The Heisman Trophy is one of the strangest awards in the sports world. There’s no objective way to win…by default, people vote on the award. So, for the most part, it’s all about perception. Numbers don’t matter as much as winning and having those signature “Heisman” moments. If that wasn’t the case, we’d be talking about UCF’s quarterback, McKenzie Milton. But, we’re not – we’re talking about the big time players from the big time teams in the big time conferences.
Which is unfortunate, in my opinion. I’m a strong proponent of everyone at least getting a shot, but that’s just not the way the world works. So, with that in mind, I’m taking a look at who’s who in the 2017 Heisman race so far based on who fits the seemingly arbitrary criteria laid forth by the Heisman Trust. But, if you think I’m wrong to do so, feel free to hit up the comments.
Heisman Watch: Week 2
5. Saquon Barkley – The Penn State offense looks like a damn diesel truck mowing people down on Saturdays so far. In large part, that’s because of the work of Barkley, who is averaging a staggering 9.3 yards per carry. His season totals sit at 260 rushing yards with three touchdowns. If Penn State had actually played anybody, he may be higher on the list. So, we’ll see how he stacks up when the competition gets tougher.
4. Mason Rudolph – The Oklahoma State Cowboys are in a position to steal the Big 12 this season behind the work of their stud quarterback. Rudolph has amassed 638 passing yards, six touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He’s completing 72.6% of his passes to boot. If he can keep it up all season and win a Big 12 title, he’s a lock for New York.
3. Lamar Jackson – Jackson is the prototypical ‘human highlight reel’ type of player. His numbers are simply astronomical. 771 passing yards through two games, with five passing touchdowns….on top of that, the kid has 239 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. He’s electric, and if he gets a signature Heisman moment, he’ll claim the top spot.
2. Josh Rosen – Okay, I’ll admit. I was wrong. Before the season started, I said UCLA was too bad around Rosen for him to get into the discussion. So far, UCLA is still in the mix, so it’s too early to bail on Rosen yet. He gets the nod over Jackson because Heisman repeats are rare and Jackson does not have a signature moment (yet) like Rosen’s captaining the Bruins’ comeback against Texas A&M. For the record, Rosen’s stats ain’t so bad, either. 820 yards, nine touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He’s been pretty flawless so far.
1. Baker Mayfield – Six touchdowns, 0 interceptions….715 passing yards….completing a rousing 83.6% of his passes…the Oklahoma quarterback has presented a serious case for Heisman consideration. But, seeing as how so much of the Heisman talk is based on situations, profile, and competition, Mayfield is the only one in the hunt with as big a win as the one he had in Columbus against Ohio State. Come season’s end, people will still be remembering his game against the Buckeyes and subsequently planting the Oklahoma flag smack dab on the Ohio State logo.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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