Contender or Pretender?: Heisman Stock Watch Week 6
Brendan Smith
Another exciting week in college football has ended, so once again, it’s time to check out my Heisman Stock Watch. October is one of the most exciting sports months for me, between college football and the NFL getting into full-swing, and the MLB playoffs, it seems as if there is never a dull time for me. Tough to get homework done with all these sporting events on TV every night of the week. Luckily for you, I’ve been doing my homework on the Heisman candidates so you have one less thing to procrastinate.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Louisville was off last week, so Jackson did not have a chance to improve his unreal numbers. Still, he remains in the lead by a lot in my current top 5.
Stock: Holding steady
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Now seemingly back on track, Watson threw for 266 yards and 4 touchdowns, while also rushing for 28 yards. For just the second time all year, Watson did not throw an interception. Even though it was against the sub-par defense of Boston College, it is comforting for college football fans to see that the Deshaun Watson of old has arrived, and hopefully will stay for the rest of the year. Watson has led his Tigers to a top 5 ranking, including a dethroning of previously unbeaten Louisville, and has Clemson in position to win the ACC-Atlantic. On the season, Watson has now accumulated 1,568 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 239 yards on the ground. Impressive numbers, but still not enough to surpass Lamar Jackson in the Heisman race.
Stock: Rising
Greg Ward, Jr., QB, Houston
It’s not that Greg Ward, Jr. had a bad game. It’s the fact that he turned the ball over twice in what will become a crucial loss for his Houston Cougars. Still, 350 yards passing, 94 yards rushing, and 4 (3 passing, 1 rushing) total touchdowns is nothing to scoff at. The only bad part from Ward, Jr.’s stat line is the 2 interceptions he threw to the Navy defense. As it routinely does, Navy’s triple-option offense allowed them to dominate the time of possession, en route to a 46-40 upset. Navy dominated in the third quarter, outscoring Houston 21-7, including a touchdown that came from one of Ward, Jr.’s interceptions. Ward, Jr. needs to limit his mistakes in order to stay in the Heisman conversation.
Stock: Slightly falling
J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
J.T. Barrett just could not stay out of my top 5. Very quietly, Barrett has totaled 981 yards through the air with 15 touchdowns, and 342 rushing yards to go along with 4 touchdowns. So far, his only real test has been Oklahoma, a test Barrett passed with flying colors, throwing for 152 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with 72 rushing yards. Because of Ohio State’s offensive philosophy, Barrett will never put up gaudy numbers through the air, but by being a true dual-threat QB has launched himself into my top 5. This past Saturday was nothing to write home about however, as Barrett managed to complete only 9 of his 21 passes for 93 yards, but did throw a touchdown, and also rushed for 137 yards and another touchdown against conference-foe Indiana. Now, Ohio State will travel to Camp Randall to square off against the 8th ranked Wisconsin Badgers, which has the potential to be the game of the year in the Big 10.
Stock: Rising
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Another dud this week for Christian McCaffrey and the now unranked Stanford Cardinal. This time, Stanford was trashed by Mike Leach and Washington State 42-16, a week after losing 44-6 against Washington. For the first time all season, McCaffrey failed to reach 100 all-purpose yards, and that even includes his special teams stats. On the evening, McCaffrey was held to 35 rushing yards, 5 receiving yards, and 43 return yards. He was also limited to just 12 touches, as Stanford never led in the game, one in which Washington State pulled away in the second half. McCaffrey has now turned in consecutive disappointing performances against Pac-12 competition. On the year, McCaffrey has managed just 3 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown in 5 games. While it may be too late to climb up the Heisman ladder, McCaffrey can still turn his season around, and in turn, turn Stanford’s season around also.
