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 5
5. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – He remains the most efficient quarterback in the FBS with a passer efficiency rating of 238.3 and 2nd in completion percentage (75%), but 8/8 for 128 yards and two touchdowns against Louisiana-Lafayette just isn’t going to cut it. Those aren’t Heisman numbers.
4. Will Grier, West Virginia QB – As long as the Mountaineers are posting 42.25 PPG, Grier is going to get the chance to put up Heisman stats. That simple. But, this was actually his worst game statistically, and he still threw for 370 yards and three touchdowns on the road in Lubbock.
3. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State QB – He started slow, but man did he finish strong or what? The stats might not pop like other contenders’ do this week, but man – you have to factor in the magnitude of that game Saturday night and the hostile environment in which Haskins performed. I talk about “Heisman moments” a lot in this column, and Saturday night may very well have been one of them. He finished 22/39 for 270 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception (that wasn’t really his fault) in Ohio State’s massive win.
2. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma QB – Just an absolutely gaudy day for Murray. The only reason he’s not getting the top spot this week is because it came against Baylor. But, how ridiculous – 432 yards and SIX touchdown passes with an additional 45 yards and a score on the ground. SEVEN total touchdowns made for quite the stat-padding day as Murray is hanging around in the Heisman conversation.
1. Travis Etienne, Clemson RB – Big moment for the Clemson back – facing a tough Syracuse team that showed up to play, getting his first major workload of the season, and absolutely delivering. The dude had 27 carries (the first game all season in which he topped 16 carries). Those went for 203 yards and three touchdowns. Also, don’t look now, but Etienne has amassed 487 yards and six touchdowns in his last three games. If that continues, he could find himself with an invite to New York come season’s end.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
1. Will Grier – 12
2. Dwayne Haskins – 11
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 10
4. Kyler Murray, Benny Snell, Jr. – 8
6. Jonathan Taylor – 7
7. Travis Etienne – 5
8. Trayveon Williams – 4
9. Darrell Henderson, McKenzie Milton – 3
11. 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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