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 2018 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.
2018 Heisman Watch: Week 4
5. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – Taylor has now strung together 628 yards through four games, he’s only behind Memphis’ Darrell Henderson in rushing yardage in the FBS. But, he’s now on a two-game touchdown drought that’s keeping him from ranking higher on this list.
4. Will Grier, West Virginia QB – The Mountaineers quarterback tossed for 365 yards and five damn touchdowns against Kansas State, but those two interceptions keep him lower on the Heisman Watch list. Grier now has 14 total touchdowns on the season, and remains my favorite to win the Heisman at this point.
3. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State QB – No doubt that Haskins has the stats to hang in the race, but I’m knocking him down to third this week because of level of competition. Doing it against Texas A&M or Mississippi State is one thing. Doing it against Tulane is another. That said, Haskins had an incredible stat line, going 21/24 for 304 yards and a staggering five touchdowns.
2. Benny Snell, Jr., Kentucky RB – It’s time for the national media to start taking Snell’s potential Heisman campaign seriously. The Wildcats offense is predicated on his success, and the dude is an absolute engine. Snell had 165 yards and a whopping four touchdowns as Kentucky took down #14 Mississippi State.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – A week or so ago, I voiced my concern about Tagovailoa’s Heisman chances boiling down to splitting time with Jalen Hurts and the weak Crimson Tide schedule. Texas A&M was their biggest test yet, and Tagovailoa’s playing time indicated that he’s the man moving forward, and will get the opportunities in the big games. His performance against the Aggies was a statement performance and puts him firmly in contention for the Heisman Trophy.
Tagovailoa finished the game 22/30 for 387 yards and four passing touchdowns, with a fifth on the ground, against the best team they’ve played all season. He now has 14 total touchdowns on the year.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
1. Will Grier – 10
2. Tua Tagovailoa – 9
3. Dwayne Haskins, Benny Snell, Jr. – 8
5. Jonathan Taylor – 7
6. Kyler Murray, Trayveon Williams – 4
8. Darrell Henderson, McKenzie Milton – 3
10. Jerry Jeudy, Drew Lock – 2
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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