Heisman Watch: End of Regular Season Edition
The college football regular season has come to an end and conference championship week is about to get underway.
With that being said, some of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy will not be taking the field this week giving more opportunities for some to make their mark.
Let’s take a look at those with the best chance to capture this year's award.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Could Williams have ended the conversation?
That could be the case after last weekend's win against Notre Dame to clinch a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game against Utah.
Against the No. 15 Fighting Irish, Williams threw for 232 yards and a touchdown while also adding three rushing touchdowns.
Williams has been one of the most efficient passers in the league by throwing 34 touchdowns with just three interceptions.
The sophomore quarterback also has 10 rushing touchdowns this season giving him a strong case to give the Pac-12 their first Heisman winner since Marcus Mariota in 2014 for Oregon.
C.J Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Stroud’s case for the award may not be as strong from the start of the season but there is still a case nonetheless.
While Stroud and the Buckeyes suffered their first loss of the season against the then- No. 3 Michigan Wolverines, the junior quarterback threw for 349 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Stroud was just named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season as he led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record and the No. 5 spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings.
He finished the season with 3,340 passing yards and 37 touchdowns as he strives to finish higher than fourth for the Heisman which is where he wound up last season.
Max Duggan, QB, TCU
TCU doesn’t get the recognition that other undefeated teams have this season and in a way, that has translated over to Duggan.
When put against one of the toughest schedules in college football which includes five wins against ranked opponents, Duggan has balled out while being efficient in the process.
That includes last week’s win over Iowa State where Duggan threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the 62-14 rout.
There is still the Big-12 championship game left to play but Duggan currently has 3,070 passing yards with 34 total touchdowns against just three interceptions.
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Corum proved himself to be the best non-quarterback candidate for the award, but his late season injury will hinder his chances.
The junior running back suffered a knee injury against Illinois the week before the Wolverines took on Ohio State.
Corum tried to battle through the injury but left the game after just two carries for six yards.
That ended a streak of eight straight 100-yard rushing performances which were all against conference opponents.
The Wolverines still have a game to play but it remains to be seen if Corum will suit up in the Big Ten Championship game against Purdue.
If he cannot, Corum will finish the season with 1,463 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
