As we sadly near the end of the college football regular season (only a month left), the race for the Heisman is about to heat up. Saquon Barkley is firmly entrenched atop the rankings, but is followed closely by another running back.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Barkley and the Penn State Nittany Lions, coming off a 42-13 rout of Michigan, are currently in the thick of the playoff race. Barkley also finds himself leading the pack for the Heisman race after yet another impressive performance. Against a touted Wolverine defense, Barkley racked up 161 total scrimmage yards (108 rushing, 53 receiving) and 3 total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving). Barkley also remains the only player with a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, passing touchdown and return touchdown this season. In total, he has totaled 1,221 yards of offense, with 12 offensive touchdowns. The versatility provided by Barkley keeps him at the top of this week’s Heisman rankings. As of now, it is his trophy to lose.
Stock: Rising
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
Love and Stanford had a bye week this past weekend, allowing him some time to heal an ankle injury that may keep him out of tomorrow night’s battle with Oregon State. If Love is able to play, expect big numbers against an inferior defense.
Stock: Holding
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Continuing with their trend the last month, Oklahoma played another close game, this time with Kansas State, needing a late touchdown by Rodney Anderson to escape the Wildcats’ upset bid. Mayfield was once again excellent, passing for 410 yards and 2 touchdowns, while completing 78% of his passes. A two-game interception streak has hit Mayfield, his first two thrown this season. This week, Mayfield and the Sooners encounter Mayfield’s former team, Texas Tech, in primetime. Last season’s matchup produced a shootout, with Oklahoma topping Texas Tech 66-59, behind Mayfield’s seven touchdown passes. This is the final time for Mayfield to get revenge on his former coach Kliff Kingsbury, so look for a big game once again. If Lincoln Reilly turns the playbook loose, this may become an even tighter race for the top spot.
Stock: Rising
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Jonathan Taylor is enjoying a fantastic true freshman season. He currently sits fifth in the nation in rushing yards, with 1,112 across seven games. Wisconsin also remains undefeated as B1G play reaches its peak. Last week, in a 38-13 rout of Maryland, Taylor ran for 122 yards and 1 touchdown. On the season, Taylor is averaging 7.5 yards per carry to go along with his 11 rushing yards. A matchup with Illinois, who is currently conceding over 200 rushing yards per game to opponents, may propel Taylor into the top three of the Heisman race. Regardless, we will see this young man in the Heisman discussion for the next couple years.
Stock: Rising
Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
Josh Adams becomes the newest face, and fourth running back, in the Heisman rankings after a dominant effort against rival USC. Adams rushed for 191 yards on just 19 carries, and added 3 touchdowns on the ground. He is enjoying the best year of his career, with 967 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns in a ground-heavy attack by the Fighting Irish. This week, Notre Dame will face an elite North Carolina State defense, a unit that is allowing just 91 rushing yards per game. Junior quarterback Brandon Wimbush has not been counted on to throw the ball very often this year, and if tested, may struggle. Adams may not put up his usual numbers against NC State, and will fight to keep his spot in the Heisman rankings.
