to Penn State, but received a vote of confidence from head coach Joe Tiller (who also praised the backup).

Clausen settling in
Say what you will about Notre Dame sophomore QB Jimmy Clausen's likability, but it's becoming apparent the hype surrounding his on-field prowess was warranted. Clausen doesn't have the arm strength of college's elite throwers, but he is growing more comfortable and taking command of the Irish offense with each passing week, as evidenced by another career effort against Stanford.

Floyd accelerates Clausen's development
Clausen's improved play coincides with the emergence of a few young playmakers on the Notre Dame offense, most notably freshman WR Michael Floyd, who has impressed coaches with his athleticism and body control, as well as his quick understanding of the playbook.

Williams to redshirt
West Virginia's defensive leader, senior ILB Reed Williams, tried to play through pain resulting from double-shoulder surgery, but head coach Bill Stewart made the decision to sit Williams, who remains eligible for a medical redshirt.

White update
Already dealing with a left thumb injury, WVU senior QB Pat White suffered a head injury against Rutgers, but it was not a concussion, and he is on track to play on Saturday.

Insult and injury for 'Canes
Miami (Fla.) loss a high-scoring affair with Florida State over the weekend, and lost two defensive players in the process. In addition to a season-ending shoulder injury to junior LB Colin McCarthy, senior DE Eric Moncur might shut it down for the season because of nagging sports hernia pain.

Ankle bothering Carpenter, Marks
Updates on Arizona State senior QB Rudy Carpenter and Auburn junior DT Sen'Derrick Marks. Both are hobbled by a sprained ankle.