2017 Heisman Watch (Week 12)

1. Saquon Barkley | Penn State RB | Junior | Last week: 1

Saquon Barkley still has another year of eligibility, but if Saturday was his last game in Beaver Stadium it was a great way to go out. Barkley totaled over 200 yards and three touchdowns, and he did nothing to dissuade the Heisman voters while leading a top-ten team in the country.

 

Season stats:

183 ATT | 1,057 YDS | 5.8 AVG | 14 TD

46 REC | 590 YDS | 12.8 AVG | 3 TD

14 RET | 423 YDS | 30.2 AVG | 2 TD

100% | 16 YDS | 1 PASS TD

 

2. Baker Mayfield | Oklahoma QB | Senior | Last week: 2

The Heisman stock of Oklahoma’s leader might’ve taken a hit in Saturday’s win over Kansas, as his inappropriate actions on the sideline have led to him being benched to start this weekend’s West Virginia game. Mayfield could come in an light it up, but every snaps could matter in a tight Heisman race like this.

 

Season stats:

70.8% | 3,816 YDS | 34 TD | 5 INT

77 ATT | 240 YDS | 3.1 AVG | 5 TD

 

3. Lamar Jackson | Louisville QB | Junior | Last week: 3

The disrespect the reigning Heisman Trophy winner gets right now is unbelievable. Khalil Tate is having an outstanding season for Arizona and nothing should be taken away from him, but I saw ESPN had on their “Bottom Line” that Tate was ahead of Jackson in the Heisman race. Keep in mind, their teams have the same record. But Jackson has been more spectacular and he has better numbers.

 

Season stats:

59.8% | 3,273 YDS | 23 TD | 6 INT

190 ATT | 1,287 YDS | 6.8 AVG | 17 TD

 

4. Bryce Love | Stanford RB | Junior | Last week: 4

Bryce Love’s Heisman chances might skyrocket this Saturday when Stanford takes on Notre Dame in a primetime matchup. If he puts up a huge performance near 300 yards, he’d go over 2,000 yards for the season with all the voters (hopefully if they’re doing their jobs) watching—it’d be quite the statement against the Fighting Irish.

 

Season stats:

195 ATT | 1,723 YDS | 8.8 AVG | 16 TD

6 REC | 33 YDS | 5.5 AVG

 

5. Kerryon Johnson | Auburn RB | Junior | Last week: 5

Auburn played Louisiana Monroe, but Kerryon Johnson still put up another big performance in the blowout victory. With a huge matchup in the Iron Bowl with a trip to the SEC Championship Game on the line, Johnson has the opportunity to make a big-time declaration in an exceedingly close Heisman race.

 

Season stats:

220 ATT | 1,172 YDS | 5.3 AVG | 16 TD

18 REC | 166 YDS | 9.2 AVG | 2 TD