The 2019 Heisman Watch is underway. 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 seem to matter as much as winning and having those signature “Heisman” moments, but you have to have both to win it all. 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 2019 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.
2019 HEISMAN WATCH: WEEK 5
5. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – Hurts continues to put up excellent passer ratings as the Sooners offense just keeps on rolling. On Saturday, he went 17/24 for 415 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick. He also scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the season. The Texas Longhorns are looming on 10/12. It’ll be his first real shot at a signature “Heisman moment.”
4. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – Tagovailoa is really having a special season. I know folks are enamored by the performances of Hurts and Joe Burrow, but man – Tua is just lighting it up. He went 26/36 for 418 yards, six touchdowns, and another score on the ground against Ole Miss on Saturday. Alabama took over as the #1 team in the AP Poll, and if Tagovailoa keeps this up, he’ll run away with the Heisman in my book.
3. Justin Fields, Ohio State QB – I haven’t had Fields in my Heisman Watch yet this season. Seems pretty egregious, right? I feel like it points out a fundamental flaw in how I do my Heisman Watch – it places too much emphasis on the week-to-week game performances and not enough on the season as a whole. Fields just hasn’t put up the yardage to get a top five spot yet, but if you’re asking me for the top five Heisman contenders, he’s definitely on that short list. *shrugs* Regardless, the dude is lighting it up on what looks like one of the best teams in the country. Against Nebraska, Fields went 15/21 for 212 yards, three touchdowns, and tacked on 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground, too. Dude is averaging 4.6 total touchdowns per game on the season.
2. DeVonta Smith, Alabama WR – It seems like every week, we’re all gushing over a different member of that vaunted Crimson Tide receiving corps. This week, it’s Smith – who hauled in 11 receptions for a WHOPPING 274 yards and a WHOPPING five touchdowns. Yes, you read that correctly – that’s a stat line of 11 rec., 274 yards, 5TDs. Insanity. He is now the 5th leading receiver in the FBS.
1. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State RB – At 4-1, the Cowboys have crept into the top 25 of the AP Poll. More impressive are the performances they’re getting out of their running back. Chuba Hubbard went for an astonishing 296 yards against a solid Kansas State team on Saturday. That’s the third time in five games that Hubbard has topped the 200-yard mark. He already has 938 rushing yards on the season (1st in the FBS), and 10 touchdowns.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
13. Sam Ehlinger, Justin Jefferson, Jerry Jeudy – 1
11. J.K. Dobbins, Anthony Gordon – 2
8. Ian Book, Justin Fields, Jonathan Taylor – 3
5. Travis Etienne, Justin Herbert, DeVonta Smith – 4
4. Chuba Hubbard – 5
3. Jalen Hurts – 12
2. Joe Burrow – 13
1. Tua Tagovailoa – 17
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, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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