The 2019 Heisman Watch is underway. 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 2019 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.
2019 HEISMAN WATCH: WEEK 9
5. Jauan Jennings, Tennessee WR – I really want to mention Jennings in this season’s race and I might not get a better chance to do so. His stat line in the big win over South Carolina reads seven catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns, but it’s about so much more than the receiving stats. Jennings does it all for this team (technically, he was their starting quarterback against the Gamecocks, too), and he does it with passion.
“Jauan has passion for the game,” Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said. “He has passion for his teammates. He has passion for the University of Tennessee. He shows it every single day.”
The start for this Vols team has been so tumultuous, but the fact that they still have a guy like Jennings out there playing hard and exerting his will to win could very well salvage this season for them. The Vols are now 3-3 after starting 0-2. They’ve stolen wins from Mississippi State and South Carolina in games they were underdogs in, and they did some decent things against Alabama.
Just a few weeks ago, people were calling for Pruitt’s head. Now, if he can beat UAB, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt (which all looks plausible), this team will sneak into a bowl game. If they can somehow go on the road and beat Missouri, they’ll clinch a winning season. How crazy is that?
To me, Jennings’ spirit is what the Heisman is all about – finding that MVP type player. He might be a bona fide contender if the Vols weren’t 3-5.
4. Joe Burrow, LSU QB – Looking at the stat line, you’re probably not going to be blown away by Burrow’s performance, but man – it took some gumption for the Tigers to gut out a win against one of if not the best defenses in the country in the Auburn Tigers. Burrow was 32/42 (his most pass attempts of the season) for 321 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. He also scored on the ground. It didn’t look like his games against Texas and Florida, but I was impressed by how this Tigers team gutted out a win. They are the rightful #1.
3. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State RB – The Buckeyes have played four teams that have been ranked at some point in the season, and have outscored those teams a remarkable 162-24. For all the love Justin Fields is getting right now, we can’t lose sight of how productive Dobbins has been, too. He’s the second-leading rusher in the FBS with 1,110 yards on the season. Against Wisconsin, he ran for 163 yards and two touchdowns. His 58 receiving yards were his best of the season, too. It was also his THIRD time this season averaging over eight yards per carry (he’s averaged six or more yards per carry in seven of the eight games this season).
2. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma QB – I know that was a tough loss for the Sooners, one that could potentially keep them out of the College Football Playoff, but I did say the Heisman voting was seemingly arbitrary, right?!?!
You simply can’t deny the ridiculous production that Hurts has put up on the season. His 224.3 passer rating leads the FBS. Even in the loss to Kansas State, he was 19/26 for a whopping 395 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, he rushed for 96 yards and three touchdowns. He is the most dynamic player in college football today.
1. Justin Fields, Ohio State QB – I still have some reservations about Fields because I don’t think he’s putting up the gaudy stats you usually see from a Heisman winner. It’s the same argument I had against Tua Tagovailoa a season ago. When you look at completion percentage and yardage, he’s way behind in the race. But, his 24 touchdown passes put him at 5th in the FBS, as does his 185.2 passer rating.
Saturday’s 38-7 beatdown of Wisconsin (which I called, patting myself on the back) gave him the chance to make a stand, though. It was the biggest game of Ohio State’s season so far, and Fields was excellent. He (and Dobbins, to be fair) made the vaunted Badgers defense look like a bunch of nobodies. Although he was sacked five times, Fields went 12/22 for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He also tacked on a rushing touchdown to bring his total to three on the day. Oddly enough, this is just the second time this season that Fields has only put three touchdowns on the board. In the other six games, he’s scored at least four.
Time to start thinking of Justin Fields as a legitimate Heisman contender.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
17. Jauan Jennings, Jerry Jeudy – 1
13. Sam Ehlinger, Anthony Gordon, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb – 2
12. Shane Buechele – 3
9. Ian Book, Travis Etienne, DeVonta Smith – 4
7. J.K. Dobbins, Chuba Hubbard – 5
6. Justin Herbert – 6
5. Jonathan Taylor – 8
4. Justin Fields – 11
3. Tua Tagovailoa – 20
2. Jalen Hurts – 26
1. Joe Burrow – 29
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, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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