Heisman Watch: Week 11
Each year the Heisman Trophy is given to the player who has had the best all-around season and been the biggest catalyst for their respective team’s success.
As we get into the dog days of the college football regular season, a few players have broken away as favorites for the most prestigious award in college football.
Kenneth Walker III, RB Michigan State
The case has been made that Walker is the best running back in college football. Now, the debate is whether Walker is the Heisman front-runner.
This past Saturday, No. 7 Michigan State got upset by No. 19 Purdue. Despite the loss, Walker continued his dominant performance with 23 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown.
It’s the second week in a row that Walker has rushed for over 140 yards and had a touchdown. Walker has not just been good, he’s been dominant, averaging 6.8 yards per carry all season and having only three games with less than 125 yards.
Walker is the driving force behind the Spartan’s offensive success and his dominance has vaulted him to the front of the Heisman rankings.
Bryce Young, QB Alabama
Although Walker is the best running back right now, Young is the best quarterback.
Each week he continues to put the No. 2 Crimson Tide in the best position to win. With a 68.5 completion percentage this season, and a TD to INT ratio of 28 to three, Young has been consistent each week.
This past week was no different despite Alabama narrowly avoiding an upset. Young went 24 for 37 for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
Even in the lone loss Alabama suffered this season against Texas A&M, Young was still solid going 28 for 48 for 369 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Young has made a strong case as the most consistent producer in college football, on a team that has been one of the best.
It’s close between Walker and Young right now, but the latter may have the edge.
CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State
Despite beginning the season with shoulder issues, Stroud has quietly put together a great year for the No. 4 Buckeyes.
He’s thrown fewer touchdowns and more interceptions than Young but still been very good with a TD to INT ratio of 25 to five.
Stroud had his best game against Maryland a month ago when he went 24 for 33 for 406 yards and five touchdowns.
Moving forward Stroud will need to cover ground in the Heisman race, but a strong close to the season and a Big Ten title could certainly help his case.
Dylan Price is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email dvp5625@psu.edu.
