For the second consecutive week, we’re kicking off the Heisman Watch with a road-grading, punishing ground performance. This week, it’s the bell cow from the Missouri Tigers that we’re talking about. What an impressive statement win from Mizzou to get to 8-2. They may not have won the SEC East, but they’ve established themselves as the clear #2 team in that division behind Georgia and they have a legit shot at getting to a New Years Six bowl game. Particularly impressive was the performance from running back Cody Shrader who battered the Vols defense like a wrecking ball. Shrader was the Tigers’ leading rusher and receiver, as he mowed down Tennessee to the tune of 205 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown, and 116 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, a week after having an epic quarterback duel in its own right, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Milroe keep their hot streaks going. Daniels was actually the leading rusher in the FBS this week with 234 yards and two rushing scores, while also going 17/26 for 372 passing yards and three passing touchdowns as the Tigers routed the Gators 52-35. His five total touchdowns in that game bring his total to 38 on the season. At this point, I’d say he’s a lock to at least get an invite to New York. Meanwhile, Milroe continues to get better and prove his worth as a dynamic play-maker each and every week. He was 15/22 for 234 yards with three touchdowns and a pick against Kentucky. But, it was his ability as a rusher that really made the difference, rushing for three scores as well. He has 10 total touchdowns in his last two games, and as Alabama seems to be heating up at the right time, it makes me wonder whether or not we’re sleeping on Milroe’s place in this year’s Heisman race. I’m not sure if they’ll invite more than three guys to New York, but if they go with five, does Milroe have a compelling enough argument to receive an invitation? Or, is it too little too late? Maybe he should’ve gotten a hotter start and insured his position. I don’t know – I’m just saying that in a Heisman race that feels as wide open as it’s been in a long time, maybe Milroe deserves more consideration than he’s getting.
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to do freakish things on the football field as well, and as I mention this race being wide open, Harrison seems like the one player who is beginning to make the strongest late season push. Against Michigan State, he posted seven catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns, with a rushing score as well. He’s now up to 1,063 receiving yards on the season with 12 receiving touchdowns. I think he’s solidified himself as one of the legitimate contenders, and could be leading the race with a couple more weeks like he’s had recently.
Finally, Bo Nix continues to have performances that are both prolific and efficient at the same time. Plus, nothing gives you the chance to stat pad quite like that USC defense. On Saturday, Nix was 23/31 for 412 yards and four touchdowns. He’s only three passing touchdowns away from 100 for his career. His 29 passing touchdowns are second only to Daniels’ 30 (he does have two fewer interceptions than Daniels). By and large, I’d say it’s “pick your quarterback” between Michael Penix Jr., Daniels, and him. If you want to argue for any of these three winning the Heisman, I won’t stop you.
HEISMAN POINTS (WEEK 11)
- Cody Shrader
- Jayden Daniels
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Jalen Milroe
- Bo Nix
HEISMAN POINTS (2023 SEASON)
- Bo Nix – 15
- Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix, Jr. – 14
- Marvin Harrison Jr. – 13
- Jordan Travis – 10
- Jalen Milroe, Shedeur Sanders – 8
- Caleb Williams – 7
- Cam Ward – 6
- Quinn Ewers, Dillon Johnson, Drake Maye, Cody Shrader – 5
- Drew Allar, Jermaine Burton, Ray Davis, Trevor Etienne, Jawhar Jordan, J.J. McCarthy, Tyler Van Dyke – 4
- Brock Bowers, Sam Hartman, Travis Hunter, Jase McClellan, Rome Odunze, DJ Uiagalelei – 3
- Keon Coleman, Ollie Gordon II, Taulia Tagovailoa – 2
- Eric Ayomanor, Malachi Corley, Quinshon Judkins – 1
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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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