Week Nine: Heisman Watch
Stephen’s Pick – J.T. Barrett
The Ohio State junior quarterback’s Heisman hopes took a major hit when the Buckeye’s fell in a 24-21 thriller at Beaver Stadium. In the primetime matchup, Barrett had only one touchdown, completing 28 of 43 passes for 243 yards, and was unable to escape Penn State’s pressure.
The major defeat to an unranked foe is a blemish on Barrett’s Heisman resume, but he still remains one of the best players in the nation. He has 23 total touchdowns and only four interceptions.
Ohio State needs to win out on a schedule that includes undefeated Nebraska and Michigan, and earn a berth in the Big Ten title game for Barrett to have a chance in December.
Stephen’s Pick - Donnel Pumphrey
The senior standout tailback from San Diego State has been on a record-setting pace, and makes his first appearance on the Watch following a 135-yard, two touchdown performance against San Jose State on Saturday.
With 1246 rushing yards through seven games, Pumphrey is leading the 6-1 Aztecs into relevancy and is approaching a career NCAA rushing record with 5,518 currently (Ron Dayne holds record at (6,397).
A Mountain West title game could boost Pumphrey’s stats, and give him an edge in the contest.
George’s Pick – Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year. The Louisville quarterback has thrown for over 2,100 yards with 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Even more impressive has been his dual-threat ability. The sophomore leads all of college football with 16 rushing touchdowns, three more than the top running back. When all's said and done with the season, Jackson could be looking at 3,000 passing yards, 1,200 rushing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 20 rushing touchdowns. Those projected numbers surpass what Tim Tebow did at Florida during his Heisman season. Barring an epic collapse or injury to the likes of Leonard Fournette, Jackson will hoist the Heisman.
George’s Pick – Jabrill Peppers
A defensive player has not won the Heisman since Charles Woodson in 1997, but Jabrill Peppers could change that. Peppers is the most versatile player in college football; playing safety, linebacker, running back, and return-specialist this season for Michigan. Peppers won’t have the stats to win, but his on-field production outweighs numbers. Because he has played as a hybrid linebacker-safety, Peppers has less of a chance to record an interception or make a tackle depending on where he plays. He is an athletic freak and will be a very high draft pick should he head towards the NFL.
Joe’s Pick – Deshaun Watson
Through seven games, the Clemson Tigers are ranked third in the nation and are one of nine teams in the country to have an undefeated record. Junior quarterback Deshaun Watson has not produced like he did last year, but he has been successful in guiding the Tiger offense.
Currently, Watson has thrown for 1,950 yards and 20 touchdowns, including a season-high 378 yards in the overtime victory against the NC State Wolfpack. He has not been as big of a threat on the ground as he was last year, but look for that to change against Florida State this Saturday.
Joe’s Pick – Jake Browning
The University of Washington sophomore quarterback Jake Browning has led his Huskies to the number four spot in the AP poll with his precision through the air. Through seven games, Browning has thrown for 26 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions.
Browning has also completed close to 70% of his passes on the season and has consistently given receivers John Ross and Dante Pettis opportunities to make plays in the open field. The road showdown against Utah seems daunting, but a solid performance from the Washington quarterback could give him an edge over Heisman favorite Lamar Jackson.
Stephen Clouse is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism at Penn State. To contact him, email stephengclouse@gmail.com.
George Stockburger is a senior majoring in journalism with a focus in broadcasting. He can be reached at gos5187@psu.edu.
Joseph Esquivel-Murphy is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism and Spanish. To contact him, email jje5139@psu.edu.
