Heisman Watch: Week 11

Story posted November 7, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Charlie Knezevic

Week 10 was a slow week for the Heisman race as none of the top four contenders competed. However, this week should shape up to be a good one, as two of the top four candidates will meet head-to-head, while the others will fight to keep their teams in the playoff race. Let’s take a look at the race entering Week 11:

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
In Tuesday’s College Football Playoff Top 25 reveal, LSU was shocked to not be on top. However, the Tigers’ captain still finds himself at No. 1 in the Heisman conversation. Burrow continues his strong senior season as he sits at second in both passing yards and touchdowns being on bye last week. LSU’s season could be on the line this week, as the Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa to face the Crimson Tide. Expect the Tigers to rely on the arm of Burrow and leave with a win.

2. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
The debate around the country for the past week has been whether or not a defensive player can win the Heisman this year. The simple answer is yes. Chase Young has been so dominant and shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to break the Ohio State single-season sack record this week at Maryland and will not stop there. Ohio State’s defense has been a force, and it starts with the sophomore upfront. Look for Ohio State’s playoff chances to depend on the play of Young down the stretch.

3. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
The dual-threat has kept defenses guessing all season. With Hurts being a top-10 passer and a top-20 rusher, it’s hard to keep his name out of the Heisman conversation. Hurts vies to be the third Heisman winner in a row from Oklahoma, but he also looks to bring the Sooners back into the playoff conversation after Tuesday’s CFP reveal landed Oklahoma at a disappointing ninth ranking. Keep an eye on Hurts as he stays in Norman to play the Iowa State Cyclones this week.

4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
All signs point to the junior quarterback being ready to play against LSU this week. Tagovailoa hasn't played a game in almost three weeks due to a knee injury, which plummeted his Heisman stock. However, all eyes will be on him this week, as everyone will be watching No. 2 vs. No. 3, which will give Tagovailoa a chance to prove his worth. This week will be make-or-break for the Crimson Tide quarterback in regards to his Heisman resume.

Outside looking in:

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: 2,329 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State: 1,659 passing yards, 33 totals touchdowns

 

Charlie Knezevic is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email charlieknez@gmail.com.