6 weeks into college football and games are spicing up. Vandy beat Bama, Texas and Oklahoma play soon along with Oregon and Ohio State, but the thing only many people’s mind is who will win the Heisman Trophy. Here are my Top 3 Candidates going into Week 7
Image via CNN
3. Cam Ward (QB Miami)
Image via ESPN
Cam Ward has proved to be the top quarterback in the nation this season with an undefeated record with a couple of notable wins. He currently leads the nation in passing yards per game (369.8), total passing yards (2219) and passing touchdowns (20) while also adding 26.8 rushing yards per game and 3 total rushing touchdowns. He does benefit from a good offense line that is only allowing Ward to get sacked 1.3 times per game (77th in the country) giving him enough time to read the defense helping him have a passing average of 10.4yds. He’s completion percentage is nothing special ranking 113th in the country at 69.2%. Miami did struggle this past week at Cal and Ward has been turnover heavy against Power 5 schools throwing 4 interceptions in those 3 games against Florida, Cal, and Virginia Tech. Ward is a good player who will help this Miami team through a weak ACC and hopefully get them to the playoffs. While the Heisman has recently been a QB award, I don’t see how the committee can overlook the other two candidates.
2. Travis Hunter (WR/CB Colorado)
Image via Sports Illustrated
Hunter has been a unicorn this season revitalizing the CB/WR hybrid role similar to his coach Deion Sanders. As a wide receiver he currently has the 3rd most receptions (46), 5th in yards (561), and 3rd in touchdowns (6). These stats only for a wide receiver would be impressive, but what separates Hunter is his role as a defensive back as well. He has 16 tackles, leading all Power 4 cornerbacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and a game winning forced fumble. What is even more impressive than all of those stats is Hunter’s stamina. He has played a total of 89% of the offense snaps and 92% of defensive snaps or a total of 91.5% of the game (excluding special teams) for a total of 620 snaps in 5 games. He is averaging 12.2 yards per catch as well. Hunter is special and will be drafted highly as he has value on both sides of the ball and with his elusiveness has value on special teams too. Hunter was a 5 star recruit and the number 1 player in his class for a reason. Hunter will continue to ball out but falls short of my Heisman favorite.
1. Ashton Jeanty (RB Boise State)
Image via Newsweek
Jeanty absolute deserves the Heisman, no doubt about it. His stats are undeniably impressive as he leads the nation in rushing yards (1031), total yards (1050), touchdowns (16), and rushing yards per game (210). He also has a staggering 10.9 rushing yards per attempt. What’s impressive about these league leading stats is that it is only through 16 quarters (or 4 games) despite being active for 5 games. If we were to average his rushing yards for only 4 games he would have an even higher average at 257.75 rushing yards per game, almost 48 yards higher than his current average. He also is way higher, stat wise, than the past 3 previous running back Heisman winners. Derrick Henry was the most recent with 570 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns on 93 carries through 5 games. In 2009, Mark Ingram won the Heisman with 487 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 83 carries through 5 games. And by far one of the most beloved Heisman winners was running back Reggie Bush who through 5 games had 601 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 71 carries. Jeanty’s stats wipe the floor compared to these former winners with 1031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 95 carries through 5 games. Not only does Jeanty have more touchdowns and yards, his average per carry shows how efficient he is. Many people point to the lack of competition Jeanty has faced, but I’d beg to differ. He only played one half against Portland St and Utah St showing that he did not stat pad against weaker teams. He also played at Georgia St (while yes a weaker team away games are still difficult, see Bama at Vanderbilt), against an undefeated Washington, and at top four Oregon. His schedule has been just as difficult as any of the other Heisman favorites. His only true comparison is that of Barry Sanders. Through Barry’s first 5 games of his Heisman season he had 1002 yards or 200 yards per game. While Jeanty leads Barry in yards, Barry had him beat on touchdowns with 19 through the first 5 games. However it is hard to say that Jeanty would not have gotten another touchdown or two in each of the games in which he sat the second half out. Regardless, Jeanty is putting up historical numbers and is on pace to have the greatest running back season in college football.
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