2. QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State
The numbers are incredible. He missed a game, and he still threw for over 3,800 yards with 38 touchdowns with five picks. Over the last five games he threw for over 300 yards in each.
He wasn’t bad in the two losses, throwing for close to 400 yards against Michigan with two touchdowns and no picks, and he threw for 484 yards and three scores in the loss to Oregon.
Why CJ Stroud Will Win the Heisman: When the team needed him down the stretch, he was there.
He hit Michigan State for a 32-of-35 day for 432 yards and six touchdowns, and that came after connecting on 82% of his throws for 361 yards and five touchdowns against Purdue. He threw two picks against Penn State, and that was it for the interceptions since giving one away against Tulsa on September 18th.
No, he’s not playing this weekend, but if no one else stands out, Stroud will likely be second on most ballots. Assuming the No. 1 spot is split up among several options, he might just slide on into the trophy.
Why CJ Stroud Won’t Win the Heisman: You’re not crazy to suggest that he’s not even the best offensive player on his own team, much less the nation.
You’re not crazy to suggest that he’s pushing it to even get into the top five of players on his own team.
Yes, he was amazing, and yes, he’s a special player. Ohio State had to win two games – Oregon, and Michigan. It wasn’t his fault in any way in either loss, but they were losses.
1. QB Bryce Young, Alabama
The combination of big plays and stats are there. He has thrown for close to 4,000 yards with 40 touchdowns and just four picks. He’s been able to bomb away, lead the way when the team has been struggling, and he has grown into the gig.
Even when there’s a big problem and he’s having a bad day – like last week when he completed fewer than half of his passes …
Why Bryce Young Will Win the Heisman: NOTHING was working.
Alabama was down 10-3 and on its 3-yard line with 1:32 to play against an Auburn defense that stuffed everything all day long. It was a struggle, but Young moved the sticks, hit a 4th-and-7 to keep the season alive, and with 24 seconds to play, he connected with Ja’Corey Brooks to help send the game into overtime.
You want your Heisman moment – the one big MVP thing that everyone saw? That was it. In the College Football Playoff chase, no one has done anything bigger than that.
In the 4th OT, one throw to John Metchie on as calm a play possible, and Alabama got out 22-20.
Now, if he has a good day against Georgia in a win, it’s over. If he has a great day in a loss, he’ll be very, very close.
Why Bryce Young Won’t Win the Heisman: Georgia apparently can play D.
The Bulldogs have allowed five touchdown passes on the year – two to Kentucky, two to Tennessee, one to South Carolina. That’s it. Tennessee is the only team too throw for 300 yards on this defense that’s been a brick wall all season long.
Young has to be amazing to pull off the Heisman. He’s No. 1 on this list because he’ll get the chance to take the trophy with one big day.
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Week 13 Roundup
Rankings CFN 1-130 Rankings | AP | Coaches
Bowl Eligible Teams | Week 13 Scoreboard
Week 14 opening lines | CFP Top 25 Prediction
Bowl Projections, CFP Predictions
Riley to USC, Napier to Florida: GAME ON
College Football Playoff Chase: 6 Teams Alive