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 7
5. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M QB – Big game for the Aggies and a gutsy performance by Mond – 25/37 for 353 yards and a touchdown on the road at South Carolina. It sure seems like Jimbo Fisher has found himself a quarterback. With Trayveon Williams in the backfield, this is a tough Aggies offense. They could very well be the 4th best team in the SEC, and are in the hunt for one of the big SEC Florida bowls.
4. Darrell Henderson, Memphis RB – One yard shy of another 200-yard rushing game, but still enough to sit atop the FBS in rushing yards with 1,133 on the season. That’s absurd. He had 199 yards and a touchdown as the Tigers nearly upset #10 UCF. Henderson now has 15 total touchdowns on the year, and the Tigers still have five games to play. Henderson is on pace for 1,942 yards…insane! If they had a better record than 4-3, he would undoubtedly be in the national conversation for the Heisman, but he’s not. Still, I think his magical season warrants some consideration for the guy.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama QB – I do think that as long as Tagovailoa is healthy, he’s getting the Heisman. But, just because he is likely the best player in all of college football, it doesn’t mean he’s having the best season. That’s where I tend to disagree with the national media. If you didn’t know it was Tagovailoa’s, you wouldn’t consider his stat line Heisman-worthy. Plain and simple. That said, he continues to throw touchdowns, and he continues to have an off-the-chart quarterback rating. His performance against Mizzou was his worst of the season, though. He remains on the list because no one rose up and knocked him out of the top five – not exactly a week of inspiring performances.
2. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State QB – I’m going to get shit for it, but I’m looking at the Heisman race strictly on a game-by-game basis. And, so far this year, Haskins has had more Heisman-esque games than Tagovailoa has. This week was no different as Haskins went 33/44 for 412 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the FBS with 28 touchdown passes, and the Buckeyes are 7-0.
1. Jordan Ta’amu, Ole Miss QB – My God, what a game for Ole Miss. Arkansas led from 3:24 in the 1st quarter to 0:42 in the 4th quarter. But, the Rebels, led by Ta’amu’s 528 total yards engineered a come back to steal a win. It was incredible – 387 yards and two touchdowns through the air to go with 141 yards and a score on the ground. Sure, the Razorbacks are the dumpster fire of the SEC, but in a week that didn’t feature a whole lot of Heisman-worthy performances, let’s give Ta’amu credit – that was gutsy and gaudy. Ole Miss is quietly 5-2 behind that electric offense.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
1. Dwayne Haskins – 20
2. Tua Tagovailoa – 17
3. Will Grier – 12
4. Travis Etienne, Kyler Murray, Benny Snell, Jr. – 8
7. Darrell Henderson, Jonathan Taylor – 7
9. Jordan Ta’amu – 5
10. Trayveon Williams – 4
11. McKenzie Milton – 3
12. Jerry Jeudy, Drew Lock – 2
14. Kellen Mond, 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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