Heisman Watch: Week 12

Story posted November 14, 2019 in

An exciting week of action sets up a heated race for the Heisman Trophy as the end of the college football season draws near. Week 11 featured controversy, close finishes, and a heated rivalry that might have sealed the trophy’s winner. Let’s take a look at the Heisman rankings heading into Week 12:

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Joe Burrow is the clear Heisman favorite at this point after leading the now-ranked-No. 1 LSU Tigers over Alabama 46-41. Burrow threw for 393 yards and three touchdowns in a game where he completed 79.5% of his throws. The senior also gashed the Crimson Tide run defense for another 64 yards on the ground. At this point, the Heisman is Burrow’s to lose after he solidified his résumé with a big win over one of the most highly touted defenses in America. Look for Burrow to finish the year off strong to ensure that the Heisman is his, as LSU travels to play Ole Miss this weekend.

2. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Despite the loss, Tagovailoa did all he could to keep his team in the game. In his first game back from a knee injury, the junior threw for 418 yards and four touchdowns. However, Tagovailoa also had two crucial turnovers, a fumble in the red zone and an interception right before halftime. Although Tagovailoa looked dominant, the Heisman voters will give the edge to Burrow the rest of the way, as his team came out victorious in the offensive battle between LSU and Alabama. This week, the Crimson Tide travel to Starkville to taken on Mississippi State.

3. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
The Sooners may have eliminated themselves from playoff contention, as they almost lost a close game to Iowa State, but Hurts is not at fault. The transfer still leads the country in total touchdowns, as he found the end zone five times in the 42-41 victory. Hurts also added 273 yards in the air and 68 yards on the ground. Hurts will continue to do all that he can to make up for the Sooners’ struggling defense. Oklahoma takes on an undefeated Baylor team this weekend.

4. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
The sophomore pass rusher was kept off the field against Maryland this past weekend, as the NCAA continues to look into Young’s suspension for accepting an unapproved loan. The suspension certainly hurts Young’s case for the Heisman, as he has a chance to become the first defensive player to win the award since Charles Woodson in 1997. The edge rusher is expected to miss one more game but return to action on Nov. 23 when the Buckeyes face off against Penn State. Young can only watch this week as his teammates take on Rutgers.

Outside looking in:

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

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State: 1,859 passing yards, 37 total touchdowns

 

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