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 2021 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.
2021 HEISMAN WATCH: WEEK 4
5. Sean Clifford, Penn State QB – To say Clifford has been a bit of a polarizing player would be a bit of an understatement. But, he’s been steady in Penn State’s 4-0 start. Granted, it was against Villanova, but Clifford posted his first real big statistical game of the season on Saturday, going 19/26 for 401 yards, four touchdowns, and a pick. He now has nine total touchdowns on the season.
4. Sam Hartman, Wake Forest QB – Wake Forest is quietly having a solid year in an ACC that is very much wide open right now. They currently sit atop the standings in the ACC Atlantic Division at 4-0, have won all four of their games by at least 20 points, and Hartman is emerging as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the country. Against Virginia, he went 17/29 for 270 yards and three touchdown passes. Hartman now has 10 total touchdowns (Nine passing, one rushing) on the season, with only one interception.
3. Bryce Young, Alabama QB – A 90.9% completion percentage is absolutely absurd. I don’t care if it was against Southern Miss, Young continues to stockpile stats as the Heisman favorite. In Alabama’s 63-14 win, Young went 20/22 for 313 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick. That was good for a passer rating of 276.3, and a QBR of 98.6.
2. Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland QB – Surprise, surprise! The Maryland Terrapins are 4-0, and Tagovailoa is playing some great, explosive football. They’re going to be tested with games against Iowa and Ohio State coming up, but let’s just not think about that right now. Maryland is back! In the 37-16 win over Kent State, Tagovailoa was 31/41 for 384 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. That was his third game (of four) with at least three touchdown passes this season. His 1,340 passing yards are good for 7th in the FBS right now, and his 75.5% completion percentage is good for third. If the Terrapins can get some big wins in the coming weeks, Tagovailoa just might emerge as a legitimate Heisman dark horse. His numbers are there.
1. Jake Haener, Fresno State QB – Don’t look now, but Haener is on top of the FBS in passing yards on the season with 1,842 yards. He’s tied for 2nd in touchdown passes with 15, and Fresno State has looked pretty damn good so far this season. They’re currently sitting at #18 in the AP Top 25 poll with a 4-1 record. They beat UCLA, who was ranked at #13 at the time, and they gave Oregon (the third best team in the country) fits in their sole loss on the season. Let’s give this program and its quarterback the flowers they’re due. In the 38-30 win over UNLV, Haener went 30/42 for 378 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
12. Sean Clifford, TreVeyon Henderson, Will Levis – 1
10. JT Daniels, Sam Hartman – 2
9. Sam Howell – 3
6. Zach Charbonnet, Spencer Rattler, Taulia Tagovailoa – 4
4. Jake Haener, CJ Verdell – 5
3. Kenneth Walker III – 6
2. Matt Corral – 8
1. Bryce Young – 14
If you haven’t already, be sure to go subscribe to the College Football Roundup Podcast, on which Steven McCash and myself break down all the action from the college football world and look ahead to the week to come.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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