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 matter as much as winning and having those signature “Heisman” moments. 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 2018 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.
2018 HEISMAN WATCH: WEEK 6
5. Laviska Shenault, Jr., Colorado WR – It’s time we give the Buffs’ biggest playmaker some love. Especially here in the South, “Pac-12 after dark” doesn’t get the credit it deserves, and most people probably haven’t watched a lot of Colorado football this season. But, this kid is third in the FBS in receiving yards and receptions with 708 and 51 respectively. On Saturday, he accounted for all four of the Buffs touchdowns in their 28-21 win over Arizona State.
4. Darrell Henderson, Memphis RB – Another big day for the FBS’ leading rusher, as Henderson posted 174 yards and three touchdowns, albeit against UConn. He now has 934 rushing yards on the season, 12 rushing touchdowns, and two more receiving touchdowns. He’s also averaging a whopping 11.8 yards per carry on the season.
3. Travis Etienne, Clemson RB – Etienne’s fourth straight monstrous game, as the Tigers back ran for an astounding 16.7 yards per carry on the road at Wake Forest on Saturday. Tack on 167 yards and three more touchdowns to his season totals. You might not realize it, but Etienne has crept up into the top four in the FBS in rushing yards on the season.
2. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – Tagovailoa continues to helm the best offense in college football, and aside from the Texas A&M game, Saturday’s game was among his most Heisman-esque. The Razorbacks would not go quietly into the night (at least until the 2nd quarter), but Tagovailoa went out and had his highest rated performance of the season. It was his second game with 300+ yards and his third with four passing touchdowns. He is clearly the best quarterback in college football. Can you imagine what his production would look like if he played entire games? The Heisman race would be OVER.
1. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State QB – People are saying we can’t hold Tagovailoa’s lack of playing time against him, but I guess I’m somewhat of a traditionalist. You gotta have the production to match the wins, and right now, Haskins is producing more. Of course, that’s an entirely different question than who I’d rather have under center, but that’s not really what the Heisman is about. Going 33/44 for 455 yards, SIX touchdowns, and two picks against an Indiana team that is much better than Arkansas puts him ahead of Tagovailoa this week. But, don’t discredit his “Heisman moments,” either – the dude had two of his best games this season on the road against TCU and Penn State. He passes Will Grier as my Heisman favorite right now.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
1. Dwayne Haskins – 16
2. Tua Tagovailoa – 14
3. Will Grier – 12
4. Travis Etienne, Kyler Murray, Benny Snell, Jr. – 8
7. Jonathan Taylor – 7
8. Darrell Henderson – 5
9. Trayveon Williams – 4
10. McKenzie Milton – 3
11. Jerry Jeudy, Drew Lock – 2
13. Laviska Shenault, Jr. – 1
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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