Contender or Pretender?: Heisman Stock Watch Week 7
Brendan Smith
Another crazy week in college football has ended, therefore it is also time for my Heisman Stock Watch. First, let’s get a quick recap of the week that was. Ole Miss and Arkansas played one of, if not the best games in the SEC so far, and Ohio State and Wisconsin played in an instant classic on Saturday night, with Ohio State escaping an upset in overtime. As for that homework stuff, this is another busy week in sports, so somehow I will need to find a way to study for my computer science midterm. Those aren’t that important right?
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Is it time to give Lamar Jackson the Heisman yet? The guy is incredible. In his first “off” game this season, Jackson managed 181 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 144 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. So, that means that 325 total yards and 2 touchdowns are considered a down game for the nation’s most electrifying player. On the season, Jackson has now compiled 30 total touchdowns (15 passing, 15 rushing) while throwing just 4 interceptions. His Louisville Cardinals are now ranked number 7 in the latest AP Poll, with a 5-1 record. Only one other QB in all of FBS football has a higher QBR than Jackson’s 90.9, and that’s USC freshman Sam Darnold, who has only been a starter for 4 games. Oh yeah, and Jackson is only a sophomore. That means we get to enjoy at least one more year of the Lamar Jackson show.
Stock: Rising
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Phew. That was close, again. Deshaun Watson and Clemson needed overtime to escape an upset bid by NC State, alarming for Tiger fans considering the roll the team has been on lately. Still, a bright side of that game was the play of their star. Watson threw for 378 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 35 yards and a touchdown. Thankfully, the interception that he threw did not cost his team the game in the end, but has already thrown 8 interceptions in 7 games this year, compared to 15 in 15 games last year. Watson’s stats, despite his turnovers, are impressive, as he has totaled 21 touchdowns this year, to go with 1950 passing yards, and 279 rushing yards. Usually, those types of numbers would vault a player to the top of the Heisman conversation. That was, until someone named Lamar Jackson came along. Sorry DeShaun but 2nd place isn’t that bad right?
Stock: Rising, but not enough
J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Talk about a thriller. After trailing for most of the game, J.T. Barrett put the Buckeyes team on his back, and willed the team to an overtime victory over Wisconsin, handing the Badgers their first loss of the year. Barrett threw for 226 yards and 1 touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner, and also ran for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns on the evening. That brings his numbers on the year to 1207 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 434 rushing yards, and 6 rushing touchdowns. Barrett actually has 1 more touchdown than DeShaun Watson, in 1 less game. Barrett has emerged as a leader for the number 2 ranked Buckeyes, and has been rewarded for his patience. He should be rewarded in April also if he declares for the draft.
Stock: Rising
Greg Ward, Jr., QB, Houston
Not exactly Greg Ward, Jr.’s best stuff on Saturday. Despite throwing for 254 yards, and rushing for 142 yards, Ward was unable to find the endzone, and was picked off by Tulsa’s Trent Martin. Houston narrowly escaped Tulsa, needing a 24-yard fumble return with 1:21 to play in the game to secure a 38-31 victory. Definitely a far fall from the team that defeated Oklahoma first game of the season. Definitely a different story for Ward, Jr. as well. The senior has still accumulated 17 touchdowns on the year, but his numbers are not quite Heisman worthy.
Stock: Falling
Jake Browning, QB, Washington
This has as much to do with Christian McCaffrey’s disappointing season as Browning’s fine season. Browning has thrown for 1418 yards and 23 touchdowns in just 6 games this season. If you factor in his 3 rushing touchdowns, Browning averages over 4 touchdowns each game. And, don’t look now, but Washington is ranked number 5 in the nation at 6-0. Not trying to brag, but someone on this website chose Washington as a sleeper pick for the playoffs (hint: it was me).
My Top 5:
Lamar Jackson
Deshaun Watson
J.T. Barrett
Greg Ward, Jr.
Jake Browning
Outside looking in: Jabrill Peppers, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook
