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 11
5. Najee Harris, Alabama RB – Harris over Jalen Hurts? Justin Fields? I know, I know. I’m sticking my neck out on this one. But, the way Harris put his team on his back and the way the coaches committed to him…it was just something special. Even in a losing effort – his will to win was impressive. He had what was by far his best game of the season. Harris finished Saturday with 146 yards and a touchdown rushing, along with three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown reception.
4. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – The Badgers won’t have won enough games for Taylor to be a serious contender, but he deserves a little more consideration than he’s getting. In the big win over Iowa, Taylor had 31 carries for a whopping 250 yards.
3. Tanner Morgan, Minnesota QB – The Golden Gophers are 9-0 for the first time since 1904, and their quarterback playing so well against the #4 ranked Penn State squad is a huge reason why. Morgan and those talented Minnesota receivers seemed to have an answer for everything James Franklin’s crew threw at them. Morgan finished 18/20 for 339 yards and THREE touchdowns.
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU RB – 20 carries, 103 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns. Nine catches, 77 yards, and a touchdown reception. You want to talk about undeniable, Edwards-Helaire was absolutely undeniable in Saturday’s big win over Alabama. Joe Burrow will be the talk of the town this week, but this kid deserves a ton of credit for that win, too.
1. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – What a performance. Any doubt about Burrow was erased with that game in Tuscaloosa. Hell, Burrow may have even solidified himself as the QB1 in next spring’s NFL Draft class. The brighter the lights are, the most comfortable Burrow seems to be. He went 31/39 for 393 yards and three touchdowns. He also posted 64 yards on the ground, and did lose a fumble in this game.
But, the stats don’t do his performance Saturday justice – those timely tough runs for first downs, the absolute dimes he threw when LSU needed them most. This guy has now played and beaten four top 10 teams. No one in college football is more battle-tested. Burrow just may have cemented himself as the Heisman favorite after that game on Saturday.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
20. Najee Harris, Jauan Jennings, Jerry Jeudy, Brady White – 1
15. Sam Ehlinger, Anthony Gordon, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Tanner Morgan – 2
14. Shane Buechele – 3
11. Ian Book, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, DeVonta Smith – 4
9. J.K. Dobbins, Chase Young – 5
8. Travis Etienne – 6
7. Chuba Hubbard – 8
5. Justin Herbert, Jonathan Taylor – 10
4. Justin Fields – 11
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 20
2. Jalen Hurts – 26
1. Joe Burrow – 34
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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