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 14
5. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB – If not for some fumbles and the Badgers being out of the CFP conversation, Taylor might be a more legitimate Heisman hopeful. But, he still deserves some serious credit for being one of the nation’s top running backs. In the big win over Minnesota, Taylor had 76 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards, good for a total of 115 yards. He also had two rushing scores, and a touchdown reception. He now has 25 total touchdowns on the season.
4. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – Just go ahead and give it to him. Why do we even need a ceremony? The Tigers rocked Texas A&M 50-7, and after 352 passing yards and three touchdowns, Burrow now owns the single-season SEC passing record. His 44 touchdowns ties Drew Lock’s single-season SEC touchdown record, but I imagine he’ll break that against Georgia. Just a truly historic season for a guy who now figures to be the top quarterback chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft.
3. Bryce Perkins, Virginia QB – The Cavaliers quarterback could not have picked a better, more meaningful time to have his best game of the season. With a spot in the ACC Championship on the line, Virginia held serve against a red hot Virginia Tech team. In the process, Perkins went 20/33 for 311 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. But, he also had 164 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to help the Cavaliers lock up the ACC Coastal.
2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson QB – If you would’ve told me it’d be Week 14 before Lawrence showed up in the 2019 Heisman Watch in August, I would’ve called you crazy. Against rival South Carolina, Lawrence had his highest rated game of the year, going 26/36 for 295 yards and three touchdowns, with 66 rushing yards as well. It’s far too little too late for him to get back into the Heisman conversation but it’s encouraging for Tigers fans to see him getting hot at this time of the year.
1. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State RB – This Buckeyes team is just loaded with Heisman-worthy talent. I’d be willing to bet I could go back through the Heisman Watch this year, and every week, one of either Dobbins, Justin Fields, or Chase Young would be in the mix.
I had a sneaky feeling that this was going to be one of those impose-your-will type of statement games for the Buckeyes and it was clear that Michigan was going to get a heavy dose of Dobbins, and boy did he deliver! 31 carries for 211 yards and a whopping FOUR touchdowns. Dobbins just has a knack for showing up in the big games. In his four games against ranked opponents this season, he has amassed 42% of his total season rushing yardage (703 of 1,657 yards), and 47% of his rushing touchdowns (9 of 19 TDs).
He’s now 4th in the FBS with 1,657 rushing yards, but has proven capable of putting the team on his back and punishing whoever opposes the Ohio State Buckeyes.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
23. Najee Harris, Jauan Jennings, Jerry Jeudy, Brady White – 1
18. Sam Ehlinger, Anthony Gordon, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Tanner Morgan – 2
15. Shane Buechele, Jayden Daniels, Bryce Perkins – 3
11. Ian Book, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Trevor Lawrence, DeVonta Smith – 4
10. Travis Etienne – 6
9. Chuba Hubbard – 8
7. J.K. Dobbins, Chase Young – 10
6. Justin Herbert – 12
5. Jonathan Taylor – 13
4. Justin Fields – 15
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 20
2. Jalen Hurts – 31
1. Joe Burrow – 45
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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