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 12
5. Jameson Williams, Alabama WR – I feelv like every week, I catch myself saying “man, if Jameson Williams had played like this earlier in the season, he’d be a legitimate Heisman contender.” But, it’s amazing how he’s come on in recent weeks. He went and did it to ’em again on Saturday, hauling in eight catches for 190 yards and three touchdowns.
4. Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky QB – I don’t know if/when I’ll get another chance to write about Zappe, but Zappe absolutely deserves to be mentioned in the grand landscape of this year’s Heisman Watch (I’m now up to 29 players mentioned on the season). He plays for 7-4 Western Kentucky, so he’s not going to be on SportsCenter every Saturday night, but he’s quietly become the FBS passing leader in pass yardage (4,640 yards) and passing touchdowns (48). He has TEN more passing touchdowns than second place right now, and is having what is a truly historic season for the Hilltoppers, who stand a valid chance of unseating UTSA and winning C-USA. On Saturday, he went 39/49 for 470 yards and SIX touchdowns (with two picks). It was the fifth time this season that Zappe has thrown for at least five touchdowns.
3. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati QB – After a few quiet weeks, Ridder gets back in the Heisman conversation after a monstrous win over SMU. Showing he can do it all, Ridder had at least one touchdown passing, rushing, AND receiving. He finished the day 17/23 for 274 yards and three touchdowns passing, 46 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, and a five-yard touchdown reception. Let’s not rule him out just yet.
2. Bryce Young, Alabama QB – Just a gaudy performance from Young against a scrappy Arkansas team that was definitely up for the challenge on Saturday. They didn’t make it easy for the Tide one bit, but Young stood tall, going 31/40 for a whopping 559 yards and five touchdowns.
1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State QB – Stroud was pretty much scoring at will against Michigan State on Saturday, delivering haymaker after haymaker on the Spartans defense. The crazy part is his six touchdowns all came before the first half was up – he probably could’ve had 12 touchdowns if he wanted ’em. He finished the day 32/35 for 435 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a 91.4% completion percentage if you can’t do that math off the top of your heads. Insane. Stroud continues his late push for the Heisman, and with Kenneth Walker III’s performance on the other side of the field, I think it’s down to Stroud and Young for this year’s hardware.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
26. Sean Clifford, Tyrion Davis-Pryce, TreVeyon Henderson – 1
22. Brennan Armstrong, Ty Chandler, JT Daniels, Will Levis, Bailey Zappe – 2
19. Hendon Hooker, Sam Howell, Malik Willis – 3
12. Zach Charbonnet, Spencer Rattler, Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Taulia Tagovailoa, Caleb Williams – 4
9. Jake Haener, Will Rogers, CJ Verdell, Jameson Williams – 5
7. Tyler Allgeier, Sam Hartman – 6
6. Kenny Pickett – 9
5. Desmond Ridder – 11
4. Matt Corral – 15
3. Kenneth Walker III – 20
2. CJ Stroud – 21
1. Bryce Young – 26
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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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