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The Compulsive Purchase Award

Which Cardinal had me running to by their jersey in week one

By Colton Molesky
San Diego State v Stanford Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Few purchases rival that of a jersey bought in the light of a beautiful sport’s moment. Allowing the crazed excitement of an incredible play or an unforgettable instant to dictate the acquisition of a players jersey is all part of this thing we call being a sports fan. In the spirit of such a moment, this is the jersey from week one I would buy in the heat of the moment.

The jersey belonging to the player who raised me to my feet the most, elevated my blood pressure consistently and gave me no choice but to invest in his numbers. This is the winner of the Compulsive Purchase Award- week one.

Winner - J.J. Arcega-Whiteside

Stats - six catches, 226 yards, three touchdowns, 37.7 yards per reception

Arcega-Whiteside was electric every time he touched the ball; whether it was a toe-tapping reception on the sideline or one of his three deep scores, he owned the show.

But the Arcega-Whiteside performance was not only critical for a Stanford Cardinal victory over the San Diego State Aztecs; it was also one for the history books.

His 226 yards puts him 3rd all-time in Stanford history for receiving yards in a game. He trails only Troy Walters’ 278-yard outing against UCLA in 1999 and Darrin Nelson’s 237 over Arizona State in 1981.

The night also showed a different side of Stanford as they rolled to a 31-10 victory; the ability to win through the air. Bryce Love looked remarkably human, rushing for a measly 29 yards on 18 carries, averaging 1.6 yards per carry. As a team, Stanford only managed 50 yards on the ground, a stat that would have crippled last season’s Cardinal squad.

But the Arcega-Whiteside/K.J. Costello connection prevailed over the rushing ineptitude of the Cardinal. The night showcased not only the connection he has with Costello, but also his ability to take the top off opposing defenses. As the excitement around receiver Osiris St. Brown and tight end Kaden Smith (they combined for three catches and 18 yards against the Aztecs) grew, Arcega-Whiteside seemed to be the forgotten pass catcher.

A hat-trick and yardage fit for the record books reminded everyone who the number one receiver on the roster still is, and should have PAC-12 corners on notice going forward.

The play that sealed the purchase -