Contender or Pretender?: Heisman Stock Watch Week 13
Brendan Smith
It’s almost over. Everything is beginning to wind down, whether it be the semester (thankfully), the college football season, or the Heisman Race. But, like the old cliche goes, all good things must come to an end. And now more than ever, the race for the Heisman Trophy is neck-and-neck. With that being said, let’s take a look at my Heisman top 5.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
While Louisville’s playoff hopes have been crushed, Lamar Jackson still holds a slight lead in my Heisman rankings. In a 41-38 loss against Kentucky, Jackson threw for 281 yards, 2 touchdowns, and ran for 171 yards and 2 more touchdowns, while throwing 3 interceptions. Everything about that statline looks good, but then come the interceptions. Turnovers lose football games, and in 3 loses this year, Jackson has turned the ball over 6 times. Still, Jackson’s numbers this year are just ridiculous. There really is no other way to describe him. With 3390 passing yards, 1538 rushing yards and 51 (30 passing, 21 rushing) total touchdowns, there is no better player this season, based on stats alone. That alone is enough to keep him at the top of my rankings.
Stock: Falling
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
What a game for Deshaun Watson. As his hot streak continues, Watson carved up the South Carolina defense for 347 yards and 6 touchdowns in Clemson’s 56-7 victory. The one-sided victory comes a week before Clemson will battle Virginia Tech for the ACC title. Watson has positioned his team for a playoff spot, pending a victory this weekend. After struggling with his accuracy and in the beginning part of the season, Watson has completed 73% of his passes in the last 5 games, but has also thrown 6 of his 14 interceptions in that span. Turnovers are what have been holding Watson back in this race. He has thrown for more yards than Lamar Jackson (3626 to 3390), and has thrown for more touchdowns (34 to 30) than Jackson. But still, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox does not include Watson in his latest first-round mock draft. Could we see Watson in Death Valley again next year?
Stock: Rising
D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
D’Onta Foreman seemingly came out of nowhere this season, but if you still on’t know who he is, do yourself a favor, and read this story about him. In short, last season, Foreman was used as a linebacker for one season, a situational back in his sophomore year, and now has emerged as a star, and future star in the NFL. Foreman currently leads the FBS in rushing yards, with 2028 on the year, and is the only bright spot on the offensive side of the ball for Texas, who fired head coach Charlie Strong last Saturday. In Strong’s final game for the Longhorns, Foreman ran for 165 yards against in-state rival TCU, but failed to reach the endzone. Texas’ 5-7 season may be the only red flag in Foreman’s Heisman argument, as he also accumulated 15 touchdowns this season.
Stock: Rising
Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
Oklahoma was off this week, and wrap up their regular season on Saturday against Oklahoma State in the annual “Bedlam Game”. At 9-2, Westbrook and the Sooners still have an outside chance to make the CFB Playoff, but will need a lot of help.
Stock: Holding
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
After a long absence, Mayfield is back and better than ever. After a strong start to the season, Mayfield has been quiet since his dud against Ohio State, despite throwing for 545 yards and 7 touchdowns against Texas Tech. After throwing for 19 touchdowns in his last 5 games, Mayfield finds his way back into the Heisman conversation. A big performance against hated Oklahoma State could send Mayfield to New York.
