The 2019 college football season is heading down the final stretch, so let’s look at our contenders for the Heisman Trophy. From now, until the trophy is presented in New York City in early December, we’re officially on Heisman watch.
The Game Haus offers its weekly rankings of the top five candidates for college football’s most prestigious award. Here’s a look at this week’s version of the Heisman watch with the current contenders as we see it.
Last week’s ranking in parenthesis. All times eastern.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, No. 1 LSU (1)
This week: at No. 2 Alabama, 3:30 p.m., Saturday
The Breakdown: Burrow still leads the Heisman watch, and is smack dab in the middle of the spotlight while facing Alabama this weekend. In last season’s loss to the Crimson Tide, Burrow was 18 of 35 for 184 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. He was also sacked five times. Let’s just say he hopes for a better day this year.
2. Jalen Hurts, QB, No. 9 Oklahoma (2)
This week: vs. Iowa State, 8 p.m., Saturday
The Breakdown: Hurts and the Sooners return to action for the first time since losing to Kansas State on Oct. 26. For the first time this season, Hurts ailed throw for multiple touchdowns in a game. He did rush for three scores against the Wildcats, and we think he and Oklahoma get back on track here.
3. Justin Fields, QB, No. 3 Ohio State (3)
This week: vs. Maryland, Noon, Saturday
The Breakdown: It’s still pretty impressive that Fields had thrown just one interception all season. His 185.2 passer rating ranks only behind the three other quarterbacks on the Heisman watch. Of course, there’s a good chance it goes up against a suspect Maryland defense.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, No. 2 Alabama (4)
This week: vs. No. 1 LSU, 3:30 p.m., Saturday
The Breakdown: Tagovailoa seems slated to play this weekend against LSU, but we all know he is not 100 percent. So, can a non-fully fit Tua still beat the Tigers? Don’t forget, the Crimson Tide have plenty of special athletes, so the answer is yes. However, all eyes will be on Tagovailoa on Saturday.
5. Chase Young, DE, No. 3 Ohio State (5)
This week: vs. Maryland, Noon, Saturday
The Breakdown: The big news of the week is that Young won’t face the Terps this weekend because of an alleged NCAA eligibility issue reportedly stemming from a loan he received. We’ll keep Young on the Heisman watch this week, but if this situation lingers and he continues to miss time, we may re-think the matter.
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