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 1
5. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama WR – The Crimson Tide receiver could be the best in all of college football. He posted 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown in the Tide’s dominant win over Duke, but it’s his ability to wreck a defense that broke some ties for this 5th spot this week.
4. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – Joe Burrow: Heisman Candidate – who’d ah thunk it, right?!?! Sure, it was against Georgia Southern, but that new offense down in Baton Rouge looks like a fine-tuned machine, and Burrow is in firm control of it. He went 23/27 for 278 yards and F I V E touchdowns – eager to see what this offense does with a vastly superior opponent in the Texas Longhorns this week.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – The Crimson Tide got off to a pretty sluggish start, but once the offense got going…it got going. At one point, Tagovailoa had 12 straight completions. He finished the game 26/31 for 336 passing yards and four touchdowns.
2. Travis Etienne, Clemson RB – Trevor Lawrence did not have a good game as the Tigers hosted Georgia Tech last Thursday night. Thankfully, the Tigers boast two Heisman hopefuls on offense. Etienne rushed for 205 yards on 12 carries (that’s a 17.1 YPC average), including a 90-yard run in that total. He posted three touchdowns on the evening. Everyone talks about Lawrence, but don’t sleep on what a game-changer Etienne can be. He deserves to be in the Heisman race this year, too.
1. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – I don’t know how you could possibly have anyone else in this spot. Hurts’ Oklahoma debut was as fantastic as you could’ve imagined. He went 20/23 (87%) for 332 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Plus, he tacked on 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The Sooners rocked a decent Houston squad to the tune of 49-31. Hurts should be considered the Heisman favorite after Week 1.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
5. Jerry Jeudy – 1
4. Joe Burrow – 2
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 3
2. Travis Etienne – 4
1. Jalen Hurts – 5
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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