Lamar Jackson. Kyler Murray. Joe Burrow. These elite players stood at the top of College Football and all took home the most prestigious award in College Football: the Heisman. Star players such as Trevor Lawrence, Sam Ehlinger and Travis Etienne will all be in the running for the coveted award. After two weeks of play, here’s where the top players stand in placement for the Heisman award:
1. QB Trevor Lawrence – Clemson
Trevor Lawrence, the projected number one overall pick in the 2021 draft and favorite to win the Heisman, started his season off strong with a 37-13 statement win against Wake Forest. Completing over 75% of his passes, the mobile and crafty Lawrence tossed 351 yards and one touchdown. This wasn’t his best outing on the gridiron, as he is able to throw over for 400 yards and able to reach a mere five touchdowns. Expect the Heisman favorite to improve each and every game as the season progresses.
2. QB Sam Ehlinger – Texas
Besides Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Sam Ehligher may be the best QB in the country. Beginning his senior campaign, Ehlinger and Texas took down UTEP, 59-3 . Posterizing the unmatched defense, Ehlinger went on to throw 5 TD in his season debut. The captain of the Longhorns was cool, calm and collected all game as he shredded the defense for 426 passing yards. EHlinger and Texas travel to Texas Tech next week. Expect Ehligher to cool down with a stronger Texas Tech defense.
3. RB Travis Etienne – Clemson
Paired with Heisman favorite Trevor Lawrence, Clemson could very well have the two best offensive players in the country along with Running Back Travis Etienne. The projected 2021 first-round pick adds another valuable weapon to Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s repertoire this season. Rushing on 17 carries for 102 yards, Etienne is no stranger to these strong statistics. The athletic and quick running back also scored a touchdown to seal a 37-13 win against Wake Forest this week. Don’t be surprised if Etienne surpasses these numbers next week home versus The Citadel.
4. QB Spencer Rattler – Oklahoma
Sophomore Quarterback Spencer Rattler has been deemed a “once-in-a-generation talent” from Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Rattler took the field against Missouri State and impressed in his first collegiate start. Completing 14-of-17 on his passes and throwing for 290 yards, the Spencer Rattler era has begun. Though only playing in one half, the highly-anticipated Oklahoma QB tossed four touchdowns en route to a 48-0 shutout. The skillful playmaker finished the game with a mere perfect 97.7 QBR. Don’t miss Spencer Rattler as Oklahoma takes on Kansas State next weekend.
4. QB Ian Book – Notre Dame
Heading into the 2020 College Football season, many counted Ian Book out as a Heisman contender. In his Week 2 performance against Duke, the right-handed throwing QB dazzled the empty crowd with 263 passing yards and a touchdown. Book and the Number 10 ranked Fighting Irish took control of the game in the second half to defeat Duke, 27-13. A strong outing from Ian Book places him as a top-5 Heisman candidate after Week 2. Book could easily replicate — or even improve his stat line next week against USF.
5. QB D’Eriq King – Miami
Transfer D’Eriq King showed the nation what he can really do in his Miami debut. King, not only known for his passing but also his running, finished with 83 yards on the ground along with a rushing touchdown. In a 31-14 win against UAB, King made his impact to the score as he added another touchdown in the air along with 144 passing yards. If King is able to keep up his solid production at Miami, he’ll certainly be the main talk in the Heisman conversations.
Honorable Mentions:
RB Sandon McCoy – Army
When talking about the Heisman award, running backs are often looked past. It’s very unlikely, but Army RB Sandon McCoy could very well sneak his way into the conversation. In a 37-7 win against UL-Monroe, McCoy rushed for 47 yards along with a touchdown. In two games, against ULM and Middle Tennessee, McCoy has 97 yards along with 4 touchdowns. In those games, Army’s heavy run-driven offense has outscored teams 79-7. Expect McCoy to have another solid game next week against 21-ranked BYU.
QB Jarrett Doege – West Virginia
West Virginia Quarterback Jarrett Doege falls under the radar as a strong Heisman candidate and is often looked past when discussing Heisman candidates. In an impressive 56-10 win against EKU, Doege completed 19 of his 25 passes. Doege also tossed 228 passing yards on three pivotal touchdowns. Though this is only the second week of the season, fans should not count out the presence of Jarrett Doege. Next week, the Mountaineers travel and take on 11-ranked Oklahoma State in what should be a tough test for Doege.
Photo: ABC Colombia / Mike Gillespie
