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 10
5. D’Eriq King, Miami QB – Kind of a weird week in the Heisman Watch, as a lot of college football’s heavy hitters didn’t even see the field. King’s stat line reads 24/38 for 255 yards and a touchdown – he also had a rushing touchdown in Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech. But, what doesn’t show up on the stat sheet is how gritty of a win this was for Miami to get to 7-1, and the dynamic that King provided on offense that enabled them to grind this one out.
4. Grant Wells, Marshall QB – The Thundering Herd is 7-0 and has climbed up to #15 in the AP Poll. Just a stellar season so far from Marshall, and I have to tip my cap to them and their quarterback, who balled out in the team’s 42-14 thrashing of MTSU. Wells went 25/37 for 336 yards and five touchdowns. They have been absolutely rolling the last two weeks.
3. Ian Book, Notre Dame QB – Am I the only writer outside of South Bend that is putting Book in the ‘legit contender’ category of this year’s Heisman race? Why isn’t anyone talking about him? Am I insane?
The Fighting Irish are 8-0, they’re ranked #2 in the country…forget the CFP…this is a damn National Championship contender. This looks like one of the best teams in the country. And, people don’t seem to be including their senior quarterback, who is having a hell of a season, in the Heisman conversation? Maybe I am just crazy, but Book just keeps having these gutsy performances that put him in my top five week after week.
Against a Boston College team that was supposed to be pretty competitive, Book went 20/27 for 283 yards and three touchdowns. He also averaged 8.5 yards per carry on 10 runs, finishing with 85 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Give this man his due!
2. Sam Howell, North Carolina QB – On a light week, I’ll show some love to a guy who figures to be a coveted prospect at the next level. If North Carolina had the wins, Howell would probably be getting a little more Heisman love. But, at 6-2, the Tar Heels aren’t even in the AP Top 25 at the moment.
Regardless, Howell has been fantastic, and in the shootout win over Wake Forest, went 32/45 for a whopping 550 yards, six touchdowns, and a pick, leading the FBS in passing yardage this week. He also posted a 213.3 rating, one of the best such ratings of the week.
1. Kyle Trask, Florida QB – Trask is really starting to make a push in this Heisman race. If you were to ask me today, I’d still say ‘Trevor Lawrence,’ but this race is really getting interesting. Trask and the Florida Gators are SURGING right now. Mac Jones surprisingly stepped up and challenged Lawrence early on in the season. And, now that the Big Ten is back and Justin Fields is playing well, it sure as hell looks like a four-man race to the finish.
With none of the other major contenders playing, Trask had the opportunity to really show his stuff. With that Heisman spotlight on him against a surprisingly capable Arkansas Razorbacks squad, Trask absolutely delivered.
He went 23/29 for 356 yards and SIX touchdowns. He now leads the FBS with 28 touchdown passes on the season, and don’t look now, but the Gators could play spoiler in the SEC and even crash the College Football Playoff party.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
19. Cam’Ron Harris, Kyle Pitts, Brady White – 1
18. K.J. Costello, Grant Wells – 2
14. Kellen Mond, Spencer Rattler, Skylar Thompson, Kyren Williams – 3
12. Sam Ehlinger, Travis Etienne, Sam Howell – 4
9. Jaylen Waddle – 7
7. Shane Buechele, Najee Harris, D’Eriq King – 8
5. Ian Book, Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith – 10
4. Zach Wilson – 11
3. Justin Fields – 12
2. Kyle Trask – 17
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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