Heisman Watch: Week 15

Story posted December 5, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Charlie Knezevic

As the regular season comes to an end, one of the craziest Heisman races in recent history winds down as well. There were many ups and downs, with injuries, suspensions and everything in between. Let’s take a look at how we can expect the Heisman race to finish:

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

It’s hard to imagine any scenario where the LSU senior doesn’t win the trophy. Burrow has led the undefeated tigers with 4,366 passing yards and 44 touchdowns, which each rank second in the country. Burrow will continue to be tested, as he meets the No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC championship this weekend and then expects to be competing in the College Football Playoffs a couple of weeks after.

The Heisman will be given out before the playoffs, so those games won’t affect his Heisman status. However, no matter what happens this week, expect Burrow to be the 2019 Heisman trophy recipient.

Justin Fields, QB, OSU

Fields continues to dominate as the Buckeyes hold the No. 1 ranking and an undefeated record. The dual-threat transfer is third in the nation in passing touchdowns with 37, and also adds 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Fields suffered a scary knee injury this past weekend that many believed would end his season, but Fields miraculously re-entered the game and plans to play this weekend. Fields has shot his way up the Heisman rankings this year and can be proud of his accomplishments, but will still fall a little short of the prestigious honor.

Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

Hurts has been all that Lincoln Riley could’ve asked for. The Alabama transfer has been a part of 50 total touchdowns and has led the Sooners to the Big 12 Championship game this weekend. Hurts has added over 1,200 yards rushing on the season and also has thrown for 3,347 yards through the air.

The only thing keeping Hurts from being the third Sooner in a row to win the Heisman is his plethora of giveaways. The senior has six interceptions and five fumbles lost which has cost Oklahoma in big games. Oklahoma will look to make a push for the final playoff spot this weekend against Baylor in the Big 12 Championship, as that may be the only trophy Hurts can hold this year.

Chase Young, DE, OSU

Young has been the most dominant defensive player in recent college football history. The junior leads the country in sacks, forced fumbles, and tackles for a loss. Young has recorded all of these stats even though he was suspended for two games.

There is no telling whether or not the pass rusher would’ve caught Burrow for the trophy, but it could’ve been close. Due to those missed games, Young doesn’t have a true shot to win the Heisman. However, Young will still be remembered as one of the most dominant players in college football history and will surely have his name called early next April in the NFL Draft.

 


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