Week Ten: Heisman Watch
Stephen’s Pick - Saquon Barkley
Penn State’s sensational sophomore tailback makes his first appearance on the Heisman Watch following two consecutive strong performances.
Barkley averaged 11.5 yards per rush against Purdue in a productive 277 all-purpose yard performance, which was a major component in Penn State’s 62-24 triumph over the Boilermakers.
With 888 rushing yards and eleven total touchdowns, Barkley is now the go-to guy on the No. 12 Nittany Lions. Barkley’s Heisman chances could get a boost if his team continues to win and rise in polls.
Stephen’s Pick - Donnel Pumphrey
Donnel Pumphrey continues to carry the workload for the San Diego State Aztecs, amidst a historic personal and team season.
Pumphrey leads the nation in rushing yards (1,469), with the nearest competitor trailing him by 313 yards. The senior can potentially eclipse the all-time rushing record by continuing with performances similar to his 34 carry, 223-yard output against Utah State last Friday.
As a player in a non-major conference side, Pumphrey will need to produce statistics that could sway voters not familiar with his team. Passing Ron Dayne’s 6,309 mark is feasible if Pumphrey can feature in a conference championship game.
Joe’s Pick - Deshaun Watson
The pressure of replicating an undefeated regular season has gotten to Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, but he seems to be responding to the pressure.
His performance against Florida State was not his best performance, but he got the job done. His 430 yards of total offense carried the Tigers in a close conference battle against the Seminoles.
Watson did have a pair of interceptions in the game, but his poise down the stretch is what won the game for Clemson. The Tigers do not have a challenging game against Syracuse, so look for Watson to post big numbers this week.
Joe’s Pick - Jake Browning
Washington quarterback Jake Browning is not the most mobile quarterback in the country, but his ability to pick apart defenses with his arm is uncanny. Through eight games this season, the sophomore quarterback has tossed 28 touchdown passes, which is tied for third in the nation.
His performance against Utah was not his best outing as he failed to hit 200 yards passing and threw an interception, but that was only his third pick of the season and his team won the game. Washington’s next opponent is Cal, meaning Browning will have plenty of opportunities to throw more touchdown passes.
George’s Pick - Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson was at it again last week, throwing four touchdowns against Virginia in a 32-35 Cardinals win.
With 22 passing touchdowns, Jackson is eighth among all FBS quarterbacks and 11th in passing yards with 2,522.
Next week he faces a Boston College team that has lost two of its last three games. There should be plenty of opportunities for Jackson to extend plays with his legs against a BC defense that allowed 338 yards of offense to NC State last week.
Jackson remains the clear favorite to walk away with the Heisman.
George’s Pick - Jabrill Peppers
Michigan’s 60-minute man Jabrill Peppers deserves to be in New York for the Heisman ceremony.
Peppers did a little bit of everything last week in the win against rival Michigan State. He scored a rushing touchdown, recorded a sack on defense, made multiple big-time tackles, returned both a punt and kickoff, and even had a reception.
There is not much he can not do, making him one of the most versatile players we’ve ever seen in college football.
Stephen Clouse is a Freshman majoring in broadcast journalism at Penn State. To contact him, email stephengclouse@gmail.com.
Joseph Esquivel-Murphy is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism and Spanish. To contact him, email jje5139@psu.edu.
George Stockburger is a senior majoring in journalism with a focus in broadcasting. He can be reached at gos5187@psu.edu.
