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 8
5. Sam Ehlinger, Texas QB – He’s just on the cusp of legitimate Heisman consideration, but hasn’t quite put together performances the caliber of some of the other electric quarterbacks in the race. The Longhorns needed all the scoring they could get against a game Kansas Jayhawks squad. Ehlinger went 31/44 for 399 four touchdowns and an interception, with 91 rushing yards on the day to boot. He’s 10th in the FBS in passing yards, and makes his second appearance in the SoBros Heisman Watch this season.
4. Justin Herbert, Oregon QB – Herbert’s big game on the road, in a tough place to play, against a ranked Washington Huskies squad, should remind us that he’s not quite out of the Heisman race just yet. If New York still brought five people to the ceremony, I’d say Herbert has a pretty strong argument to be one of ’em. Against the Huskies, Herbert went 24/38 for 280 yards and four touchdowns.
3. Shane Buechele, SMU QB – How about the Mustangs jumping out to a 7-0 start and climbing to #16 in the AP Poll?!?! Who would’ve seen that coming? For quarterback Shane Buechele, Saturday’s game against a vaunted Temple defense was electric. He went 30/53 for 457 yards and six touchdowns (with one pick). Prior to that game, the Owls had only allowed 19 points per game. SMU torched ’em for 45. Things seem to be working out for the Texas transfer, as SMU appears to be poised for the Cotton Bowl if they can handle their business. Shane Buechele deserves a lot of credit for this start.
2. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – Hurts had 316 passing yards on just 16 completions. He continues to be a dynamic threat to score for a high octane Sooners offense. On Saturday, he went 16/17 for 316 yds and three touchdowns, with 75 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. He’s now had at least four total touchdowns in five straight games, and in six of Oklahoma’s seven games on the season. With the injury to Tua Tagovailoa, Hurts may be the biggest remaining threat to Joe Burrow in the Heisman race.
1. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – Mississippi State held the Tigers to their fewest points of the season with 36 (lol), but Burrow still went off for four scores. His final stat line reads 25/32 for 327 yards and those four passing touchdowns. It was his SIXTH game this season with a 200+ passer rating and 90+ QBR. It sure seems like he’s the clear favorite to win this award at this point. He might just pair it with a National Championship. This has turned out to be an unforgettable season for LSU after all, at least to this point.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
17. Jerry Jeudy – 1
12. J.K. Dobbins, Sam Ehlinger, Anthony Gordon, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb – 2
11. Shane Buechele – 3
8. Ian Book, Travis Etienne, DeVonta Smith – 4
7. Chuba Hubbard – 5
5. Justin Fields, Justin Herbert – 6
4. Jonathan Taylor – 8
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 20
2. Jalen Hurts – 22
1. Joe Burrow – 27
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
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
