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. Ian Book, Notre Dame QB – I know it was Bowling Green, but when you’re setting records at Notre Dame, you’re talking about some elite history. Ian Book became the first Irish quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a half. He finished the game 16/20 for 261 yards and five touchdowns. Book may not be in the Heisman conversation in the grand landscape of the 2019 season, but he’s had a couple of noteworthy weekly performances this season.
4. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – For the fourth time in five games, Hurts posted at least four touchdowns. On the road at Kansas, Hurts went 16/24 for 228 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. He also tacked on 56 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Hurts isn’t going to let Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa run away with the Heisman just yet.
3. Justin Fields, Ohio State QB – Fields threw his first pick of the season, but that Michigan State defense is no joke. The stage was as big as it’s been all season for the Buckeyes, and Fields delivered, going 17/25 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Fields also posted 61 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown to account for three total touchdowns. He’s the key cog in that explosive Buckeyes offense.
2. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – If you’re twisting my arm at this point in the season, I’m giving the 2019 Heisman Trophy to Burrow. People might scoff at Utah State, but this is a team that entered the weekend with just one loss, and that was a three-point loss to an undefeated Wake Forest team. They have a quarterback that has NFL aspirations, and the Tigers just flattened ’em. Burrow, to the surprise of no one, was particularly impressive. He finished the game 27/38 for 344 yards, five passing touchdowns, and a pick. He also scored on the ground, bringing his total touchdown count to six on the day.
1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – It’s a big time quarterback race this year, but I think people are sleeping on Taylor as a legitimate Heisman contender, especially if the Badgers keep winning. Taylor is the third leading rusher in the FBS right now with 745 yards on the season. Against Kent State, Taylor averaged a whopping 9.8 yards per carry, totaling 186 yards and four touchdowns. He also scored his 4th receiving touchdown of the season, to up his total touchdown count to five on the day.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
13. Sam Ehlinger, Justin Jefferson, Jerry Jeudy – 1
11. J.K. Dobbins, Anthony Gordon – 2
7. Ian Book, Travis Etienne, Justin Herbert, DeVonta Smith – 4
6. Chuba Hubbard – 5
5. Justin Fields – 6
4. Jonathan Taylor – 8
3. Jalen Hurts – 14
1. Joe Burrow, 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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