Baker Mayfield has officially overtaken Lamar Jackson as the Vegas favorite in the Heisman Trophy race. Mayfield has been dominant in the short 2017 season, including a marquee win over Ohio State. Jackson still remains in contention as the season has just begun, but this year’s race is shaping up to be much closer than expected.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Mayfield continued his dominance, overmatching a lesser opponent in Tulane, going 17-27 for 331 yards and 4 touchdowns. Through three games, Mayfield has yet to throw an interception, and has thrown just 19 incompletions, while throwing for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns. These types of numbers are to be expected when the opponents are the caliber of UTEP and Tulane, but with Ohio State being the second game, Mayfield’s numbers are even more impressive. Mayfield is not much of a threat on the ground, and because Lamar Jackson is, Mayfield will need to continue to put up otherwordly numbers as a passer. The last “pocket-passer” type to win the Heisman also came from Oklahoma, Sam Bradford in 2008.
Stock: Rising
Saquon Barkely, RB, Penn State
Penn State handled Georgia State with ease, cruising to a 56-0 victory. The wide margin did not dim Barkley’s production, as he rushed for 47 yards, and also added 142 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in limited time. Barkley is on pace to match or better his numbers from last season, as he is averaging over 8 yards per carry and over 21 yards per catch. Barkley has not recorded more than 14 carries in a game yet this season, so his numbers should get even better as Penn State gets into the meat of their schedule. The tests begin with Iowa this week. Look for Penn State to lean on Barkley to wear down Iowa.
Stock: Rising
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Jackson and the Cardinals struggled to get anything going against Clemson, who may have the second-best defense in the country. Jackson completed just 50% of his passes, but did throw for 317 yards, and 3 touchdowns, while rushing for 64 yards. Jackson routinely missed throws, but was also under duress all night, eventually being sacked four times. Trailing 19-7 in the beginning part of the third quarter, Jackson threw a pick-six, squandering any momentum that Louisville possessed. While I do not think that he is completely out of the race, Jackson will have to improve his performance to stay in contention. Jackson’s numbers are still elite, but he will need to run the ball more effectively in order to overtake Mayfield.
Stock: Falling slightly
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Rudolph has put up video game numbers this season. Last week, without even playing a full game, Rudolph exploited the Pittsburgh defense for 497 yards and 5 touchdowns in a dominant 59-21 win. Rudolph was fantastic in that game, completing 72% of his passes, bringing his season total to 63.4%. In just three games, Rudolph has amassed 1,135 passing yards, with 11 touchdowns and just 1 pick. This week, Oklahoma State will be tested for the first time all season, as TCU will head to Stillwater. If Rudolph can put up similar numbers to the ones so far, he may catapult himself into the top tier of Heisman candidates.
Stock: Rising
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Darnold has been scrutinized this season as his interception numbers are not great, but after a comeback win against Texas, it seems that he has the “clutch” factor. Darnold ended with 397 yards and 3 touchdowns. With just 45 seconds left in regulation and trailing by a field goal, Darnold totaled 52 yards, leading the Trojans down the field to tie the game and force overtime. On the first play of overtime, Darnold threw a 25-yard strike to Deontay Burnett to open the scoring. Overall, despite the six interceptions on the year, Darnold has not cost his team any victories. But, in order to ensure future success for both his Trojans and his Heisman candidacy, Darnold’s turnovers will have to be cut down.
