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 12
5. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – Back-to-back 200+-yard games gets the Badgers back back into the Heisman discussion. His 8.2 yards per carry against Nebraska also marked the FIFTH time this season that Taylor has averaged 8.1 YPC or greater. Against the Cornhuskers, Taylor got 25 carries and produced 204 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 21 total touchdowns on this season.
4. Justin Herbert, Oregon QB – The Ducks continue to roll with Herbert at the helm. Against Arizona, he went 20/28 for 333 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. His 211.3 passer rating was the third 200+ passer rating he’s posted on the season. He’s by and large lost in the shuffle with so many other quarterbacks playing well, but he’s quietly had an excellent season.
3. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – What a gutsy win for the Sooners on the road against Baylor, one that has preserved what little playoff hopes they had. Yet again, Hurts posted touchdown after touchdown – going 30/42 for 297 yards, four touchdowns, and a pick. He also had his 4th 100+-yard rushing game of the season, posting 114 on the ground. Hurts is currently 6th in the FBS in rushing touchdowns with 15. He’s also just 17 rushing yards shy of 1,000 on the season.
2. Justin Fields, Ohio State QB – Crazy to think that Saturday’s game was the first time that Fields crossed the 300-yard passing game threshold all season. He’s also yet to attempt more than 25 passes this season, too. Against Rutgers, Fields went 15/19 for 305 yards and four touchdowns. His 283.3 passer rating was his highest of the year. I still think there’s a little bit of 2018 Tua Tagovailoa syndrome here – that Fields just isn’t getting the opportunities to post the stats required to win the Heisman – but he should be in the conversation for the award.
1. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – The Heisman is very clearly Joe Burrow’s to lose. I mean, dude’s playing his best football in the biggest games and stockpiling stats in the not-so-big games. Against Ole Miss, Burrow was 32/42 for 489 yards (his highest of the year), five touchdowns, and a couple of picks. Not only should the Heisman be his, but he should be the top quarterback taken in the NFL Draft next spring.
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
6. Jonathan Taylor – 11
5. Justin Herbert – 12
4. Justin Fields – 15
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 20
2. Jalen Hurts – 29
1. Joe Burrow – 39
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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