Heisman Watch: Week 7
Going into Week 7 of an unpredictable season even by college football standards, many players have been putting up Madden-like numbers, but only one will win the Heisman, college football’s most prestigious trophy. Let’s take a look at five players to keep an eye on as the race heats up.
Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson
Not only has Trevor Lawrence lit up defenses the entire year, he has somehow maintained the best hair in the entire nation!
All jokes aside, Lawrence has statistically put up some of the best performances from a quarterback while leading this Tigers team to a spotless record so far, with a dominant win over the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes in their last game.
Lawrence looked the projected top-ten pick the NFL is waiting for by completing 70 percent of his passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns with just one sack.
With Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields still out until the Big Ten kicks off, this year’s Heisman is Lawrence’s to lose.
Najae Harris, Running Back, Alabama
Nick Saban has somehow created another three-headed monster on offense with the trio of quarterback Mac Jones, Harris, and wideout Jaylen Waddle. While Jones and Waddle have been spectacular this season, Saban tested positive for COVID-19 this week, which leaves head coaching duties to offensive coordinator Steve Sarkasian.
With Sarkasian taking over the play calling, he will likely install a simple game plan featuring Harris in a run-oriented offense to keep Stetson Bennett and the Georgia offense on the sidelines.
Harris has already established himself as the cream of the crop at the halfback position in this upcoming draft class and if he puts up the same video-game numbers against an elite defense in Georgia, he may challenge Lawrence for the top pick in the upcoming draft.
Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU
Although BYU isn’t the most successful program, Wilson has established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation, propelling BYU into the top 20.
On the year, Wilson is in the top ten in passing yards and has thrown eight touchdowns to just a single interception.
If there was a dark horse candidate to surprise people down the stretch, Wilson’s the guy. If Wilson keeps up this pace, he will force his way into the Heisman conversation.
Chuba Hubbard, Running Back, Oklahoma State
In the past two years, Hubbard has been the only bright about the Cowboys’ offense. But this year, Hubbard finally has a capable quarterback in Shane Illingworth that can throw the ball when needed.
Despite Hubbard’s slow start to the season, he exploded against the Kansas Jayhawks for 145 yards on 20 carries and got into the end zone twice.
Although their upcoming game against Baylor was postponed due to outbreaks of COVID-19, Hubbard is looking like the next great Oklahoma State running back following the legend Barry Sanders. If Hubbard can keep repeating this past week’s performance, he will become the ninth player from Oklahoma State to take home college football’s most prestigious award.
Matthew McLaughlin is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mem6936@psu.edu.
