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 8
5. Tyler Allgeier, BYU RB – Allgeier just about topped 200 yards for the second time this season in the Cougars’ 21-19 win over the other Cougars (Washington State). He had a heavy workload of 32 carries, and turned that into 191 yards and two touchdowns. He has climbed to 7th in the FBS in rushing yards with 866 yards on the season. His 11 rushing touchdowns are currently tied for 6th in the FBS.
4. CJ Stroud, Ohio State QB – Indiana didn’t put up much of a fight, rolling over 54-7 on Saturday night. But, it gave Stroud the opportunity to pad his stats a bit and legitimize himself further in the 2021 Heisman race. Stroud was 21/28 for 266 yards and four touchdowns. Just as Ohio State should be considered among the favorites for one of the four playoff spots, Stroud should be considered among the Heisman finalists. That loss to Oregon is far behind the Buckeyes.
3. Sam Hartman, Wake Forest QB – This Wake Forest offense is just ridiculous, and Hartman is posting some gaudy numbers. Against Army, Hartman 23/29 for 458 yards and FIVE touchdowns, with 22 rushing yards and a score on the ground, as the Demon Deacons hung 70 on the scoreboard. Hartman was second in the FBS in passing yards this week, and finished with a quarterback rating of 268.9, which is just downright stupid.
2. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh QB – Okay, I’m buying in. Pitt has a Heisman-worthy quarterback. That offense is doing work and posting numbers, and he absolutely should be in the Heisman conversation at this point if he wasn’t already. In the big win over Clemson, Pickett went 25/39 for 302 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 23 touchdown passes on the season which is good for 4th in the FBS. His 2,236 passing yards are 9th in the FBS.
1. Bryce Young, Alabama QB – Well, it was neck and neck until Matt Corral was injured and then failed to post monster numbers against a reeling LSU team. But, Bryce Young firmly seized control of the Heisman race with a stellar performance against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night. As the smoke from the victory cigars hung in the air, Young finished a night that saw him go 31/43 for 371 yards, two passing touchdowns, 42 rushing yards, and two scores on the ground. If there was any doubt before, it’s gone now – Young is the clear frontrunner for this year’s Heisman Trophy.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
20. Sean Clifford, Tyrion Davis-Pryce, TreVeyon Henderson – 1
17. Brennan Armstrong, JT Daniels, Will Levis – 2
16. Sam Howell – 3
9. Tyler Allgeier, Zach Charbonnet, Kenny Pickett, Spencer Rattler, Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Taulia Tagovailoa – 4
6. Jake Haener, Sam Hartman, CJ Verdell – 5
5. CJ Stroud – 7
4. Desmond Ridder – 8
3. Kenneth Walker III – 13
2. Matt Corral – 15
1. Bryce Young – 22
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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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