Heisman Watch: Week 7
We are past the halfway point of the college football season, and the contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pretenders. Week seven is shaping up to be the biggest week yet, and a perfect opportunity for the biggest players in the country to make a statement.
Last week, Quinn Ewers, the former top quarterback recruit, inserted himself into the Heisman conversation after an impressive performance against his arch rival-Oklahahoma. The Red River Showdown was last week’ biggest game, and Ewers put on a show.
The Texas native threw for four touchdowns and had 289 yards against the Sooners. Ewers might be leading the Heisman conversation if it wasn’t for his injury earlier this year.
On the other hand, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is having his chance of repeating diminish by the week. Young was a no go against Texas A&M after hurting himself the week before against Arkansas.
As conference play heats up, there finally seems to be three clear favorites. Ohio State’ CJ Stroud, Tennessee's Hendon Hooker, and Michigan’s Blake Corum.
CJ Stroud
With Georgia almost faltering to Missouri, and Alabama nealy losing to Texas A&M, there is a new top dog in the clubhouse. Ohio State seems like the favorites to win the National Championship at the end of the year.
It only makes sense, the Buckeyes’ best player would be leading the Heisman race. Stroud has been able to put up some monster numbers against weaker competition.
The California native just had his best week of the season against Michigan State. Stroud tossed for six touchdowns along with 361 yards against the Spartans.
Ohio State hasn’t been really tested, but once the Buckeyes get to the heart of their schedule, Stroud will have a chance to make a statement on the national stage.
In Ohio State’s biggest test of the season so far, Stroud wasn’t that impressive against Notre Dame. However, with Penn State and Michigan coming up, Stroud will have his chance to make his signature Heisman moment.
Hendon Hooker
This year it has been all about the Tennessee resurgence. The Volunteers have thrusted themselves back onto the national stage, and Hooker is a big reason why.
Hooker has been able to toss for 1,432 pass yards and ten touchdowns while throwing zero interceptions. Hooker has been terrific for the Volunteers in big games too.
Hooker, through six games, has been able to take down Florida and LSU. Two marquee wins that have been excluding Tennessee in the past.
However, Alabama travels to Knoxville this week for the biggest game of the college football season so far. If Tennessee is really back they need to be able to knock off the Tide.
Blake Corum
The quarterbacks usually get all the recognition with this award, but Corum deserves some attention.
Corum has rushed for 725 yards with 11 touchdowns. He has been the heartbeat for this Michigan offense.
Similar to Ohio State, the Wolverines haven't really been tested this year. That will change this weekend as Penn State comes to town for the Maize Out.
This weekend will be a good indicator to show whether or not Corum can continue this great pace against better defenses.
Aidan Torok is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email ajt6051@psu.edu.
