Heisman Watch: Week 11

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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 11

5. Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph – Still don’t understand why Rudolph isn’t getting more love at the national level for this award. He had 376 yards and three touchdowns in a comeback win against Iowa State. The Cowboys only have two losses, and are still in contention for a Big 12 title. Come season’s end, he could earn a trip to New York, a place I’ve had him all season long.

4. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts – At some point, playing for a 10-0 team has to count. And, at some point, you have to look at context. That win over Mississippi State was as gutsy as they come, and the Crimson Tide offense performed under the cool, calm, and collected demeanor of their quarterback. His stats aren’t eye-popping: 242 passing yards and a touchdown, 40 rushing yards and a touchdown. But, he passes the eye test. I was watching that game winning drive thinking, “this is definitely Heisman Watch worthy.”

3. Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate – Again, if Tate is going to be taken seriously as a Heisman contender, can we get over the hump of him playing for an Arizona team that isn’t playing for much? USC has clinched the Pac-12 South, and it’s highly unlikely the Wildcats will get into a major bowl. However, we simply can’t deny the talent on display with Tate – 206 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Oregon State. Don’t look now, but Tate is creeping up the season rushing list – he’s now at #7 with 1,293 and 11 touchdowns.

2. Stanford running back Bryce Love – I was late to the Bryce Love hype train, so my Heisman points below won’t reflect this, but I actually think Love is probably the runner-up right now. Tack on 166 more rushing yards and three more touchdowns against a stout Washington defense. Love remains the NCAA leader in rushing yards with 1,622 on the season.

1. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield – 330 yards and and three touchdowns against that vaunted TCU defense? At this point, Mayfield has really staked his claim as the Heisman favorite, and I think the gap between him and everyone else will only continue to widen. 31 passing touchdowns to just five interceptions. An additional five touchdowns on the ground brings his total to 36 on the season. It’s not even a debate anymore.

Dropped from Rankings: Both Ronald Jones and Rashaad Penny had tremendous games yet again this weekend, but neither had a “Heisman” type stage. I remain high on both of these guys and think both are underrated in the Heisman race. But, doing it against Colorado and San Jose State isn’t going to get ’em in the top five.

UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS

1. Baker Mayfield – 29
2. Saquon Barkley – 23
3. Mason Rudolph – 15
4. Bryce Love – 14
5. Lamar Jackson – 13
6. Luke Falk – 9
7. Rashaad Penny – 8
8. J.T. Barrett – 7
9. Ronald Jones, Khalil Tate – 6
11. Josh Adams, Josh Rosen – 4
13. Minkah Fitzpatrick – 3
14. Jalen Hurts, Jonathan Taylor – 2
16. Sam Darnold – 1

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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