Heisman Watch: Week 2
The 2021 College Football season is officially in full swing, and there were plenty of players across the country who staked their claim as a Heisman hopeful in Week 1. Let’s take a look at which ones stood out.
Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama
As the quarterback for the far and away best team in the country, Bryce Young certainly did everything he needed to do in Week 1 to land atop the Week 2 Heisman watch. Young posted 344 yards passing and four touchdowns in the Crimson Tide’s 44-13 victory over No. 14 Miami, and he appeared to not even break a sweat while doing so. Young will have a very favorable opportunity this weekend to post some more gaudy numbers as No. 1 Alabama will welcome Mercer to Tuscaloosa.
Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss
SEC quarterbacks putting up ridiculous stat lines in Week 1? Matt Corral would like to have a word. The Rebels’ signal caller put up 436 total yards and two total touchdowns in his season opener against Louisville. Corral did this without his head coach and seemingly best friend, Lane Kiffin, who was quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. Ole Miss will host Austin Peay on Saturday night.
Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, Oklahoma
Spencer Rattler started off his Heisman campaign in bumpy fashion against Tulane throwing an interception on the second snap of the season. He bounced back, though, leading three straight touchdown drives immediately following the opening drive. The Sooners got out to a comfortable 37-14 lead, but nearly blew it as the Green Wave came storming back and recovered an onside kick giving them the ball trailing 40-35 with 2:18 remaining. Oklahoma was able to get the stop and the win, keeping Rattler’s Heisman hopes alive. Rattler finished with 311 total yards and two total touchdowns.
C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State
Ohio State did Ohio State things in its Thursday night matchup with Minnesota. The Buckeyes got down early in the first half, and then battled their way back to rip the hearts out of their opponent. Stroud was shaky early, only completing 13 of his 22 attempts. But with his insanely talented receiver room around him, he was able to produce some explosive plays. He finished with 294 yards passing and four touchdowns. Stroud will have a huge test this week as the Buckeyes take on No. 12 Oregon.
Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas
Bijan Robinson is a bit of a sleeper for the Heisman this season. Arguably the best running back in the country, he got off to an outstanding start in the Longhorns’ Week 1 victory over No. 23 Louisiana. The sophomore ran for 103 yards and a touchdown, while also tacking on 73 yards and a touchdown through the air. If Texas is competing for a Big 12 Championship at the end of the season, and Robinson continues to put up numbers like this, do not be surprised to see him take home the hardware in December.
Trevor Grady is a fourth-year majoring in supply chain management. To contact him, email tmg5685@psu.edu.
