The day has finally come. It is time for a change at the top of the Heisman rankings. Week nine provided some of the best games of the season, and a shakeup in the Heisman rankings. Without further ado, let’s discuss the rankings.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield put on an absolute show during Bedlam last Saturday afternoon. In a wild game itself, where the over was hit in the first half, Mayfield broke two of Sam Bradford’s single-game school records (passing yards in a half and passing yards in a game). Mayfield erupted for 598 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, and also added a rushing touchdown, finishing the game with a near-perfect 95.4 QBR. The Sooners scored multiple times in every quarter, eventually outlasting Oklahoma State 62-52. Mayfield has now accounted for 33 touchdowns (28 passing, 5 rushing), and has a QBR of 92.3 for the season, good for second in the nation. Mayfield will need to lead the Sooner offense yet again, with a playoff spot seemingly hanging in the balance, as Oklahoma will welcome TCU into Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
Stock: Rising
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
For the first time all season, Bryce Love was held under 100 yards rushing. Love, who returned from an ankle injury that kept him out against Oregon State, was limited to just 69 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground as Stanford was bested by Washington State, 24-21. Love still finds himself second in the nation in rushing yards at 1,456, just 146 yards behind San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny. This week, Stanford hosts Washington, a Pac-12 foe with the best statistical defense in the nation, holding opponents to under 250 yards per game. That top defense includes a paltry 91 rushing yards per game for opposing offenses. Love will need a little luck for a standout game against the Huskies.
Stock: Holding
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Once again, Saquon Barkley and the Nittany Lions were upset, this time on the road, against Michigan State. Barkley was of little help, being held to just 63 yards on the ground, 33 receiving yards, and being held scoreless for just the second time all season. For the third time this season, Barkley was held under 100 total yards of offense, all of those instances coming in the team’s previous four games. Barkley is the obvious spark-plug of the Penn State offense, and teams have been game-planning around him all season, but he is not the sole point of blame for Penn State’s two-game skid. Trace McSorley has completed just 57% of his passes during that span, and threw three interceptions against Michigan State. Barkley will look to bounce back against a porous Rutgers defense. Look for big numbers from the junior running back.
Stock: Falling
Khalil Tate, QB, Arizona
The man dubbed “Mr. October” by our own Nathan Peterson has finally found himself in the Heisman conversation. The sophomore is nothing to write home about when he throws the ball, but is a force to be reckoned with on the ground. Tate has racked up an impressive 1,087 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns in just seven games this season. Against USC this past weekend, Tate ran for 161 yards and a touchdown, while adding 146 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns. To date, Tate has accumulated 8 passing touchdowns to go along with 930 passing yards. Tate’s value is restricted to his legs right now, but as he matures as a passer, look for him to make some noise in the Heisman conversation. A strong argument can be made on behalf of Tate with improved passing numbers.
Stock: Rising
Jonathon Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
After being held scoreless for the first time all season, Jonathon Taylor returned with a vengeance, torching the Indiana defense for 183 rushing yards and a touchdown. The true freshman is currently ranked third in the nation in rushing yards, with 1,368. Taylor has not run for lower than 73 yards all season, and is averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Taylor and the Badgers will put their undefeated record to the test, facing off against Iowa, a team riding high following a 55-24 blowout of Ohio State. Taylor will be counted on to drain the Hawkeye defense, opening up the passing game for Alex Hornibrook. Look for a high volume of carries for Taylor, and possibly another big game.
