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 3
5. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – It was an easy day for Burrow, but you still have to respect the guy having his third consecutive game with a 209+ passer rating. He’s also completed 85% or more of his passes in two of his three games. Just really phenomenal stuff – against Northwestern State, he went 21/24 for 373 yards, two touchdowns, and an additional score on the ground.
4. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State RB – Dobbins has averaged 8.3 and 8.8 yards per carry respectively in his last two games. His 193 yards against Indiana put him into the top 4 of the FBS in rushing yards. He scored on the ground and through the air on Saturday.
3. Ian Book, Notre Dame QB – I don’t care if it was New Mexico, we have to give the Fighting Irish quarterback some props for the absolutely gaudy numbers on Saturday. SIX total touchdowns. His stat line reads 15/24 for 360 yards and five touchdowns, with 46 rushing yards and a score on the ground to boot. They’re going to need that kind of production if they’re going to take down Georgia this weekend.
2. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – Hurts is currently sixth in the FBS in rushing. He posted 150 rushing yards and a touchdown against UCLA. Through the air, he continued his streak of three-touchdown games, going 15/20 for 280 yards, and those three touchdowns. That Sooners offense is rolling, and Hurts has to be one of the favorites to win the Heisman.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – It feels like the talk was all Burrow and Hurts through the first two weeks. Perhaps, I dare say, a little quietly, Tagovailoa was posting uber productive numbers. After that game at South Carolina on Saturday, there’s nothing quiet about his Heisman candidacy anymore.
Tagovailoa asserted himself into the mix and made this a three-horse race with that performance. He went 28/36 for 444 yards and five touchdowns. Now, he’s tied with Washington State’s Anthony Gordon for the FBS lead in touchdown passes with 12. He’s right there with Burrow and Hurts, but man – this is going to be a fun race to watch.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
8. Justin Jefferson, Jerry Jeudy – 1
7. J.K. Dobbins – 2
6. Ian Book – 3
4. Travis Etienne, Justin Herbert – 4
3. Joe Burrow – 8
1. Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa – 11
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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