Heisman Watch: Week 9

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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. 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 9

5. Oklahoma State quarterback, Mason Rudolph – Rudolph has what was statistically one of his worst games of the season in West Virginia on Sunday. But, he still accounted for four total touchdowns, and is now the NCAA leader in passing yards. The Cowboys still have a shot at the playoffs.

4. Oklahoma quarterback, Baker Mayfield – Mayfield had his worst rated game of the season against Texas Tech, and -STILL- accounted for five total touchdowns. I’d say Mayfield is the front runner now that Saquon Barkley has been bottled up on a couple of occasions.

3. USC running back, Ronald Jones – With two losses, USC isn’t out of the hunt for the Pac-12 Championship, though it looks like some serious dominos would have to fall for them to get back into the playoffs. But, as I mentioned before, everyone talks about Sam Darnold when Jones is the real stud on that offense. Jones had a staggering 216 yards and two touchdowns in a lopsided win over an Arizona State team that just upset Washington a week prior.

2. Notre Dame running back, Josh Adams – It’s time we show Adams some love. His team has hopped up to #5 in the AP Poll. He has 1,169 rushing yards on the season with nine touchdowns to boot. And, he’s coming off of a big win against a tough NC State team where he recorded 202 rushing yards and a touchdown.

1. Ohio State quarterback, J.T. Barrett – The Buckeyes quarterback absolutely stole the show on Saturday. That was a huge performance in the biggest game of the week – high drama as Ohio State had to battle back from 18-point deficits on two occasions. He completed 84.6% of his passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns, with another 95 yards on the ground. His stats on the season are still behind a lot of the other contenders, but this week, he deserves the spotlight as his Buckeyes took down the #2 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.

Dropped from rankings: A lot of shuffling in this week’s list, namely Saquon Barkley, who was largely contained against the Buckeyes. We need to be honest with ourselves here, and quit using Barkley’s versatility as an excuse. He’s on a string of not-Heisman-worthy performances. Lamar Jackson is gone – the Cardinals are a one man show, but they aren’t winning enough. Mighty Illinois held Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor in check on Saturday, and Luke Falk just….just….damn it I was wrong about Washington State, okay?

UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN POINTS STANDINGS

1. Saquon Barkley – 23
2. Baker Mayfield – 19
3. Lamar Jackson – 13
4. Mason Rudolph – 12
5. Bryce Love – 10
6. Luke Falk – 9
7. J.T. Barrett – 7
8. Ronald Jones – 5
9. Josh Adams, Rashaad Penny, Josh Rosen – 4
12. Minkah Fitzpatrick – 3
13. Jonathan Taylor – 2
14. Sam Darnold – 1

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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