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 5
5. CJ Stroud, Ohio State QB – After a bit of a slow start, the Buckeyes seem to have gotten things right. Stroud had his best game of the season in the 52-13 win over Rutgers, going 17/23 for 330 yards, and a whopping five touchdown passes. He now has 13 on the season, but just as important, he did not turn the ball over on Saturday. This year’s Heisman race is wide open, so if Stroud can start stringing together games like this, he could make a strong case to get an invite to New York.
4. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State RB – How impressive has this dude been? He’s leading the FBS with 680 yards and averaging 6.8 yards per carry on 100 carries. That average is best among running backs with at least 100 carries so far this season. In the 48-31 win over Western Kentucky, Walker posted 126 yards and three more touchdowns to put him at eight scores on the season. The Spartans are 5-0, ranked at #11 in the AP Top 25.
3. Tyler Allgeier, BYU RB – Don’t look now, but here comes BYU. The Cougars are 5-0 and ranked inside the top 10. Allgeier has leapt into the top 10 (8th) in rushing in the FBS after a staggering performance in the 34-20 win over Utah State. He turned 22 carries into a whopping 218 yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground.
2. Brian Robinson, Jr., Alabama RB – Well, with all of the talk centering on the quarterbacks heading into Alabama-Ole Miss, it was the Tide running back who came out and posted numbers, punching Ole Miss in the mouth in the process. Robinson had what was by far his best game of the season on Saturday, going for 171 yards and four scores on the ground.
1. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati QB – Well, this was undoubtedly the Heisman moment for Ridder so far in this season. On the road, at a historic program, against a top 10 Notre Dame team – and all he did was show up ready to will the Bearcats to victory. Overall, he was 19/32 for 297 yards and two touchdowns, with a third score on the ground. But, it was seeing him bow up when Notre Dame made this a tight game that created his “Heisman moment.” Beyond Bryce Young, this year’s Heisman race feels wide open. Now, with Notre Dame out of the way, Ridder has the chance to post some solid stats. The Bearcats could very well make this playoff race interesting, and if Ridder continues to play like this, he could very well play his way into an invite to New York.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
15. Sean Clifford, TreVeyon Henderson, Will Levis, CJ Stroud – 1
13. JT Daniels, Sam Hartman – 2
11. Tyler Allgeier, Sam Howell – 3
7. Zach Charbonnet, Spencer Rattler, Brian Robinson Jr., Taulia Tagovailoa – 4
4. Jake Haener, Desmond Ridder, CJ Verdell – 5
2. Matt Corral, Kenneth Walker III – 8
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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