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 13
5. Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M RB – Williams climbed to third in the FBS in rushing yards after that crazy 74-72 win over LSU. He now has 1,524 rushing yards on the season, but if he was a little more consistent, I think he might actually be getting a little more Heisman love. Twice this season, he’s gone over 200 rushing yards, but thrice this season, he’s been held to 31 or fewer. He finished with 35 carries for 198 yards and two touchdowns against the Tigers.
4. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma QB – A lot of folks are saying Murray should be a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy. It’s hard to argue against that when some of his efficiency ratings are comparable to Tua Tagovailoa’s. In the win over Oklahoma, Murray went 20/27 for 364 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He’s also a threat to take off and run, too – tallying 114 yards and a touchdown on the ground to go with it. I’m okay with him being in the larger Heisman discussion here.
3. Will Grier, West Virginia QB – It was a losing effort, and now the Mountaineers are officially out of the hunt for the Big 12 Championship. But, Grier looked pretty damn good and kept West Virginia competitive against Oklahoma. He finished 32/49 for 539 yards, four touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown to boot.
2. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State QB – Man, I can’t figure Haskins out this season. Through the first seven weeks of the 2018 season, I thought he had a better overall body of work than anyone else in college football. It’s still a hill I’m willing to die on – nobody was producing the stats he was. Then, against Purdue, we learned that his best wasn’t good enough to win a road game in a hostile environment. No matter what he did, the Buckeyes were going to lose that game. He’s played good-but-not-great football ever since.
I had all but given up on him as a legitimate Heisman contender, and then he goes out and just decimates Michigan in the biggest game of Ohio State’s season. 396 yards and six touchdowns against one of the best defenses in college football? Unbelievable. Unfortunately, for Haskins, it’s too little too late at this point. While I still think he’s one of the guys who should get an invite to New York, he’s still not a credible threat to actually take home the hardware, plain and simple.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – Just unbelievable what this dude is capable of doing. Alabama let Auburn hang around for far too long, but when they needed him, Tagovailoa stepped up. He went 25/32 for 324 yards and FIVE touchdowns, with an additional score on the ground. The 2018 Heisman Trophy is without a doubt his to lose at this point.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
1. Tua Tagovailoa – 34
2. Dwayne Haskins – 26
3. Will Grier, Kyler Murray – 21
5. Jonathan Taylor – 15
6. Gardner Minshew -14
7. Travis Etienne, Benny Snell, Jr. – 8
9. Darrell Henderson, Drew Lock, Trayveon Williams – 7
12. Jordan Love – 6
13. Jordan Ta’amu – 5
14. Trevor Lawrence – 4
16. McKenzie Milton, Quinnen Williams – 3
18. David Blough, Jerry Jeudy – 2
20. Kellen Mond, Laviska Shenault, Jr. – 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
Check out the SoBros Shop. Subscribe to our Patreon. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube.
