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 7
5. Tyrion Davis-Pryce, LSU RB – You have a stat line that reads 36 carries for 287 yards and three touchdowns, you get a spot in the Heisman Watch unquestioned. Sorry, but those are the rules and I don’t make ’em (actually, I do).
4. Brennan Armstrong, Virginia QB – Don’t look now, but the Cavaliers have quietly crept up to a 5-2 record and are hot on the heels of 5-1 Pitt in the ACC Coastal division, having won three in a row. And, you might not have noticed this either: their quarterback is leading the FBS in passing yards with 2,824 on the season. Against Duke, Armstrong was 25/45 for 364 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 34 yards and a score on the ground. Is Armstrong going to be in New York when the dust settles? Probably not. But, on a slow week for the Heisman Watch, he deserves a little love for what he’s doing at Virginia.
3. Bryce Young, Alabama QB – Young got the chance to pad his stats on Saturday night and he did just that as the Tide walloped Mississippi State to the tune of 49-9. Young was solid, as he’s been all season long, going 20/28 for 348 yards and four touchdowns. He’s now thrown 24 touchdowns to three interceptions this season.
2. Bijan Robinson, Texas RB – Robinson has been simply undeniable for the Longhorns this season, and the man can do it all. Against Oklahoma State, Robinson had 135 yards and two scores on the ground, with three catches for 38 yards and a score through the air to boot. Robinson is starting to push Kenneth Walker III in the season’s rushing yard race as well, having climbed up to 930 yards on the season (3rd in the FBS). Even though the complexion of Texas’ season has changed dramatically in the last couple of weeks, it shouldn’t outweigh the work Robinson has done as a legitimate Heisman candidate.
1. Matt Corral, Ole Miss QB – Before Saturday’s game in Knoxville, Lane Kiffin was asked what gave him confidence in his team’s ability to leave town with a win. He replied simply, “Matt Corral.” The Ole Miss quarterback showed that he can step up and put the team on his back when needed in a gutsy win over the upstart Vols on Saturday night. Though he did throw his first interception of the season, he went 21/38 for 231 yards and two touchdowns, with a whopping 195 yards on the ground. I think Corral has made this Heisman race is a lot closer than Tide fans would care to admit.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
19. Sean Clifford, Tyrion Davis-Pryce, TreVeyon Henderson – 1
15. Brennan Armstrong, JT Daniels, Sam Hartman, Will Levis – 2
13. Tyler Allgeier, Sam Howell – 3
8. Zach Charbonnet, Spencer Rattler, Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Taulia Tagovailoa – 4
5. Jake Haener, CJ Stroud, CJ Verdell – 5
4. Desmond Ridder – 8
3. Kenneth Walker III – 13
2. Matt Corral – 15
1. Bryce Young – 17
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
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
