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 10
5. Brady White, Memphis QB – Big time moment for White, who is having a terrific season, as the Memphis Tigers upset the SMU Mustangs 54-48. White went 19/33 for 350 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He has crept into the top 10 of the FBS in passing yards and touchdown passes.
4. Travis Etienne, Clemson RB – It sure seems like the Tigers have found their footing for 2019, and Etienne’s steady play is a big reason for it. Since the scare against North Carolina, Etienne has posted 127+ yards in four straight games. Against Wofford, he went for 212 yards and two touchdowns.
3. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State RB – Hubbard is firmly in control of the 2019 FBS rushing title with 1,604 yards (318 yards ahead of BC’s A.J. Dillon). Against TCU, Hubbard had his FOURTH game of 200+ yards this season, rushing for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
2. Justin Herbert, Oregon QB – From a QBR perspective, Herbert had his best game of the season (93.2) as the Ducks went to USC and THROTTLED them. He went 21/26 for 225 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick. Herbert also ran one in for a score on the ground, bringing his total touchdown count to four on the evening (25 on the season). He’s going to be a high draft pick next Spring, but I continue to think he’s a little underrated in this year’s Heisman race, too.
1. Chase Young, Ohio State DE – With so many of the top teams and Heisman contenders out of the race this week, the Heisman Watch kinda stinks. So, I’m going to use this opportunity to right a wrong that my ‘Heisman Watch’ system has been exposed to over the last several weeks. Scoring on a week-to-week basis prevents the opportunity to look at a player’s entire body of work.
That said, Chase Young absolutely deserves to be in the 2019 Heisman race…if not leading it. We keep talking about which quarterback deserves the award, and the Buckeyes DE just keeps being the overall best, most disruptive player in college football. This is a kid who could end up being the top pick in next spring’s NFL Draft.
Young has a FBS-leading 13.5 sacks. He has five forced fumbles. He is an outright monster. So, I’ll own up to it – Chase Young should’ve found his way onto this list a lot sooner.
UPDATED SOBROS HEISMAN WATCH POINTS STANDINGS
18. Jauan Jennings, Jerry Jeudy, Brady White – 1
14. Sam Ehlinger, Anthony Gordon, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb – 2
13. Shane Buechele – 3
11. Ian Book, DeVonta Smith – 4
9. J.K. Dobbins, Chase Young – 5
8. Travis Etienne – 6
6. Chuba Hubbard, Jonathan Taylor – 8
5. Justin Herbert – 10
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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