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 6
5. Will Levis, Kentucky QB – I feel absolutely insane for writing this because I’m not seeing a lot of other blogs talking about Levis, but his addition to this Wildcats offense (along with new OC Liam Coen) has been transformative. They love their running game and defense in Lexington, but Levis and Coen have been the difference in reshaping the passing game, making this a more complete offense, and the Wildcats are making a strong push in the SEC because of it. In the dominant 42-21 win over LSU, Levis went 14/17 for 145 yards and three touchdowns, with 75 rushing yards and two rushing scores – five total touchdowns. Most important, a doughnut in the turnover column. If he didn’t have the interceptions, and if this offense passed more, Levis would be a more bona fide Heisman contender. But, at least this degenerate football blogger is going to give the kid his flowers.
4. Matt Corral, Ole Miss QB – With 110 yards and three touchdowns, a huge honorable mention goes out to running back Snoop Conner in Ole Miss’ 52-51 win over Arkansas. For the third time in five games, Corral posted four total touchdowns in a single game. He and Alabama’s Bryce Young continue to be the best quarterbacks in the SEC, and with Corral under center, Ole Miss can stand toe to toe with anyone. What more could you want in a Heisman contender? In the big win over Arkansas, Corral went 14/21 for 287 yards, two touchdowns and a QBR of 97.3, with 94 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
3. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati QB – Everything that Cincinnati needs to happen to get into the playoff just keeps happening. This formula they have with Ridder is working, and they’ve climbed to #3 in the AP Top 25 because of it. He padded his stats some more in the blowout 52-3 win over Temple, going 22/30 for 259 yards and three touchdowns. He now has 15 total touchdowns in five games.
2. CJ Stroud, Ohio State QB – After Ohio State sputtered a bit early on in the season, they seem to have found their rhythm, scoring 52+ points in three consecutive games. Sure, the level of competition helps, but it wasn’t too long ago that we were talking about Rutgers and Maryland “being back.” Stroud posted some gaudy numbers in the 66-17 win over Maryland, going 24/33 for 406 yards and FIVE touchdowns. He’s finding his play-makers, this team is starting to look like a playoff contender, and Stroud is making his case for Heisman contention.
1. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State RB – What a staggering day for Walker against Rutgers…a stat line that reads 29 carries for 232 yards and a touchdown. This offense had 588 total yards on Saturday – Walker providing 39.4% of that on his own. He now leads the FBS in rushing yards by 121 yards (an entire game for most running backs). Most importantly, Michigan State remains undefeated, and they’ve climbed inside the top 10 of the AP Top 25 poll.
Put Kenneth Walker in the Heisman conversation. pic.twitter.com/uUTC1VeGo8
— SoBros Network (@SoBrosNetwork) October 9, 2021
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
17. Sean Clifford, TreVeyon Henderson – 1
14. JT Daniels, Sam Hartman, Will Levis – 2
12. Tyler Allgeier, Sam Howell – 3
8. Zach Charbonnet, Spencer Rattler, Brian Robinson Jr., Taulia Tagovailoa – 4
5. Jake Haener, CJ Stroud, CJ Verdell – 5
4. Desmond Ridder – 8
3. Matt Corral – 10
2. Kenneth Walker III – 13
1. Bryce Young – 14
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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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