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 8
5. Washington State QB, Luke Falk – With the abhorrent Cal game behind him, Falk corrected course nicely against Colorado. Three more touchdowns on the season in the win against the Buffs.
4. Wisconsin RB, Jonathan Taylor – It’s time for Taylor to enter the discussion. The Badgers are rolling – 7-0, and a lot of their success has come by handing the ball off to Taylor. Another 126 yards and one touchdown over the weekend puts Taylor at 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
3. Louisville QB, Lamar Jackson – I didn’t realize NFL scouts were actually calling Jackson a potential top 10 pick next Spring. Since when did that become a thing? Nonetheless, none of us can deny this kid’s talent. 28 total touchdowns on the season after a strong performance against Florida State.
2. Oklahoma QB, Baker Mayfield – Sure, the Sooners struggled and needed to come back to beat Kansas State. But, Mayfield was phenomenal in the process. 410 passing yards with two touchdowns, and an additional 69 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
1. Penn State RB, Saquon Barkley – That Michigan defense was one of the best in the entire nation, and Barkley and Penn State ate them alive. Specifically, Barkley posted 161 total yards and three touchdowns against the Wolverines. He’s starting to separate himself from the rest of the pack.
Dropped from Rankings: Bryce Love and J.T. Barrett were both on a bye, so by rule, they’re out of the top five for the week. Mason Rudolph didn’t do much of anything in a defensive battle between Oklahoma State and Texas. And, it’s hard for Minkah Fitzpatrick to stand out without the stats and he didn’t really have too much opportunity to post ’em against the Vols.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN POINTS STANDINGS
1. Saquon Barkley – 23
2. Baker Mayfield – 17
3. Lamar Jackson – 13
4. Mason Rudolph – 11
5. Bryce Love – 10
6. Luke Falk – 9
7. Rashaad Penny, Josh Rosen – 4
9. Minkah Fitzpatrick – 3
10. J.T. Barrett, Ronald Jones, Jonathan Taylor – 2
13. 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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