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 12
5. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma QB – Murray may be the most dynamic quarterback in the country. Looking at all of the efficiency ratings and passer ratings, Murray is much closer to Tua Tagovailoa than many realize. In fact, two of eight ESPN’s Heisman Watch pollster’s actually gave Murray their first place votes this week. Against the mighty (lol) Kansas Jayhawks, Murray went 21/32 for 272 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also tacked on 99 rushing yards and three touchdowns for a whopping five total touchdowns.
4. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State QB – I’m not going to dock Haskins too much for that interception. He’s had some bad games this year, but this one was one of his best – technically, his second best in terms of QBR. I’m not going to hold the fact that his defense couldn’t stop the Maryland Terrapins and that they really lucked their way out of this win against his individual performance. Six total touchdowns is legit. Haskins went 28/38 for 405 yards and three touchdowns, with an additional three rushing touchdowns on 59 yards.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – If you would’ve told me that the Crimson Tide would need a gutsy performance from Tagovailoa to beat The Citadel, I would’ve laughed in your face, but that’s exactly what happened. Dude had one of his best rated games of the season, passing for 340 and three touchdowns, with an additional 37 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
2. Gardner Minshew, Washington State QB – The Cougs are absolutely on fire right now, and Minshew’s at the helm of the offense. Against Arizona, the kid posted 473 yards and seven freaking touchdowns. Seven touchdowns?!?! Seven touchdowns. Minshew leads the FBS with 4,325 passing yards, and is tied with Haskins and Houston D’Eriq King atop the FBS with 36 touchdowns.
1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – You gotta be kidding me? 321 rushing yards and three touchdowns?!?! I don’t care if it was against Purdue, and I don’t care if the Badgers are nowhere near as good as we thought they’d be. That’s damn impressive. Taylor continues to pad his lead atop the FBS with 1,869 yards. 2,000 yards is definitely in sight, and that’s wild. But, the bottom line: you rush for over THREE HUNDRED YARDS, you get prime real estate on the Heisman Watch.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
1. Tua Tagovailoa – 29
2. Dwayne Haskins – 22
3. Kyler Murray – 19
4. Will Grier – 18
5. Jonathan Taylor – 15
6. Gardner Minshew -14
7. Travis Etienne, Benny Snell, Jr. – 8
9. Darrell Henderson, Drew Lock – 7
11. Jordan Love, Trayveon Williams – 6
13. Jordan Ta’amu – 5
14. Trevor Lawrence, Trayveon Williams – 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.
