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 11
5. Kenny Pickett, Pitt QB – What a gutsy, Heisman-esque win for Pickett…too bad the stage wasn’t bigger and it wasn’t against a better team. But, I don’t want to detract from the guy too much. With the game on the line, he produced, and finished the game 25/43 for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick.
4. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State RB – Walker continues to have one of the most impressive rushing seasons in college football this year. Against Maryland, they gave the dude a heavy workload of 30 carries, and he was able to turn it into 143 yards and two touchdowns. With 1,473 rushing yards on the season, he leads the FBS. He’s also tied for 1st in touchdowns with 17.
3. Jameson Williams, Alabama WR – If Williams had been playing like this all season long, dude would be running away with the Heisman race. It’s impressive how he’s been able to get hot as of late. Against New Mexico State, he hauled in six catches for 158 yards and three touchdowns.
2. CJ Stroud, Ohio State QB – Stroud continues to come on as a legitimate Heisman candidate. Ohio State survived the upset-machine Purdue Boilermakers, 59-31, behind Stroud’s 31/38 361-yard five-touchdown stat line. His 30 touchdowns are now tied for 5th in the FBS. Send this guy to New York.
1. Will Rogers, Mississippi State QB – To the surprise of no one, a quarterback in a Mike Leach offense is among the FBS leaders in passing yards. I haven’t written about Rogers in this column yet, but six touchdowns in that impressive comeback win on the road at Auburn, paired with the stats he’s posted all season long, warrant a little consideration this week. Rogers went 44/55 for 416 yards and six touchdown passes as the Bulldogs came back from down 28-3 to win 43-34. I still have no idea what to make of this team, but Rogers is having a hell of a season – he’s now 2nd in the FBS with 3,722 passing yards, and is 7th in the FBS in passing touchdowns with 29. For the gaudy stats alone, Rogers can have the Heisman Watch for at least one week.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
26. Sean Clifford, Tyrion Davis-Pryce, TreVeyon Henderson – 1
22. Brennan Armstrong, Ty Chandler, JT Daniels, Will Levis – 2
19. Hendon Hooker, Sam Howell, Malik Willis – 3
12. Zach Charbonnet, Spencer Rattler, Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Taulia Tagovailoa, Caleb Williams, Jameson Williams – 4
9. Jake Haener, Will Rogers, CJ Verdell – 5
7. Tyler Allgeier, Sam Hartman – 6
6. Desmond Ridder – 8
5. Kenny Pickett – 9
4. Matt Corral – 15
3. CJ Stroud – 16
2. Kenneth Walker III – 20
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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