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 4
5. Sam Ehlinger, Texas QB – This is a good year for college quarterbacks, but with all the hype around Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Tua Tagovailoa, Ehlinger is becoming lost in the shuffle. This kid is G O O D. In a clutch win over Oklahoma State, he was 20/28 for 281 yards, four touchdowns, and a pick. Ehlinger has thrown four touchdowns in three of his four games so far this season. With 16 on the season, he is averaging four touchdowns per game for the Longhorns.
4. Anthony Gordon, Washington State QB – If the Cougs had actually won that crazy shootout, Gordon may be number one on this week’s list. But, I don’t care. If you throw NINE touchdowns, you’re making the Heisman Watch. I don’t care if you lost. I don’t care if you sprinkled a couple of interceptions here. NINE TOUCHDOWNS. Oh, and by the way, 570 passing yards is nothing to laugh at. Gordon’s currently the FBS leader in passing yards with 1,894.
3. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – Welcome back to the Heisman Watch, Jonathan Taylor! The Wisconsin Badgers have surged to #8 in the AP Poll, and Taylor’s relentless style may be the key ingredient for it. He’s averaging a whopping 7.6 yards per carry and 146.6 yards per game in 2019. But, against Michigan, their toughest opponent of the year, Taylor was brilliant – 23 carries for 203 yards and two touchdowns.
2. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – His second consecutive five-touchdown game, Tagovailoa’s stellar 2019 campaign continues. Against Southern Miss, Tagovailoa went 17/21 for 293 yards, five touchdowns – good for a 276.7 passer rating (his best of the year so far). Unlike last year, when I said he wasn’t getting the opportunity to stockpile Heisman-esque stats, it certainly looks like he’s getting the opportunity to do so this year.
1. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – I don’t care if it was poor Vanderbilt, going on the road in the SEC still means something. This LSU Tigers offense is unlike anything we’ve seen from this regime before. Burrow posted an insane stat line of 25/34, for 398 yards, SIX touchdowns, and his fourth straight 200+ passer rating and 91+ QBR. The Tigers are averaging 65.5 PPG in their last two outings, and Burrow is at the head of it all. He has to be the Heisman favorite at this point.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
10. Sam Ehlinger, Justin Jefferson, Jerry Jeudy – 1
8. J.K. Dobbins, Anthony Gordon – 2
6. Ian Book, Jonathan Taylor – 3
4. Travis Etienne, Justin Herbert – 4
3. Jalen Hurts – 11
2. Joe Burrow – 13
1. Tua Tagovailoa – 15
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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