PFF Names Ivan Pace Jr. MVP Of All College Linebackers

Pace is posting one of the best linebacker seasons in UC history.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Nov 18, 2022 11:26 AM EST

CINCINNATI — Ivan Pace Jr. did not make this week's finalist group for the Bronko Nagurski Award (best defender in the nation)—but PFF still thinks Pace is the MVP of all linebackers nationally.

"After dominating at Miami (OH), Ivan Pace Jr. transferred to Cincinnati and has continued his elite play," Max Chadwick wrote. "The senior has 10 sacks this season, tied for the fourth most in the country among defenders. His 38 pressures are five more than any other linebacker in the country. Pace’s pass-rush win rate (33.3%) and pressure rate (30.2%) are the highest among all defenders in college football with at least 125 pass-rushing snaps. He also has 90.0-plus grades as both a pass-rusher and run-defender, one of only two linebackers in the country to accomplish that feat."

Pace is going to play a huge factor in the final two regular-season games. Temple sports a top-10 offensive line in the country by pass protection, and clearing that hurdle will be crucial on the road.

Then, Tulane brings out another dual-threat QB. Pace and the front seven will have to deal with Michael Pratt and the Green Wave.

Tulane has extra rest heading into the matchup and a red-hot QB. Pratt just became the third player this season to rush and pass for three touchdowns in a game as Tulane walloped SMU 59-24 on Thursday night.

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