2017 Heisman Watch (Week 9)

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

Saquon Barkley again amazed everyone, as he took the opening kickoff against Ohio State for a touchdown, starting things off with a bang for his team in their huge Saturday matchup. The Buckeyes limited Barkley on the ground for much of the game, but he was able to add another touchdown in the crushing one-point loss. He’s still the clear Heisman favorite despite no longer leading an undefeated team.

 

Season stats:

138 ATT | 801 YDS | 5.8 AVG | 9 TD

36 REC | 471 YDS | 13.1 AVG | 3 TD

11 RET | 378 YDS | 34.4 AVG | 2 TD

100% | 16 YDS | 1 PASS TD

 

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

After another monster primetime performance in which he scored five touchdowns, Mayfield remains among the Heisman favorites. Oklahoma’s win over Ohio State in Columbus early in the year could loom large with the voters—as it should.

 

Season stats:

72.5% | 2,628 YDS | 23 TD | 3 INT

54 ATT | 190 YDS | 3.5 AVG | 4 TD

 

3. J.T. Barrett | Ohio State QB | Senior | Last week: 3

If not for Ohio State’s loss to Mayfield and the Sooners, which included a no-touchdown, one-interception game from J.T. Barrett, the Buckeye’s leader would have an undeniable argument for the top spot in the Heisman race. He played an unbelievable game against Penn State, and it might’ve been the best of his great college career. If he keeps it up, Barrett might hold up the Heisman Trophy in New York.

 

Season stats:

69.5% | 2,166 YDS | 25 TD | 1 INT

87 ATT | 454 YDS | 5.2 AVG | 5 TD

 

4. Lamar Jackson | Louisville QB | Junior | Last week: 4

His team has lost three of their last four, and this is where it’s tough to draw the line on Heisman candidates. On the field and on paper with his numbers, Jackson is simply insane. But his team’s lack of big-time success is what’s keeping him out from among the top three right now. Jackson’s play is just so good that he belongs in the top five, though.

 

Season stats:

60.4% | 2,808 YDS | 18 TD | 6 INT

163 ATT | 1,029 YDS | 6.3 AVG | 14 TD

 

5. Bryce Love | Stanford RB | Junior | Last week: 5

Bryce Love didn’t play against Oregon State last week because of an ankle injury, but he still remains the number one rusher in the nation. Hopefully he’s feeling better for this Saturday against Washington State.

 

Season stats:

135 ATT | 1,387 YDS | 10.3 AVG | 11 TD

4 REC | 19 YDS | 4.8 AVG