Do we even know if they’re going to give out the Heisman Trophy this year? I don’t – anyway, we’re going to keep on rolling with the Heisman Watch here on SoBros Network and pretend like everything is okay and we’re going to get a full, normal season of college football. Here’s the Heisman Watch intro:
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 2020 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.
2020 HEISMAN WATCH: WEEK 8
5. Mac Jones, Alabama QB – Jones didn’t have the touchdown numbers he usually does or else he’d be higher on this week’s list, but no one can deny the command he has of the greatest offense in college football. Against the Vols, Jones was 25/31 for 387 yards with a QBR of 96.2. He did have a rushing touchdown on Saturday as well. His 212.8 passer rating is the highest in the FBS among quarterbacks that have played more than one game.
4. Zach Wilson, BYU QB – Wilson is out there posting NUMBERS on the season. His lone interception on the year happened all the way back on September 7th. Since then, he’s thrown 14 touchdowns and 0 picks. His 210.4 passer rating is second only to Jones (among QBs that have actually played more than one game). Against Texas State, Wilson was 19/25 for 285 and FOUR touchdowns. BYU is undefeated and climbing up the rankings.
3. Najee Harris, Alabama RB – After starting the season slowly, Harris has become an absolute hammer for the Crimson Tide. As Alabama rolled over Tennessee, Harris and 96 yards and THREE scores on the ground, with 61 yards receiving. He has surpassed his touchdown total from 2019 already, with 14 on the season. That mark also happens to lead the FBS. Time to put Harris in with the legit contenders.
2. Ian Book, Notre Dame QB – I know they stopped inviting five guys to New York for the Heisman ceremony, and they definitely won’t be doing that this year, but man – if they did, Book would have to get the call. The Irish have been that good, and Book has been that good.
In the 45-3 drumming of Pitt, Book was 16/30 for 312 yards and three touchdowns, with 40 yards on the ground. Factor in his passing and rushing touchdowns, and the dude has quietly scored 11 times on the season. Notre Dame is a viable College Football Playoff contender because of it.
1. Justin Fields, Ohio State QB – The Big Ten is BACK. Now, I’ll say this – the Heisman Trophy ought to be awarded based on a total body of work for the entirety of 2020. I don’t know if Fields is going to get the opportunity to post Heisman stats because he won’t play as many games as other candidates. That’s fine by me – whether or not the voting committee agrees remains to be seen.
But, so far so good, regardless. In Ohio State’s season opener, Fields reminded us all of just why he was one of the preseason Heisman favorites. He was a whopping 20/21 for 276 yards and two touchdowns, good for a solid QBR of 97.0. He also had 54 rushing yards and a score on the ground as the Buckeyes eviscerated Nebraska, 52-17.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
18. Travis Etienne, Cam’Ron Harris, Kyle Pitts, Brady White – 1
16. K.J. Costello, Kyren Williams – 2
13. Kellen Mond, Spencer Rattler, Skylar Thompson – 3
12. Sam Ehlinger – 4
9. Justin Fields, D’Eriq King, DeVonta Smith – 5
8. Kyle Trask – 6
5. Ian Book, Jaylen Waddle, Zach Wilson – 7
2. Shane Buechele, Najee Harris, Mac Jones – 8
1. Trevor Lawrence – 18
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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